Democratic Underground - You're assuming that people actually learn this stuff.

Look, you can say that these folks are kids who didn't know any better, but in light of our history in the past fifty years, that arguement doesn't fly. How much more evidence of America's imperial ambitions do you need than Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Grenada, and Gulf War I? If you can't see the pattern of pre-emptive, unilateral, illegal, immoral, imperial military action from those examples, then you are blind and stupid beyond hope. <\i>

As a recent graduate of one of the better public school systems, I can testify that I learned none of this stuff in school. The only reason I know some of it is because I actually read the history book (never mind how grossly it misstates the history of the US) and DU. Most of time in class is taken up by Revolutionary War, Civil War, WW I and II. We went fast and barely managed to glance at Vietnam, much less any of the others.

As to the pattern sensing, if you don't learn how to read for patterns, it's really hard to see them, especially if you are force-fed the fact that America is number one and can do no wrong as the world's only superpower, assuming one paid attention in class. Most of the youth I know, or have been in contact with (excluding DUers) have no interest in the truth, or history, or anything that requires actual thought. They are not really stupid, just apathetic and seemingly without empathy or concern for other people. All of which can be fixed, but only if it directly hits them.

Reply #52: You're assuming that people actually learn this stuff. [View All]