[IMC-Editorial] Letter to the Editor on Independence Day

[The Ayn Rand Institute]

Dear Editor:

As we celebrate Independence Day, we should be reminded of one sobering
fact:  our young people know very little of the history that made this
country great.  On a recent national history test, 57 percent of high school
seniors flunked even a basic knowledge of American history.  

What our students don't know, however, is not as bad as what they do
know. History as it is taught in our schools today is driven by one
theme:  by a hatred of America and its ideals. It is common these days
for students to be told, for instance, that the Founding Fathers were
racist, sexist, "classist," "homophobic," Euro-centric bigots.

By contrast, there was a time, not too long ago, when students were
required to study the great events, the magnanimous statesmen, the brave
soldiers, the brilliant inventors, and the ingenious industrialists of
American history. There was a time when American students knew in
intimate detail the heroic story of the American Revolution and the
tragedy of the Civil War.

American children once learned about honesty from George Washington,
justice from Thomas Jefferson, integrity from John Adams, independence
from Daniel Boone, oratory from Daniel Webster, ingenuity from Thomas
Edison, perseverance from the Wright Brothers, and courage from Sergeant
York. They memorized and learned the principles of the Declaration of
Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address. American
history was taught as a grand story of heroic accomplishment on an epic scale. The 
history of America was the history of freedom.

On this, our great national holiday, let us rededicate "our lives, our
fortunes, and our sacred honor" to the greatness of America.

Sincerely,

C. Bradley Thompson
Ayn Rand Institute

2121 Alton Parkway, #250
Irvine, CA  92606
United States
(419) 289-1315

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