Commentary on this and that found here and there on the Internet since 2001
Friday, November 15, 2019
DUMBING IT UP
It does not speak at all well about the American educational system when former CBS correspondent Sharyl Attkisson has to explain the United States Constitution to liberals AND CONSERVATIVES who, one would think, should have read it a long time ago.
Chris, this doesn't surprise me at all. I taught in pubic schools for 20 years and very few of my students were interested enough in the Constitution to even know the Four Freedoms. The US Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights sets the tone for all of our laws and they should all be measured against it. Far too many people today think that "I Got My Rights" is all they have to know. But what are those Rights? I had this discussion many times while teaching. You do NOT have the right to a cell phone. You do NOT have the right not to be insulted, or made uncomfortable by thoughts or words. The Declaration of Independence speaks of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. That's it. The Constitution speaks of "rights" that are really privileges. You may only exercise your "rights" within the limitations of the Constitution and case law that helps define specific actions.
1 comment:
Chris, this doesn't surprise me at all. I taught in pubic schools for 20 years and very few of my students were interested enough in the Constitution to even know the Four Freedoms. The US Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights sets the tone for all of our laws and they should all be measured against it. Far too many people today think that "I Got My Rights" is all they have to know. But what are those Rights? I had this discussion many times while teaching. You do NOT have the right to a cell phone. You do NOT have the right not to be insulted, or made uncomfortable by thoughts or words. The Declaration of Independence speaks of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. That's it. The Constitution speaks of "rights" that are really privileges. You may only exercise your "rights" within the limitations of the Constitution and case law that helps define specific actions.
Post a Comment