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"A representative democracy, where the right of election is well secured and regulated, and the exercise of the legislative, executive, and judiciary authorities is vested in selected persons, chosen really and nominally by the people, will, in my opinion, be most likely to be happy, regular, and durable."

Alexander Hamilton

 

 

 

"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."

James Madison

"I believe that somehow every student in every college of the United States ought to be taught fundamental lessons that say democracy is precious, democracy is perishable, democracy requires active attention and that democracy requires hard work."

Roger Wilkins,
Robinson Professor of History & American Culture,
George Mason University, "Are We Taking Care of Our Democracy?"  University of Maryland, March 7, 1996

"I have in mind the Founding Fathers' idea of an informed citizenry.  This is the basic principle that underlies our national system of education in the first place--that people in a democracy can be entrusted to decide all important matters for themselves because they can deliberate and communicate with one another."

E. D. Hirsch,
Cultural Literacy

"Something's eating away at the national memory, and a nation or a community or a society can suffer as much from the adverse effects of amnesia as can an individual."

David McCullough,
historical biographer
(Archibald, 'Amnesia')

"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."

James Madison

"The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts."

Edmund Burke

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty."

James Madison

"The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves."

George Washington

"Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.  Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

George Washington

"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."

George Washington

"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer."

John F. Kennedy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.  It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

John Adams,
Second President of the United States, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and One of Two Signers of the Bill of Rights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Christian religion is the basis, or rather the source, of all genuine freedom in government. I am persuaded that no civil government of a republican form can exist and be durable in which the principles of Christianity have not a controlling influence."

Noah Webster,
Founding Father and "Schoolmaster to America"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice."

Charles de Montesquieu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith."

Alexis de Tocqueville

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I would fight for my liberty so long as my strength lasted, and if the time came for me to go, the Lord would let them take me."

Harriet Tubman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Americans combine the notions of religion and liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive of one without the other."

Alexis de Tocqueville

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once."

David Hume

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"How I longed to see these things; how I longed to see the Liberty Bell and walk on the streets where Thomas Jefferson, Tom Paine, and Benjamin Franklin had walked."

Burl Ives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man's initiative and independence."

Abraham Lincoln

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people."

John Adams

 

AHEF Bibliography
 

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Religious Expression in Public Schools - Dept. of Education & Legal Docs

Legal Memo on Graduation Prayers in Public Schools.  Liberty Counsel, www.lc.org, 2005-2006. Clarification of laws on what is prohibited and permitted regarding prayers or religious messages during public school graduation ceremonies. Four legal models/options are provided.

Legal Memo About Public Christmas Celebrations.  Liberty Counsel, www.lc.org.  Guidelines for public officials and schools regarding religious holidays and celebrations in public schools.

Religion and Public Schools. Archived Information, U. S. Department of Education. Resources on Department of Education Guidelines and documents along with other books or materials on this topic.

Secretary Paige's Letter and Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. Religion and Public Schools, U. S. Department of Education, February 7, 2003.

Secretary's Riley's Letter and Legal Guidelines on Religious Expression in Public Schools . U. S. Department of Education, 1995, May 1998 (revised). See also Archived Information, Religion and Public Schools, U. S. Department of Education.
 

National Executive Actions

Bush, George W.  President George Bush has proclaimed 2007 as the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent settlement in 1607 in what would become the United States. See 2007 Proclamation of the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown.

Bush, George W.  Based on a bill signed in December 2004, President Bush, in 2006, has proclaimed every September 17 as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and September 17-23 as Constitution Week, passed by joint resolution of Congress, for the nation to celebrate the birth of the nation's government through the signing of the Constitution of 1787 and to reflect "on the significance of the Constitution and the blessings of liberty that this document helps to secure." Citizenship Day honors those who, throughout history, have defended this liberty and reaffirms our nation's commitment to freedom and to "instilling in America's next generation the values that make our country great." See 2006 Proclamation and Citizenship Day and Constitution Week Proclamation (2004).

Bush, George W.  President George Bush has proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day, a day of remembrance , passed by joint resolution of Congress, to honor the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the bravery of citizens who risked their lives to save other fellow citizens in the aftermath of the event Patriot Day Proclamation (2004).

