We Exist, Therefore You Don’t: The Texas Issue

<p>By Odeisel</p><p>Existence is a peculiar item when it comes to history. We are, therefore we exist and our presence in the here and now is de facto testimony to that statement. But in our absence, history outlines our existence to those who could not bear witness, and that testimony is in the hands of others.&nbsp; Therein lies a problem.</p><p>Last week, following a spirited, partisan-fueled serve-and-volley discussion, the Texas Board of Education approved change in the social studies curriculum which heavily favors a conservative view of American history, including a religion tinted opinion that undermines the Founding Fathers&rsquo; attempts at framing secular government. Consequently, there is an overt tilt towards Republican political ideals. The vote on the board went along party lines (in Texas, BOE members are elected). This curriculum change is important because Texas is the second largest buyer of books, which will affect, by sheer weight of volume, the purchasing choices of neighboring states. While technology has muted to a small degree that overarching influence, it still plays a major role.</p><p>This long running war of ideals has been going on in Texas for a few years, with creationism locking horns with Darwinist theory and officials attempting to reconcile the Founding Father&rsquo;s Christian values with the aforementioned secular state. According to the Dr. Don McLeroy, a Texan dentist and creationist leading the Republican charge, the board is simply reversing a left-leaning view of history that has espoused an America disassociated with its initial Christian principles. McLeroy, in an interview with the New York Times noted, &ldquo;We are adding balance. History has already been skewed. Academia is skewed too far to the left.&rdquo;</p>