More Information Is Good, And All Information Is Better
[June 28th] - Unlike many of my conservative friends, I am a proponent of more information and not less. The first amendment is a wonderful thing and I support its use on a regular basis, especially when the discussion involves things that makes me feel "uncomfortable." A prime example is the discussion of Gay and Lesbian issues in school. Although there likely is a place for it, I haven't yet seen a system that distributes benign information rather than trying change minds and value systems through propaganda.
The PTA [Parent Teachers Association] mirrors the view of the NEA [National Educational Association] and wants more information about homosexuality in the schools. At a recent gathering in Columbus, Ohio, a PTA workshop stressed the need to incorporate more "gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender" (GLBT) issues in public school policies and curricula." While that concerns me, an open, inclusive policy of knowledge and information sometimes includes things you don't want to hear. But here's the problem. The PTA, during this same convention, refused to allow an organization of former Gays and Lesbians to rent a booth in the hall. Why? If the PTA is going to be so inclusive that they want to increase the amount of knowledge regarding Gays and Lesbians, should they not also want students to know that being Gay, or acting Gay, is not always a lifelong lifestyle. Why won't they?
We all know why.
The Gay and Lesbian special interest groups don't want that information in the schools. Often, schools that offer a Gay/Lesbian curriculum use an "off the shelf" program provided by one of the many pro-homosexual groups in the country.
Learning has become too one-sided. To be fair, to be open and inclusive, both sides of every story must be offered to our children. It should sound like this: "Estimates of how many Americans are Gay range from 5-10%. Most say that being Gay is not a choice, but there are others who disagree. There are groups of former Gays and Lesbians who teach that, for them at least, it was a choice at a time in their lives when they were searching for something." Fair. Balanced. No choosing sides.
But that isn't how all of today's public schools work. Just visit your local high school. You'll be very surprised.