Bush. George W.  President Bush's Loyalty Day proclamation, supported by Congress, designates May 1 as Loyalty Day which encourages citizens to support our military and their families, serve one another and our communities through volunteering, and learn about and teach young people about our nation's history and values
Loyalty Day Proclamation (2004).

Bush, George W.  "President Unveils Nation's Founding Documents at National Archives." Remarks by the President at the Rededication of the National Archives. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/09/20030917-2.html> (17 September 2003). President Bush unveiled the nation's founding documents--the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights--the ideals of which have defined America's purposes in the world, overcome tyranny, inspired hope, and turned the creative gifts of men and women to pursuits of peace.

Bush, George W. "President Introduces History & Civic Education Initiatives." Remarks of the President on Teaching American History and Civic Education Initiative.  White House. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020917-1.html> (17 September 2002). President Bush cites the importance of teaching history in the classroom and ways to "improve students' knowledge of American history, increase their civic involvement, and deepen their love for our great country."
 

National Court Rulings

Federal Court Rejects Separation of Church and State (Decision binding in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee), (12/20/05).  In an astounding return to judicial interpretation of the actual text of the United States Constitution, a unanimous panel of the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has issued an historic decision declaring that "the First Amendment does not demand a wall of separation between church and state." In upholding a Kentucky county's right to display the Ten Commandments, the panel called the American Civil Liberties Union's repeated claims to the contrary "extra-constitutional."  (Family Policy Network) U. S. Court of Appeals Decision, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit <http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov/internet/index.htm>.
For related information, see
Family Policy Network and Cincinnati Enquirer.

ACLU vs. Mercer County, Kentucky.  U. S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, (12/20/05). The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issues decision declaring that "the First Amendment does not demand a separation between church and state."  The court upheld a Kentucky county's right to display the Ten Commandments and called the American Civil Liberties Union's repeated demands for separation "extra-constitutional."  Circuit Judge Richard Suhrheinrich wrote in the unanimous decision: "The First Amendment does not demand a wall of separation between church and state. Our nation's history is replete with governmental acknowledgement and in some cases, accommodation of religion." U. S. Court of Appeals Decision, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit <http://www.ca6.uscourts.gov>.
 

National Legislation

Congressional House Resolution 2336, 108th Congress (June 4, 2003). Authors: Petri, Rahall, Dreier, Wicker, and Garrett. To amend Higher Education Act to establish and strengthen post-secondary programs and courses in subjects of traditional American history, free institutions, and Western civilization.  The purpose of this act is to promote and sustain post-secondary academic centers, institutes, and programs that offer undergraduate and graduate courses, support research, and develop teaching materials for the purpose of developing and imparting a knowledge of traditional American history, the American founding,  the history and nature of, and threats to, free institutions, or of the nature, history and achievements of Western Civilization, particularly for undergraduate students in teacher education, K-12 teachers in related subject areas, and graduate students and post-secondary faculty who teach in related subject areas.

Congressional House Bill SF0139.  83rd Minnesota Legislature (2003).  Author: Bachmann.  Action: 01/27/2003.  "American Heritage Education in Minnesota Public Schools Act" requiring school districts to develop and establish policies for grade level instruction to assure student access to founding documents of the country and the state pertinent to understanding the principles, character and world view of the founders; requiring school districts to permit principals or teachers to post the documents and prohibiting districts from limiting or restraining instruction in American or Minnesota state history or heritage based on religious references in documents, writings, speeches, proclamations or records, requiring use of the materials for educational purposes; authorizing students to voluntarily choose to read, write, share, report or otherwise study topics religious in nature under certain conditions.

Congressional House Resolution 366 / Senate Resolution 129.  (June 29, 2000, January 24, 2000/July 10, 2000). 106th Congress, Second Session.  House of Representatives, June 29, 2000.  Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the importance and value of education in United States history .  The resolution cites the importance of civic education to insure that democracy is sustained in future generations.  It cites the danger that in today's schools and universities students are not being taught American history and/or are losing America's civic memory.  The resolution resolves to recognize that historical illiteracy is a serious problem, colleges/universities should add U. S. history to their curricula, state officials should review and promote such curricula, parents should encourage their children to select schools requiring U. S. history, students should choose to take U. S. history required or not, and educators of all levels should make efforts to bolster knowledge of U. S. history in students.
 

