Letter to the Editor: 

Radicals want to change state's social studies, science standards 

The International Falls Daily Journal 
Monday, January 05, 2004

To the editor:

The battle at the state Legislature in 2004 over the new social studies and science standards will be the most important and hard-fought Minnesotans have yet faced.

When the Profile of Learning was repealed last May, language was removed from the law that would have required that the standards "promote and preserve" the founding principles of our country, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. These founding principles are national sovereignty, the purpose of government, unalienable rights, self-evident truth, life, liberty and property, among others.

Not surprisingly, that's exactly where the battle is being fought in the new standards today. A group of Minnesota history professors and editorials around the state are attempting to force a radical, politicized view of America into the new standards by attacking the proposed standards as "out of the mainstream."

They complain that: 

• Europeans (who) moved into Americas' are referred to in misleading neutral terms (such) as "cooperation, compromise and conflict."

• (These terms should be) balanced by terms such as "conquest, subjugation, exploitation, or enslavement."

They object that:

• Seventh-graders would learn that God is referenced four times in the Declaration of Independence.
  

• Entrepreneurship is referenced three times.
  

• The Declaration of Independence is called a "founding document that sets forth the principles of our nation."

These critics seem to have forgotten that the Profile of Learning was totally repealed last May after six long, hard years of persistent and intense opposition from thousands of citizens around the state.

The Profile repeal gave Minnesota a remarkable opportunity to reinstate knowledge-based learning in our state. The purpose of the Profile standards was to "transform" students through the politicized world view of radical environmentalism, the division of America into warring cultures, and through undermining our founding principles. Last May, Minnesotans were promised something better.

However, the new standards that will pass during the 2004 legislative session could end up being no better than the Profile, if the Minnesota history professors have their way in the Senate. In fact, it is entirely possible that the new Minnesota academic standards could actually be worse than the old Profile of Learning.

Public hearings will begin on the new standards in the Senate in January. What can you do?

• Alert your friends, family and groups about the new social studies and science standards legislation.
  

• Contact legislators: Write them, call them, and visit them, both DFL and Republican. Let legislators know that education standards should be about teaching knowledge and skills, not about anti-American politics. It is very important that the standards reflect America's principles of freedom. Also, contact Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Education Commissioner Yecke.
  

• Stay informed. Visit the EdWatch website: www.edwatch.org.

It has been said, "When the truth is available to the public and to the rest of the country, that truth is more powerful than all their power and money."