In today's Salt Lake Tribune, the Sutherland Institute's Paul T. Mero made a clumsy and ill conceived (not to mention just plain wrong headed and insensitive) effort to compare the current arguments advanced in opposition to vouchers with the arguments used to support slavery through the mid 19th century. At least he had the good sense to begin by stating "Certainly the common experience in our public schools in Utah is far removed from anything comparable to the inhumane experiences of slavery." Unfortunately, he didn't let the degree of public education's removal from the slavery experience stop him.
11 comments:
I read this on Sunday and couldn't believe how offensive this was. I hope he gets a good thrashing from the letters section in the next couple of weeks.
Most voucher supporters wish Sutherland would not weigh in on this issue for obvious reasons.
Dear Rob,
Here is the link to the full essay, for any of your colleagues interested in thinking.
http://www.sutherlandinstitute.org/uploads/southcarolinaslavery.pdf
Best, PTM
Rob, you beat me to it :-) I read the full essay on their web site when it was released and found it disgusting that a fellow member of the LDS church could a) believe such things; and, b) write them for others to see.
I wonder if Paul would like to discuss the ugly history of vouchers...white flight...segregationists...Federal courts?
I'd say read the entire essay but be sure to take a shower afterwards. I don't know if Paul possibly understands how offensive such writings are. I hope beyond hope that these are extreme views that are not shared by other folks in the libertarian right-wing.
Paul should learn how to think about other people besides himself. Perhaps if his bishop revoked his temple recommend that would wake him up.
Craig.
Wow! I had to check and see which "Craig" this is...because I am having a perfectly civil dialogue with Craig Axford on the Democratic blog. I was confused for a moment.
Frankly, I would welcome whatever you have to throw at me. Sutherland just won Best of State for the second year in a row for precisely inviting open and civil dialogue...in fact, training elected officials in it.
I agree with this Craig...that somehow we live on different planets if he can read what I wrote and think anything except improved thoughts (even if he disagrees with what I wrote).
BTW, I am not a libertarian. And my bishop works for me, so give us a call if you truly think I am in need of spiritual guidance.
PTM
Paul, you crack me up.
I find it hard to believe you would wave your church leadership credentials in my face. And wouldn't it also be more accurate to state that *your* bishop works for Someone else :-)
Perhaps you're just having a bit of fun and I'm taking your comparison of America's public schools to slavery and oppression just a bit too seriously.
It appears that you do not understand why your comments are so bone-chilling offensive to fellow church members like myself. If you sincerely wish to understand some day I'm willing to discuss it. I'd also invite you to try out politicalcompass.org to get a better feel for the diversity of the political spectrum and where you fit within that spectrum. That probably sounds patronizing but I'm just trying to fit my message to match my audience.
Sincerely,
The "other" Craig.
Paul Mero's comments will undoubtedly help to defeat vouchers. We should thank Mero for making such analogies.
I'm wondering how he came up with this analogy because he has a few history facts wrong. But that's ok, we are very grateful for someone like Mero to help end the nonsense of vouchers.
Sorry Rob...as much as I would love to participate in this particular blog discussion (if it helps at all), I find it hard to spend time discussing important matters with a couple of your "users" who do not know history (or appreciate it) and cannot seem to think critically.
Best always, PTM
Paul you refuse to acknowledge that your comments are offensive and you don't care to understand why. That is the core problem.
Someone's understanding of history does not correlate to their ability to make outrageous claims and twist facts to suit their political agendas. You make insidious remarks, drawing parallels to public schools (whose purpose is to provide unversal access to a quality education for all regardless of race or class) to an authoritarian system of forced labor, human trafficking, and death. Then when people disagree with your flawed premise and your shoddy logic citing the 14th amendment you wave your hand and say, in effect, "Tut tut...I don't have time for such incompetence."
I make my offer again - if you wish to understand why your essay is so offensive, I'm happy to discuss. Perhaps you could invoke some of those award-winning skills you have to listen and understand diverse viewpoints, even if in the end you do not agree, which is your right as an American.
Seriously, whatever dude.
Thanks,
Craig Johnson
The Utah Amicus
I'll tell you what...visit this web site...www.ceo-sc.org and discuss your concerns with the African-American pastors from South Carolina who initiated the discussion and the comparison.
It is funny how only liberal white people find serious dialogue offensive and certain subjects taboo...usually when an argument hits close to the bone.
I suppose you could enlighten me through this blog at any time about why two coercive systems (the plantation and government schools) should not be compared because it would be an insult to mankind. Feel free.
Again, you might refer to the title of my essay (or the Trib op-ed)...it looks to be accurate...some of us have a lot to learn from our friends on both sides of the issue in South Carolina.
Best, PTM
Sutherland just won Best of State for the second year in a row
WOW! You mean you guys paid the money to nominate yourselves and you won?
Awesome Paul, you guys at Sutherland really do have it going on.
Natural Family FTW!
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