Unfortunately, sometimes I see this simplistic view of history displayed on this message board from the opposing sides.
My wife gets angry at me sometimes, because she'll come in the room and I might be watching something on CNN or MSNBC or even the broadcast news. I do it because I want to know my "enemy's" views and arguments. I'm joking about the "enemy's" part, but I do feel that I should listen to and read the alternative viewpoint. Sometimes, I might actually find a common point or something of value and of course, the alternative is I can better argue my position if I know the thought process of the other side.
Unfortunately, I believe our public schools and our teacher's unions have become purely ideologically based activist groups for progessive/liberal thought and they will not tolerate a kind word or factually positive remark made about Ronald Reagan or any other conservative leaders. It appears their views are very fragile and can not stand alternative arguments or they would invite debate and a fair appraisal of opposing viewpoints. I guess they think if we talk about Jeff Davis as a human being and read his words, rather than view him as an evil icon, it won't be long before the delta is covered with plantations again and we'll be whipping the children of illegal immigrants and returning African-Americans to the fields. Sorry for the sarcasm, but I've lost all hope in our public school system. I believe the only possibility to fix things is to dismantle them, go to vouchers and start over with private institutions.
There I said it.
Jim