New Book Exposes Startling Truths About America's Public School System
by James L. Lambert
October 13, 2006
(AgapePress) - - The Christian world was deeply affected in March 2004 by news of the passing of Marlin Maddoux, a pioneer in radio as well as a noted journalist and author, who also hosted the weekday radio program, "Point of View" (featured on the USA Radio Network). And at his untimely death, the author's closest friends discovered another important contribution -- the transcripts for his new book, Public Education Against America (Whitaker House Press).
The book is an expose of sorts, loaded with facts CBS News, PBS Radio or the New York Times would never disclose. In fact, Maddoux recounts numerous times in the book that the data he accessed on some of his radio programs was almost unbelievable. His skills as an investigative reporter enabled him to dig to the root of many of the issues confronting public education, and the book is packed with statistics that will alert parents to the crisis in America's public school system.
In Public Education Against America, Maddoux tackles a number of issues, citing how the many controlling bodies within the public school system have systematically ignored historical truth when it comes to patriotism and traditional religion in America. He provides numerous illustrations of political correctness running amok, and cases where children's freedom of religion has been violated. After reading the first few chapters, one tends to get the point that many public schools around the country are slowly turning into indoctrination camps for the left. As Maddoux states: "Often the change is so subtle that most parents don't notice until it's too late." (page 81)
Maddoux's book carefully illustrates how many public schools circumvent values kids learn at home by stressing 'values clarification' taught in the schools. The author discovered that teachers often use open-ended questions to cause confusion in the mind of a child, then use this as a tool for stripping or instilling doubt in a child's belief in moral absolutes or religious standards their parents might have taught them.
According to the picture that emerges from the data in Public Education Against America, whether it is promoting acceptance of diverse lifestyles (homosexuality) or teaching evolution as fact, the public school system is continually fighting for children's allegiance through a steady stream of anti-Christian propaganda that is overwhelming to most families. Maddox details the reasoning behind this and also chronicles the pervasive influence of educators like John Dewey and his radically leftist beliefs.
As a result of such influences, the author suggests (on pages 141-142) that powerful teachers' unions and liberal school administrators have subtly, over a long period of time, developed an atmosphere in which:
- There is no right or wrong, only conditioned responses
- The collective good is more important than the individual
- Consensus is more important than principle
- Flexibility is more important than accomplishment
- Nothing is permanent except change
- All ethics are situational
- There are no perpetrators, only victims.
Perhaps the best part of this book is Maddoux's tips on how parents can take steps to protect their children. For example, he strongly suggests that Christians and conservatives stand up for their principles and beliefs in the public venue. And in one of the last chapters of the book, the author even goes so far as to suggest that parents should strongly consider taking their children out of the public school system. Dr. James Dobson, a few years ago, advised his California radio listeners to do the same. While Maddoux concedes that the problem of parental affordability is an issue, he affirms that the future of America's youth is at stake.
Overall, Public Education Against America makes a strong case against the failings of the nation's public school system. It also gives practical solutions for parents, although the author acknowledges that some of these solutions may be difficult for parents or students to put into practice.
In no uncertain terms, Maddoux's book urges parents to put their children in an education environment where they will be allowed to flourish, while the data he presents clearly shows that America's public schools are not making the grade. Helpful suggestions are provided at the end of the book, making Public Education Against America an invaluable resource and an important read.
James L. Lambert, a frequent contributor to AgapePress, is a licensed real-estate mortgage loan sales agent and can be contacted through his website.