Texas Executive Action, Rulings, and Legislation

Texas House Bill 3678.  80th Texas Legislature (2007).  Author: Howard, Chisum.  Signed into law by Gov. Perry on June 11, 2007. Religious Viewpoint Anti-Discrimination Act (RVAA) / Schoolchildren's Religious Liberties Act .  This bill requires a school district to adopt and implement a policy that provides for a limited public forum and voluntary student expression of religious viewpoints at school events and graduation ceremonies, in class assignments, and in noncurricular school groups and activities. The bill requires the district to treat voluntary student religious expression on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner as the expression of a secular or other viewpoint and prohibits the district from discriminating against a student based on his or her expressed religious viewpoint. The district policy must ensure that a student speaker does not engage in obscene or indecent speech and provide a disclaimer that a student's speech is not endorsed or sponsored by the district. The bill provides a model policy that, if adopted, would place the district in compliance with requirements.  The bill takes effect for the 2007-2008 school year.  (Texas Legislature Online)

Texas House Bill 1287.  80th Texas Legislature (2007).  Author: Chisum.  Signed into law by Gov. Perry. This bill authorizes school districts to offer elective high school courses on the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, for historical and literary value, if 15 or more students register for the course.  The bill requires a course to follow federal and state law and guidelines to maintain religious neutrality and accommodate students' diverse religious views, traditions, and perspectives. The State Board of Education must submit proposed essential knowledge and skills for the course to the attorney general for approval before adopting rules for offering the course to ensure that it complies with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  The bill takes effect on June 15, 2007. The Supreme Court has ruled that elective Bible courses in public schools is constitutional. (Texas Legislature Online)

Texas House Bill 219.  78th Texas Legislature (2003).  Author: Hope.  Signed into law by Gov. Perry.  Statute amended or added:  Adds section 1.004, Education Code. This bill authorizes a public school or institution of higher education to display the national motto "In God We Trust" in each classroom, auditorium, or cafeteria.

Texas House Bill 319.  78th Texas Legislature (2003).  Author: Grusendorf. Signed into law by Gov. Perry. Last Action: 05/20/2003 E Effective on 9/1/03. Statute amended or added: Adds section 4.001(b), education code.  Relating to the objectives of public education. This bill adds an objective of public education requiring that educators prepare students in the areas of state and national heritage, active citizenship, and free enterprise.

Texas House Bill 1776, 78th Texas Legislature (2003). Author: Hughes et al.  Sponsor: Nelson.  Signed into law by Gov. Perry. Last Action: 06/20/2003 E Effective immediately. Relating to Celebrate Freedom Week and to certain instruction in social studies classes in public schools. Celebrate Freedom Week, designated the week of November 11 in public schools, encourages appropriate instruction, as determined by each school district, in each social studies class. Instruction should include study of the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, in their historical context.

Texas Senate Bill 83.  78th Texas Legislature (2003).  Author: Wentworth.  Sponsor: Branch.  Signed into law by Gov. Perry.  Last Action: 05/28/2003 E Effective on 9/1/03 (2003-04 school year).  Statute amended or added:  section 25.082, education code. Relating to the pledges of allegiance to the United States and Texas flags and to observance of one minute of silence in public schools.  This bill directs school boards to require students to recite the pledges to the United States and Texas flags once each school day.  A district shall excuse a student from reciting a pledge on request of the student's parents or guardian. The legislation also directs school boards to provide for a minute of silence following the pledges during which a student may reflect, pray, meditate, or engage in another silent activity that is not distracting to other students. School employees are required to ensure that students remain silent and do not distract other students. Change from current law: Recitation of pledges is not currently addressed at this time. Current statute authorizes but does not require school boards to provide for a period of silence at the beginning of the school day during which students may reflect or meditate. Action required: Implement requirements for recitation of pledges to the U. S. and Texas flags each school day followed by a minute of silence.

