Pupils Being Given 'Patriotism' Tests in Washington State Schools

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: EEkid () aol com
Date: December 31, 2005 2:57:02 PM EST
To: dave () farber net
Subject: Pupils Being Given 'Patriotism' Tests in Washington State  
Schools



Click the link at the bottom of the page to see a copy of the  
questionnaire.



Pupils Being Given 'Patriotism' Tests in Washington State Schools

Children in Washington State are being given 'Patriotism tests' which  
are completely unrelated to their studies. The paper gauges whether  
or not the student shows fealty to the power of the state and whether  
the student believes in the right to overthrow a corrupt government.

A reader from Washington State writes us to highlight a questionnaire  
paper handed out to her daughter and the rest of her 10th grade class.

The reader comments,

"We live in Washington state. My daughter is in 10th grade and found  
this to be interesting. She has a GPA of 3.75 and uses her brain.  
This was given in her English class, and has nothing to do with the  
materials they were studying. We thought you might be able to use  
this. They are grooming our kids. Keep up the great work. Christine."

The paper is shown below. Click for an enlargement.

Considering the fact that this paper is a complete one off in that it  
is not part of any standard curriculum, we must question the  
motivations behind it.

Is the paper a means of gauging the level of obedience to the state  
amongst American teenagers?

We have covered several examples before where the government  
identifies a target group in society and canvasses their views on the  
nature of power and when that power goes too far. For example, in the  
90's, American marines and national guard were occasionally asked if  
they would be willing to fire on American citizens in a time of crisis.

We are by no means against patriotism when it means love of country.  
Unfortunately however, the new brand of so-called patriotism  
translates as worship of government, and that definition is something  
that the founding fathers never intended.

This may be an isolated case but if we receive anything similar then  
watch this space for any updates.

http://prisonplanet.com/articles/december2005/301205patriotismtests.htm

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