Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis

You've heard by now. The Messiah is holding a command performance on September 8th. The public school children of America, grades K-12, will receive the benefit of his wisdom and guidance with mandatory attendance.

Announcement Trigger Protest

There is more than enough reason for concern at this. But, beyond the nagging doubt of propriety, I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Then I saw this:

Flopping Aces Offers a Trigger for Thought

My first reaction had been recollection of Hitler Jugend coming together to rally for der Fuhrer and dutifully recite his philosophy of Aryan superiority.

But the FA item with the description of the lesson plan activity was even more sinister to me. The students are encouraged to write goals and plans for themselves which the teachers are to collect and then redistribute at some future date.

This brings to mind the Mao period of re-education after the revolution. The dutiful recitation of the slogans from the Little Red Book. The self-criticism sessions and public demeaning of the nationalist sympathizers in order to regain their acceptance by the collective.

Yes, students, pay attention to the goals of the Messiah. Adopt them as your own. Describe how you will follow his leadership and spell out the steps which you will take to achieve his plans. Let me hold that document for you. Is it OK if I share this plan with your classmates now to determine if your are working hard enough? What have you failed to do...Confess! What have you not sacrificed...Confess! What are you holding back...Confess! Why don't you believe....Confess!

Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Republican Party?

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