Texas Education Code 28.002 (h).  Texas Legislature (1995). Subtitle F.  Curriculum, Programs, and Services.  Chapter 28. Courses of Study;  Advancement.  Subchapter A. Essential Knowledge and Skills, Curriculum.  The state legislature instructed the state board of education to uphold the law that United States and Texas history should be regular subject matter and textbook material in order to prepare students as citizens in a democracy: "(h) The State Board of Education and each school district shall foster the continuation of the tradition of teaching United States and Texas history and the free enterprise system in regular subject matter and in reading courses and in the adoption of textbooks. A primary purpose of the public school curriculum is to prepare thoughtful, active citizens who understand the importance of patriotism and can function productively in a free enterprise society with appreciation for the basic democratic values of our state and national heritage."
 

Books

Barton, David. Original Intent.  Aledo, TX:  Wallbuilders Press, 1999.

Barton, David. The Myth of Separation.  Aledo, TX:  Wallbuilders Press, 1989.

Benet, Stephen V.  A Book of Americans.  New York: Henry Holt and Co., 1933.  (Poetry about American figures.)

Bennett, William J.  The De-Valuing of America.  New York: Summit Books, 1992.

Bork, Robert H.  Slouching Towards Gomorrah.  New York: Regan Books, 1996.

Cheney, Lynne V. Telling the Truth: Why Our Culture and Our Country Have Stopped Making Sense--And What We Can Do About It.  New York: Touchstone Books, 1996.

Crismier, Charles. Preserve Us a Nation:  Returning to Our Historical and Biblical Roots.  Gresham, OR:  Vision House, 1994.

Durant, Will and Ariel Durant. The Lessons of History.  New York: Simon and Schuster, 1968.

Evans, M. Stanton. The Theme is Freedom.  Washington, DC: Regnery Publishing, 1994.

Eberly, Don, E., ed. Building a Community of Citizens.  Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 1994. 

Federer, William J.  America's God and Country.  Fame, 1996.

Geyer, Georgie Anne. Americans No More: The Death of Citizenship.  New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 1996.

Graham, Hugh, comp.  Great American Stories, Poems, & Essays: 165 Stirring Selections from our Nation's Greatest Writers, Thinkers, Statesmen, and Heroes.  Secaucus, NJ: Spencer Press, 1956.

Hamlin, Ken. Pick A Better Country: An Unassuming Colored Guy Speaks His Mind About America.  New York:  Touchstone Books, 1997.

Hemrick, Eugene F. One Nation Under God:  Religious Symbols, Quotes, and Images in Our Nation's Capital.  Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 2001.

Hirsch, E. D., Jr. Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1987.

Hirsch, E. D., Jr. The Schools We Need—And Why We Don't Have Them.  New York: Doubleday, 1996. 

Johnson, William Jackson.  George Washington, the Christian.  New York: Abingdon Press, 1919.

Lapin, Rabbi Daniel. America's Real War.  Sisters, OR:  Multnomah Publishers, Inc., 1999.

Mayer, David N.  The Constitutional Thought of Thomas Jefferson.  University Press of Virginia, 1994.

McDonald, Forrest. E Pluribus Unum.  2nd ed. Indianapolis, IN:  Liberty Fund, 1979.

Olasky, Marvin.  The American Leadership Tradition. New York:  Free Press, 1999.

Podhoretz, Norman. My Love Affair With America. New York:  Free Press, 2000.

Potts, Jody.   Adventure Tales of America:  An Illustrated History of the United States.  Dallas: Signal Media, 2000.

Ravitch, Diane.  Left Back: A Century of Failed School Reforms.  New York: Simon and Schuster, 2000.

Ravitch, Diane.  The Schools We Deserve:  Reflections of the Educational Crises of Our Time.  New York:  Basic Books, 1987.

Ravitch, Diane.  The Schools We Deserve.  New York: Basic Books, 1985.

Roche III, George Charles. Legacy of Freedom.  Hillsdale, MI:  Hillsdale College, 1973.

Schlesinger, Arthur M. The Disuniting of America: Reflecting on a Multicultural Society.  New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 1991.

Skousen, W. Cleon. The Five Thousand Year Leap: The 28 Great Ideas That Are Changing the World.  Washington, DC:  National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981.

Skousen, W. Cleon. The Substance and Meaning of the Constitution.  Washington, DC: National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1985.

Skousen, W. Cleon. The Making of America.  Washington, DC: National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1985.

Sowell, Thomas.  Inside American Education: The Decline, The Deception, The Dogmas.  New York:  Free Press, 1992.

