“It is usually futile to try to talk facts and analysis to people who are enjoying a sense of moral superiority in their ignorance” Thomas Sowell
Since the advent of the industrial age and transference to the information age education of our youth is essential in ensuring our nation’s ability to compete in the global economy. Yet, assessments of our education system are frightening. In comparison to other industrial nations the American youth score in the bottom half on the basic subjects and science, but score at the top in self esteem.
Thomas Sowell noted, “One of the many failings of our educational system is that it sends out into the world people who cannot tell rhetoric from reality. They have learned no systematic way to analyze ideas, derive their implications and test those implications against hard facts.” He added, “These educated people will have developed no ability to analyze opposing sides of issues… and learning only how to label, dismiss and demonize ideas that differ from what they have been led to believe. Their educated ignorance is a danger to the future of this country.”
Sowell’s assessment is accurate. Too many are misinformed on history, cannot read or write, or cipher math. Our education system is failing. The failures Sowell addressed are witnessed daily in our blog. The postings noted include grammatical errors and are the best examples of people exhibiting ignorance.
In an article submitted on the topic of drug rehabilitation in prisons a blogger named Jerry from Ohio wrote, “The 8th Amendment gives the right to all citizens to be treated for sickness. That is why they cannot turn you away from a hospital.” A response noted the 8th amendment reads: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Then inquired where the right was granted. Jerry answered with this gem, “You read one line in the Amendment and that satisfied your appetite for what the entire Amendment represents. Did you read anything about cruel and unusual punishment? Did I not educate you on the Supreme Court’s decision that was based on “cruel and unusual punishment?” There was no mention of a specific case.
Jerry epitomizes this educated ignorance. Sadly, he revels in his idiocy by boasting he is educating others. Jerry added, “A law making the status of drug addiction illegal was struck down by the Supreme Court as cruel and unusual since it punished a condition beyond control of the accused. Need more educating I’m here for you.” The specific law was not noted.
Yes, Jerry is present to educate everyone that he knows little and experiences high self esteem. Sadly, Jerry is not alone. Others demonstrated the same lack of knowledge, analytical skills, critical thinking skills and intellect. Kim from San Francisco proudly identified with Jerry and posted, “Jerry, I apparently am the only one who understands your argumentation. The others are too conservative and right-winged to see clearly or even understand where you are coming from.” She failed to offer a clear thought on Jerry’s position.
Responses to other articles included these words of wisdom. Josh posted, “Why hasn’t the United States done anything to stop the war in Israel? We have the ability to do that. Jimmy Carter did that and so did Bill Clinton.” Jacky contributed, “When Clinton was president, we had no wars. Everything was peaceful and bright.” Jerry posted this, “The smart people of the world already know that President Bush has started WWIII. Look at North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and others. Can you Refute that?” Amy posted, “Some of the writer to this blog are correct about the failed policies of the Bush administration. No where in recorded history has one leader responsible for so much mayhem in the world. I cannot wait for this man to leave office and have Hillary restore peace to the world once again! I am proud to be a liberal, if it means removing an incompetent leader and restoring relations with Korea, Iran, Hezbollah, and even other terrorists” Who educated Amy?
Of course this only represents the worst America has to offer and hopefully is a small minority. But what if it’s not? What if the numbers are significant? That possibility is distressing. If their numbers are large then one has to wonder about the future of our nation.
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