Recommended AP Book Scrutinized

A 752-page book is getting a closer reading in Stafford County, as a group of citizens want it off the AP reading list.

[Concerned Citizen]

Far for too long there has been ideological imbalance in our public school curriculum and now our students know more about Martin Luther King and Harriet Tubbman than they do about Washington and Lincoln. Too much PC and not enough on teaching the principles and forces which have made our country g-r-r-r-r-r-eat.

[Ross]

I read with interest the article in the Stafford Star Weekly reference Howard Zinns book "A people's History of the United States." Im not so sure it is the book in question as opposed to its use. If the book is in the library and not used as a text reference it may not be an issue if in fact those selecting books for schools are fair and balanced. If a teacher is using it as a classroom reference then I think it is imperative that students be entitled to challenge this particular point of view from another position. The first amendment would probably be the overall issue. To balance the playing field I would suggest that the following books be incorporated in the discuss/debate. Original Intent by David Barton, America A Call to Greatness by John W. Chalfant and the Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States by Benjamin F. Morris. The book by Morris was published well over 100 years ago and reprinted in 2007. This is a book that should be mandatory reading by all students. The these books give you a factual account of what the United States is all about, not some off the wall idea on what someone thinks. He indicated that he was speaking for those outside the political and economic world. That would be the majority of the people and I am sure it does not express my view of this country. It was mentioned that junior and senior students could not form an opinion. I would just ask what would be the politically correct grade or age to arrive at one?

[Ross]

By the way; students should not be threatened with a failing grade if they don't necessary agree with their educators political point of view. Such is the case in our colleges and Universities. Professors to have a political agenda of that nature need to be fired. PERIOD