Toqueville, Alexis de. Democracy in America.  1835, 1840. 12th ed. 2 vols.  New York: Vintage Books, 1945.

Wills, Garry.  Inventing America: Jefferson's Declaration of Independence.  Mariner Books, 2002.

Wood, Gordon S.  The Creation of the American Republic: 1776-1787.  New York: W. W. Norton, 1969.

Wood, Gordon S.  The Radicalism of the American Revolution.  New York: Random House, 1993.
 

Articles / Essays / Presentations

Archibald, George. "'Amnesia' to History Is Called Threat to Liberty."  Washington Times, 21 May 2003.

Archibald, George. "Dumbing Down, PC Distort U. S. History, Critics Say." Washington Times, 5-11 April 2004.

Archibald, George. "Ignorance of U. S. History Is Called Threat to Security." Washington Times, 14-20 April 2003.

Bay, Austin. "Proud Colors: A Creaking Pulley and An Honored Flag."  Houston Chronicle, 13 June 1999.

"Beavis and George Washington."  Conservative Chronicle, 17 July 2000.  A report called "Losing America's Memory:  Historical Illiteracy in the 21st Century" released by the nonprofit group advocating liberal arts education, American Council of Trustees and Alumni, shows that over half of the 556 randomly selected seniors at elite universities who took a test on American historical facts did not pass.

Beichman, Arnold.  "Big why of anti-Americanism."  Washington Times, October 2004.

Billups, Andrea. "Educational Policy Leaders Urge Better Civics Education." Washington Times, 16 May 2000.

Boychuk, Ben.  "Without Understanding Civics, Freedom Dies." Investor's Business Daily, 24 November 1999.

Broder, David S. "Fresh Lessons for this Presidents Day." Houston Chronicle, 17 February 2003.

Cabranes, Jose' A. "Our Common Ground." Wall Street Journal, 9 June 1995.

Charen, Mona.  "Is patriotism out?"  Conservative Chronicle, 12 July 2000.  This article reviews the book, My Love Affair With America, by Norman Podhoretz, which explores Pohoretz's Jewish immigrant perspective, both personal and intellectual, of America and how experiences and people in this country have effected him and changed his life.

Charen, Mona.  "Losing our history means losing our nation." Conservative Chronicle.  This article discusses the lack of American history and civic education in American schools, citing the need for such knowledge of ideals in order to establish the cohesive bond among citizens which makes them Americans. National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is sponsoring a grant to improve the teaching of American history and to spur many colleges to reinstate history requirements into their curriculums.

Coghlan, Kelly J.  "Those Dangerous Student Prayers."  St. Mary's Law Journal, v32,n4 (2001):  809-880. "Is there danger in allowing genuinely voluntary, faith-based speech to coexist in public schools on an equal playing field with secular speech addressing similar subjects?" (p. 811).  This article sets forth a framework to address such legal questions, provides a historical review of faith-based expression within government forums, reviews judicial development and application of the First Amendment to faith-based matters prior to the Santa Fe decision, analyzes the Santa Fe decision and the guidance it offers regarding school prayer and faith-based issues, and sets forth new student speaker policies to comply with Santa Fe. (p. 812)

"College Seniors Fail Test On U. S. History."  Houston Chronicle, 28 June 2000.

Cooper, Kenneth J. "Students Fall Short In Civics Knowledge, Tests Find." Houston Chronicle, 19 November 1999.

Cornell, George W. "Nation's Birth Had Religious Roots."  Houston Chronicle, 4 July 1987.

Desai, Nicholas. "The Charge of the Academy." The Dartmouth Review, 7 October 2005.  In response to attacks on remarks made by the college's student body president about Jesus during a Freshman convocation, Desai affirms the right to free speech and the role of the university as a forum to explore and contend with important philosophical issues. <http://www.dartreview.com/archives/2005/10/07/the_charge_of_the_academy.php>

Dionne E. J., Jr.  "Country's Civics Education In A Sorry State."  Conservative Chronicle, 24 November 1999.

Duff, Anna Bray. "Students Flunk Their Civics Test."  Investor's Business Daily, 6 December 1999.

Feder, Don.  "America's Founding Fathers Were Men of Firm Faith."  Colorado Springs, February 1993.

