Posted on 04/29/2002 11:51:37 PM PDT by JohnHuang2
Smut magazines are characterized by graphic sex, abundant profanity, homosexual content and extreme violence – and so are some of the books children are encouraged to read in school.
You think I'm making this up, right?
Involved parents who took the time to take a look at their child's literature materials have provided us with a prime example of just how bad public education can be. They've also provided us with a message of how diligent parents must be if they choose to send their kids to public schools.
Parents of students in a ninth-grade class at Colusa High School in California looked over a few of the books the teacher had encouraged her students to read – what the parents found mortified them in a way they will never forget. Although repugnant and offensive, I'll provide a few examples as evidence that it's time for society to say, "Houston, we have a problem."
In the book "Way Past Cool," by Jesse Mowry, one need only get to page 4 for the first of many uses of the term "motherf-----," that show up throughout this literature book recommended by the American Library Association. The racially derogatory terms "ni--er" and "ni--erboy" are used, and pages are filled with detailed, graphic descriptions of sexual acts between teens. In honor of decency, there is no way I can give you word-for-word examples in my column – but if you doubt the nature of the book, and have a strong stomach – go to the library and read pages 184-185, and 187. You'll find enough there to enrage even the biggest skeptic.
In "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," by Stephen Chbosky, a sexual act between fourth graders is described, as well as sex between teens on a golf course. If you care to see what the 14-year-olds were exposed to at the recommendation of their teacher, pages 30, 31 and 44, 45 will provide you with the general sickening idea.
Thanks to the Pacific Justice Institute, this story has a happy ending. The organization was successful in having the Colusa County School Board listen to the parents' complaints. After reviewing the books, the school board promptly removed the list, issued an apology and is now establishing a book-review committee for the school system.
It's important to know that when the parents first approached the principal of the school with their concerns, he defended the teacher because the books in question were on the American Library Association's Recommended Reading List for young adults. Educators around the nation, probably including those in your neighborhood, often blindly look to the ALA for advice.
The practice of trusting the American Library Association for guidance in age-appropriate materials for our children has become as dangerous as looking to Playboy and Penthouse for such advice.
Brad Dacus, founder and president of the Pacific Justice Institute, reminded me about a case his organization was involved in at the Livermore Public Library in California that clarified once and for all the ALA's position on children and their exposure to pornography.
The case centered around the library's policy that any child – at any age – should have full access to everything the Internet has to offer, including unfettered access to hard-core porn sites. The ALA supported the library's policy. Indeed, the ALA has backed efforts nationwide to prevent local parents and communities from installing filters on public library computers to protect children.
Sadly, the education establishment and the ALA are cozy bedfellows, and it is our children that will continue to suffer from their incestuous, putrid ideology. Although there are many decent teachers and librarians, the associations of both fields mistakenly believe that they are smarter than parents, have more rights than parents, and are the final word on what goes on in the classroom.
It's up to parents to take back the classroom.
If you choose to send your children to public schools, you must know your rights, and understand your responsibilities. Ultimately, it is up to you to defend and protect your kids. Handing them over to someone else seven hours a day comes with it the very likely possibility that your children are being shaped and influenced by those who do not share your values.
As Brad Dacus says, "It's not a question of whether or not a line will be drawn by someone – it's a question of who is drawing that line, and where."
Make sure the pen is in your hand.
Larry Flynt alert.
How about excerpts from some of the other books recommended to kids? See:
Builds character. When I was a kid we had to walk five miles in the snow to find copies of National Geographic.
Assemblyman MOUNTJOY opposes promotion of homosexuality in public schools.
Heard about that today.
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