We are a nation of the poorly educated
Published Thu, Nov 20 2008 6:55 PM
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute could probably explain why it is that the American people voted for socialism this time around. You'll find a link to them in the sidebar. Meanwhile, here's a few excerpts from a recent article in USA Today that ought to wake you up!
“Without knowledge of your country's history, key texts and institutions, you don't have a frame of reference to judge the politics and policies of today,” says Richard Brake, head of the institute's American Civic Literacy Program.
Earlier reports focused solely on college students; the new study expands the focus and concludes Americans across all economic, educational and political/social backgrounds are equally lacking. Among findings:
• 71% earn an F; the average score was 49%. Ages 25 to 34 had an average score of 46%; ages 45 to 64 had a 52% average. Of 164 respondents who say they have held elected office, 44% was average.
If you think that's bad, there's more. I've commented before about how our elected officials don't bother to obey the restrictions found in the Constitution. It appears that there's good reason for that — they simply don't know them. [Update: What does it say when people who have held elected office score worse than the average citizen on this test? It tells me at least that the average citizen is better qualified to hold elected office than the people that run for office. What kind of morons are we when we elect people to represent us that know less about the job than we do?]
Those who have held elected office lack civic knowledge; 43% do not know the Electoral College is a constitutionally mandated assembly that elects the president. One in five thinks it “trains those aspiring for higher office” or “was established to supervise the first televised presidential debates.”
Can there be any doubt that our educational system is failing us as citizens? This is why it is that I'm constantly saying we need to educate one another. Without that education, without an understanding of foundational principles we might as well flip a coin in the polling booth. Heck, if we flip a coin we might even get better results.
One last point from the study…
Civic knowledge declines in proportion to time spent using passive media, such as TV. Reading and talking about history and current events, using the Internet and being involved in political activities has a positive effect.
So turn off the TV and start reading! Either that, or enjoy the government that you get while you lose your freedoms. After all, we get the government we deserve.
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Christopher Hamilton responded with:
 | Yea, it's really sad and pathetic. I actually heard about this study from the Mark Levin show today and the Electoral College statistic is the one that disturbs me the most. |
Perri Nelson responded with:
 | What disturbs me is that the people we're electing to represent us are less well qualified than the average citizen. |
ablur responded with:
 | I wasn't too shocked given the stuff coming out of DC. Most of what got done of the last two years in congress was not binding. Basically, a waste of time and tax payer money. We elect these people to lead and direct our nation and secure its future. They have been failing us for years. The sad part is that we elect them back into office to continue their failed ways.
We once led the world in political change and new leadership direction. We have suddenly turned the ship about and grounded it on the beaches of Europe that we fled not so long ago. |
Mustang responded with:
 | Even worse, Perri ... most college professors scored 55% on a test sponsored by American Civic Literacy. These would be the people who are teaching our kids and charging us an arm and leg for the privilege.
I'm thinking of migrating to an island some where and starting a new country. Are you in?
Semper Fi |
Perri Nelson responded with:
| most college professors scored 55% Now you're starting to really frighten me. So as soon as you decide on a pleasant island, let me know :) On second thought, I think I'll stay here and do what I can to help as many people as I can learn about civics, western civilization and American history. It may take a generation or two, but eventually things will have to come around. |
David responded with:
 | Part of the reason I keep advocating a simple civics exam for voters. Heck, when a vice-presidential candidate (and lawyer and self-proclaimed "Constitutional scholar") doesn't even know the basics of the Constitutionally-mandated duties and powers of the vice-president, I think we have a problem... Yes, that was Joe Biden in the veep "debate". And the Mass Media Podpeople Hivemind gave him a free ride on it, probably because most of them had no idea he'd chewed off his own foot and the rest DGARA. |
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