Feder, Don.  "America was always a lost cause."  Conservative Chronicle, 12 July 2000.  Editorial reviews the movie, The Patriot, and how it reflects the fact that the fight for independence, the civil  war, the Cold War, and others have all been causes nearly lost to overwhelming odds many times but, ultimately, have prevailed.  The modern American cause, thus, will prevail if we stand for it as Americans have done in the past.

Feder, Don.  "For Public Education--America Is History." Conservative Chronicle, 27 May 2002.

Feder, Don.  "Pilgrims Understood Real Source of Security."  Conservative Chronicle, 21 November 2001.

Feder, Don.  "What it means to be an American."  Conservative Chronicle, 31 May 1999. Editorial offers a checklist of how the author as an American thinks, what he holds dear, what he remembers, what he does for the country.

Fields, Suzanne. "Dawning of a new patriotic era in America." Washington Times, 21 April 2003, commentary.  With the Vietnam Era past, the new touchstone for patriotism has become terrorism, and, in this reality, patriotism has taken on new meaning and value among a new generation of young people in spite of their education. Nonetheless, the need for education in civic values is greater than ever before.

Fields, Suzanne. "'Losing America's Memory'." Washington Times, 24-30 July 2000, commentary. Citing the report by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni in which students performed poorly on a test of basic American historical facts, Field asserts, "An Appreciation for history once was considered indispensable to a democracy" but nowadays is lost as seen in many universities which do not require a course in American history.

Fields, Suzanne. "Raising a Generation of Americans Ignorant of Their Past."  Washington Times, 2 June 2002.

Finn, Chester E., Jr.  Teachers, Terrorists, and Tolerance.  Observations: Commentary, December 2001.

Flora, James.  "The Republic Won't Run On Ignorance."  A Speech by James Flora, 1988 George Washington Honor Medial Recipient. New Holstein, WI.  Citing a Gallup sample of the lack of knowledge of American history among 17- and 18- year olds, Flora talks about the need to be aware of democratic principles and the role of schools in educating students.

Fonte, John. "How to Make An American." The American Enterprise, Sept 2004, vol. 15, no. 6.

"Freedom:  Many More People Free Today Than 30 Years Ago." Houston Chronicle, 1 January 2003.

Geyer, Georgie Anne. "Time to Refresh Our National Identity." Washington Times, 29 May 29 - June 4, 2000.

Glentzer, Molly. "First among America's great malls." Destination Philadelphia, Houston Chronicle, 19 September 2004.  Independence Mall and other historically significant sites such as the Liberty Bell are located in downtown Philadelphia where America's Colonial, Revolutionary, and Federal periods in history are preserved.

Glentzer, Molly. "Giving history a whiz-bang appeal." Destination Philadelphia, Houston Chronicle, 19 September 2004.  The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia houses words, pictures, and interactive exhibits that bring the U. S. Constitution to life.

Graglia, Lino A. "Who Killed the Constitution?" Imprimis, Hilldale College, Michigan, May 1988, vol. 17, no. 5.

Greenberg, Paul. "The Fourth of July is the American Idea." Washington __, 1996.

Hanson, Victor Davis.  "The problem, America, with never looking back."  Outlook, B11, Houston Chronicle, 11 May 2005.

Higgins, Sean. "Is Conventional Wisdom Wise?  Power of Words: Thomas Hobbes used his writing to break new political ground." Investor's Business Daily, 21 February 2003, sec. A, p. 3.  Higgins offers an overview of the contributions made by Thomas Hobbes in 17th century England to political, philosophical, and religious thought through his writings. Risking charges of treason and heresy, Hobbes nevertheless continued through his life to write on and stand for what he believed in and consequently to lay the foundations  "for most of the concepts of modern constitutional democracy: equality before the law, the social contract between the state and people, and religious tolerance." After Hobbes, no English language inquiry was untouchable.

"History of 'In God We Trust.'"  United States Department of Treasury. <http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fact-sheets/currency/in-god-we-trust.html>

Johnson, Jean Nash.  "Oh Say, Can You Sing?  You may know the songs but not the stories behind them.  Here's a key to five patriotic favorites."  Dallas Morning News, 5 October 2001, sec. C, p. 12. This article gives background of songwriters, contexts, interesting facts, and significances of the songs, 'God Bless America', 'America (My Country Tis' of Thee)', 'Star Spangled Banner', and 'America the Beautiful'.

