THE WORLD ACCORDING TO TEXTBOOK WRITERS

Well, it's a good thing I got up early this morning, and - as usual - tuned in to Fox News. Let me say, I never meant to become a Fox junkie, and fell into the addiction of 6 am coffee and news before going to work. But, enough about me...

I hear the state of Texas has hearings this week on what goes in textbooks-the somewhat holy books that will be taught in schools across the nation.
Questions about mentioning Christmas and Easter have been raised, so I can only imagine what the ultra-liberals want to write about evolution, capitalism, globalism, fundamental American values and rights and responsibilities, even terrorism.
I work in education.
I believe we have to be totally honest with students about differing world views and lead them to make their own philosophical choices.
After all, who hasn't had to do this? Who has not been exposed to other cultures and religions-though some of us have had more exposure than others-that is, more personal experience.
However, we must remain honest and forthcoming about American history and our Judeo-Christian roots and values. Socialism did not build the great cities of America or fund museums, hospitals, universities, historical sites and federal buildings.
As for evolution, it is one way of looking at things-but does not answer every question about human existence. Smart people know this, and kids should know it, too.
Kids should also know that adults with Ph.Ds can word process and even b s about very little for a thousand pages, but still don't know everything.
Ask the President - with his advanced East Coast education and many advisors.
Present day America is pretty much an experiment in problem solving-much like 1776. I don't think America has ever been the perfect present with a fancy, fluffy ribbon on top given as a gift to irresponsible people.
America is a land of free speech and thought and a land of opportunity.
You take it and do with it what you can and will. Most of us who have tried to create the American dream from the dust of the earth with the sweat of our brow (or the stressful working of our minds) are plenty happy to have God's precious assistance-and a meaningful Christmas and Easter holiday, as well!
Here's a question (or three) for you today: Do America and God just mean what we want them to mean? Do they mean what a textbook writer or teacher says they mean? OR-do they mean what they mean-and everyone has to figure that out?