Letter to the Editor

Our forgotten history

The subject of a recent editorial in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette revealed that the study of American history is included in the curriculum for history majors in only about one third of our universities. As shocking as this is, it's probable that if offered the context would be so distorted it would not convey to young people an understanding of the determination and sacrifice of our Founding Fathers. For example, John Adams spent years overseas begging support for this newly birthed "Land of the Free," while Abigail ran the farm and raised their children.

Anti-Americanism along with "political correctness" nonsense now pervades our institutions of higher learning and is filtering down throughout our educational system. Young people don't understand or appreciate the heritage of freedom they have, bought and still being protected by the blood of patriotic Americans.

Too many Americans are no longer the independent, self-reliant people who amazed the Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville as he observed that new phenomenon in the world called "Democracy." Now political hacks talk about "income inequality," and those who work hard and make sensible choices are expected to share what they've earned.

Exacerbating the problem is the untold number of children now growing up in dysfunctional family situations, without the guidance of a strong father, while all around them are the influences of our degraded society. Teachers struggle with undisciplined children and disinterested parents.

There's a book entitled "Inventing Freedom: How The English-Speaking Peoples Made The Modern World." The theme of the book is that beginning with the Magna Carta in 1215 until the Declaration of Independence six centuries later individual freedom and right of property were always paramount among English speaking people.

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." This was the pledge of our Founding Fathers.

Barbara Foreman

Siloam Springs

Editorial on 07/27/2016