Kagan, Donald. "Why Western History Matters." Wall Street Journal, 28 December 1994.

Khan, Suhail.  "Defending the Dream."  Washington Times, 3-9 March 2003.

Landers, Ann.  "Declaration Signers Sacrificed For All." 4 July 2000.

Lapin, Rabbi Daniel. "America's War of Values:  Unity As A Reward, Rather Than As A Goal."  Americans For An Informed Public, March 1999.  Nothing has the ability to unify people as much as a common devotion to God.  Unity is God's ultimate reward for the nation that adheres to His values.

Leo, John. "C Is For Character."  On Society, U. S. News & World Report, 15 November 1999.  Gallup finds over 90 percent poll support for stressing honesty and other values in schools.

London, Herbert. "Phasing Out Western Civilization."  Human Events, 12 June 2002.

The Lone Star Foundation.  "Texas State Board Thwarts Texas Education Agency's Effort to Remove Patriotism From Textbook Rules." 20 November 2005.

"Many More People Free Today Than 30 Years Ago." Houston Chronicle, 1 January 2003.

Markley, Melanie.  "Legislation Pledges To Teach Kids Patriotism." Houston Chronicle, 5 April 2001.

Mink, Michael. "Abe Lincoln:  Freedom's Torchbearer.  Focus on Vision:  16th president's tough stance helped preserve the nation." Investor's Business Daily, 19 February 2003.  This article outlines the beliefs, character, initiatives, and contributions of Lincoln regarding issues of slavery, the civil war, his law career, and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Mink, Michael. "Founding Father's Right Touch:  Thomas Jefferson Topped His Works With Declaration of Independence."  Investor's Business Daily, 7 July 2003.

Noonan, Peggy. "Post-Patriotic America: Why Aren't We Taught Patriotism Today?"  Americans For An Informed Public, April 1999.

Patton, Judd W.  "Our Founding Fathers Did Not Believe in 'Separation of Church and State.'" Bottom Line Quarterly, Entrepreneurial Leadership Center, Bellevue University, Nebraska, Fall 1994.

"Public Schools Fail to Teach History, Study Charges." (Associated Press) Fox News Channel, 9 September 2003.  This article discusses a recent report, "Education for Democracy," produced by the nonpartisan Albert Shanker Institute, that aims to "strengthen the nation's grasp of its own past and present."  Drawing praise from groups across the political spectrum, the report, based on textbook studies, research by authors, and other reviews, says students in public schools are getting a negatively-biased view of America. It calls for a more positive, balanced tone of the country as the first modern democracy and of American Heritage.

"Questionable Declaration."  Human Events, 19 November 1999.

Reinert, Patty.  "What it means to be an American: A New Test For Citizenship Will Stress Concepts of Our History--Not Dates, Names."  Houston Chronicle, 1 December 2006.

Relin, David Oliver (as told to).  "Why I Came to America: Freedom is A Wonderful Thing." Parade, Houston Chronicle, 2 July 2006.

Richardson, Valerie. "Colorado board endorses motto 'In God We Trust.'" Washington Times.  The Colorado Board of Education voted to urge schools to display the national motto to counter the secularization of public education.

Riley, Richard W., Secretary, Education. Letter addressing Religious Expression in Public Schools, United States Department of Education.

Riner, Noah. "Remarks by Student Body President Noah Riner at Convocation Sept. 20, 2005."  Dartmouth News. <http://www.dartmouth.edu/~news/releases/2005/09/20c.html> (20 September 2005). During the Freshman Convocation at Dartmouth College, Student Body President Noah Riner spoke to the class about the need not only to gain an education and intelligence but also the need for students, as all mankind, to value and gain character. He echoes Horace Mann, known as the father of American public education:  "Are we equally sure that schools are forming the character of the rising generation upon the everlasting principles of duty and humanity? Are children so educated that when they grow up they will make better leaders or only grander savages? However loftily the intellect of man may have been gifted, however skillfully it may have been trained, if it be not guided by a sense of justice, a love of mankind and a devotion to duty, its possessor is only a more dangerous barbarian." Riner culminates with a message about the character of Jesus and the need for salvation from sin. While some students opposed Riner's message because of its Biblical content, many others cited Riner's right to free speech among many viewpoints and the crucial role of the university (as an educational institution) as a place to explore and contend with such important, philosophical questions.  See
"The Charge of the Academy" by Nicholas Desai, The Dartmouth Review (Oct 7, 2005)

Robinson, Matthew. "No Knowledge, No Freedom: Disquieting Results of New Study of Elite College Students." American Scene, Human Events, 30 March 2000.

