TX Board of Education

I usually don't go into rants on this blog but this issue touched a nerve within me and I just can't let it go. I'm going to try to censor myself but be prepared, I'm going to rant. I can feel my blood boiling while I type this.

First, the facts.

For those of you who don't know, recent actions by the TX Board of Education voted to remove Thomas Jefferson, Cesar Chavez, Oscar Romero, the topic of sex vs. gender, and any specific mention of Tejanos from their the social studies curriculum. They also have changed referring to the USA as a democracy to a "constitutional republic." They also omitted the concept of separation of church and state.  Here are some recent articles and editorials about the changes (note: some of these have been proposed since mid-2009).

Now, my rant.

I am INFURIATED by the fact that a bunch of right-wing conservative republicans have decided who and what constitutes significant contributions to history.  I am OUTRAGED by the fact that racism and sexism (and plain 'ol F***ing stupidity) can be blatently justified with such intentionality toward children's education.

I would be more sympathetic toward this board if they instead proposed to present a more wholistic view of these issues.  I hope that all of your children and grandchildren rebel against your actions and condemn your behavior! HOW DARE YOU!

It makes TX take a million steps backward in terms of social progress to the pre-1950's Mississippi-esque era. WTF people!!?!???!  I mean do you really think that you can erase history? Do you really think your children will be better off by NOT learning these things? Do you see how your dangerous and damaging right-wing religious moral conservative bullshit is TOTALLY crossing the bounds of separation of church/state? (I know you do bcz that's why you want Mr. Jefferson removed.)

I try hard NOT to be one of those "liberal democrats" who thinks I'm right all the time and I at least try to understand another person's differing point of view to the point where I could defend it as my own. I may not succeed but at least I try. And even if I don't understand, I at least try to withhold slandering that point as not to make myself be insensitive nor ignorant.

I understand your point. I COMPLETELY DISAGREE WITH IT!!!!!

Here is an excerpt from a recent article:

Barton, a former vice chairman of the Texas Republican Party, said that because the U.S. is a republic rather than a democracy, the proper adjective for identifying U.S. values and processes should be "republican" rather than "democratic." That means social studies books should discuss "republican" values in the U.S., his report said.

And, it makes me vomit in my mouth and wants me to completely stereotype and bash my conservative republican friends. You give a TERRIBLE name to the republican party.

AND FURTHERMORE, this has NOTHING to do with being a Christian. I am a Christian and I think you have overstepped your bounds.  Who the HELL gave you the right to decide what can and SHOULD be taught???? You have disgraced our nation. You and the people who voted for you should keep your ideologies to yourself and out of the schools. I don't even think you should pass these "values" on to your children. You should be prepared for an outcry from people who are APPALLED and ASHAMED of your actions.  SHAME ON YOU!

You and Glenn Beck. Awful. Awful. AWFUL!  You abuse your power and it should be taken away from you. I HATE it when you proof-text.
 
I applaud Ms Mary Helen Berlanga and Ms Mavis B. Knight and others who voted AGAINST your racist, sexist, narrow minded decisions.

One thing for sure, I am GLAD as F***ing HELL that I don't live in TX and I CERTAINLY NEVER will.

Perhaps I'll write my own social studies curriculum and leave the entire state of TX out of it.

Arizona... why do you shame me again?

Check out these stories...

Man Church

Gov. Brewer

Sheriff Joe

Ms. Betty Brown

I find this article to be most unappealing. I think Ms. Brown should rethink her need to be sensitive to the fact that we are a nation of MANY ethnicities and that by asking one to change their name so that it makes it "easier for Americans to deal with" is insulting and ignorant on SO many levels.

1- the fact that she is so concerned with stupid americans' inability to pronounce another's name is selfish and excluding
2- the fact that she uses the term "deal with" automatically implies an inconvenience to the white majority and therefore creates an inequal power structure
3- she doesn't mention whether or not the Chinese and asian persons can speak english. She probably would say that "THEY SPEAK SO WELL" in a loud tone as if they were hearing impaired
4- her location in the state of TX probably means that they have a high Hispanic population and while it probably is easier for the stupid americans to pronounce "gonzales", they too probably do a diservice to the name by not pronouncing it correctly anyway. it's probably all americanized with overtones of a southern drawl. Besides, there are many last names from descendants of white races and ethnicities that are equally difficult to pronounce and yet she doesn't call for them to change their names.
5 - and while we're at it, asking for someone to change their name to be more american is like asking Ms. Brown to get rid of her thick texan accent so that other americans can understand her. or perhaps she appreciates the irritating sound of her voice.
6- for that matter, i suppose the name "park" or "lee" can be too complicated for stupid americans
7- what she is saying continues to promote dominant white supremacy in a culture where others would not question or object to what she is saying. This is problematic and contributes to the systemic racism in this country.
8- she is asking for "you and your citizens" to give up an essential part of their identity. I would bet the ranch that she would be highly offended if someone asked her to give up her tea parties, her southern drawl and all the other things a good little texan woman should do.

Ms. Brown, bless your heart, do not spread your ignorance and inabilities to fully represent your constituencies. These people are probably the ones that elected you to the position you are in now. So think carefully about the ones you now trod upon.