Safire, William. "New ears to hear words of dedication."  Houston Chronicle, 10 September 2002. The governor of New York commemorates September 11 by repeating Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, showing how "national spirit rose from the ashes of destruction."

Scharrer, Gary.  "Bill would put course on Bible in all districts: Lawmaker says text is relevant to a moral society."  Houston Chronicle, 4 April 2007.  HB 1287 (Chisum) says that all public schools in Texas are authorized to offer an objective Bible course elective to students.  The Supreme Court has ruled elective Bible courses in public schools as constitutional.

Schlafly, Phyllis. "Teaching History: Fact or Fiction?"  August 2003.

Schlesinger, Arthur, Jr. "The Cult of Ethnicity, Good and Bad:  A historian argues that multiculturalism threatens the ideal that binds America." Time Magazine, 8 July 1991.

Shults, David. "Witness to Ignorance of History in the Making." Houston Chronicle, 20 May 2002.

Silverman, Joan. "Teens' Historical Ignorance Is No Laughing Matter." Houston Chronicle, 10 May 2000.

"Texas State Board Thwarts Texas Education Agency's Effort to Remove Patriotism From Textbook Rules." Lone Star Report, November 20 2005.  The elected State Board of Education rejected Friday an effort to rewrite its textbook selection rules, after board member Teri Leo (R-Spring) discovered that the new rule would eliminate patriotism from the Texas textbook selection process. The current rules, which would have been eliminated by the rewrite, require the board's textbook review panels to consider whether books foster patriotism and an appreciation for free enterprise in deciding whether to recommend books for adoption.

"Textbooks Flunk Test."  Washington Times, March 28, 2004, April 5-11, 2005.

Thatcher, Margaret, former prime minister, Great Brittain. "The Moral Foundations of Society."  Bottom Line Quarterly, Entreprenuerial Leadership Center, Bellevue University, Nebraska, Spring 1995.

Thomas, Cal. "Americans Suffering From Bout of Cultural Amnesia." 3 June 2004.

Thomas, Clarence.  "It's A Dirty Little Secret:  Freedom Necessarily Entails Responsibility."  Americans For An Informed Public, July 1996.

Trowbridge, Ronald L., ed. Champions of Freedom:  The Ludwig von Mises Lecture Series.  Hillsdale, MI:  Hillsdale College.  This multivolume series of essays and lectures includes writings from various scholars and educators on topics relating to Freedom, History, Education, Government, Economics, Sociology, and Business. Each volume emphasizes a theme.

Turner, Allan. "Refugee's haven now his homeland."  Houston Chronicle, August 2006.

United States Department of Education. Legal Guidelines on Religious Expression in Public Schools.

United States Department of Treasury.  "Fact Sheets: Currency and Coins:  History of 'In God We Trust."  Treasury's Learning Vault, U. S. Department of Treasury. http://www.ustreas.gov/education/fact-sheets/currency/in-god-we-trust.html.

"U. S. Students Lack History Knowledge." Washington Post, 10 May 2002.

Van Beima, David.  "Why We Should Teach the Bible in Public School (But very, very carefully)."  Time Magazine, 2 April 2007.

Vazsonyi, Balini.  "How Long Will We Remain One Nation Under God?" National Weekly Edition, 19-25 June 2000.

"What Americans Should Know."  Horizons, U. S. News & World Report, 28 September 1987.

Weisel, Elie.  "Have you Learned the Most Important Lesson of All? Nobel Laureate asks graduates--and the rest of us--to think about what education really means."  Parade Magazine, 24 May 1992.

Will, George F.  "Ending America's Holiday From History."  Houston Chronicle, 27 December 2002.

Will, George F.  "Ignoring American History Dims Our Perspective." Houston Chronicle, 23 December 2001.

Williams, Walter.  "Diagnosing America's Amnesia." Conservative Chronicle, 23 May 2001.

     

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