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Post by Robb Klaty on Oct 19, 2004 0:14:13 GMT -5
Yes, because without people like Washington, you would likely not have the freedom that you have in the US. George Washington had a stake in that freedom you probably take for granted today... Harry Potter only had a stake in wasting your time and lightening your wallet.
Yes, absolutly! And let's not rob them of the wonderful, edifying, inspiring, charcter building things available by substituting inferior material like Harry Potter books and movies... childhood is far too short and precious for that.
Robb
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Post by Robb Klaty on Oct 19, 2004 0:28:41 GMT -5
I have to agree. Despite all of the effort to find dirt on Washington the historical revisionists only have some supposed allegations.
Regardless, I doubt anyone considers Washington to be perfect. After all he was human. However, he was a man of courage and commitment that can inspire us even today.
Robb
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Post by Just Here on Oct 19, 2004 9:47:19 GMT -5
I have to agree. Despite all of the effort to find dirt on Washington the historical revisionists only have some supposed allegations. Robb Revisionist history seems to be a term applied when the facts do not agree with what we were taught. I learned that Colombus discovered America. I then found out that Amerigo Vespucci should have the honor. But what of the million people living there already? History is usually recorded by the victorious. Those who survived. It is often not recorded to reflect the opposite side's view and is therefore inaccurate. All you have to do is read the history books supplied to schools in the Southern United States and compare them to the history books supplied in the North. You will get two very different views of, for example, the living conditions of the slaves or the reasons for the Civil War. It is doubtful George Washington would leave details of any affairs he might have had. It is possible to look to external sources, however, and piece together a more accurate picture of his life. Look at the Jefferson/Hemings story. That affair was denied for a long time but in the end most people believe it is a true story. I think the truth should be sought out and told. Your posts suggest that revising history is something to be avoided. If Washington was having an affair it does not diminish him but rather makes him human. Harry Potter is no more a fantasy than some of the history we have been taught.
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Post by botany on Oct 20, 2004 23:57:44 GMT -5
Yes, because without people like Washington, you would likely not have the freedom that you have in the US. George Washington had a stake in that freedom you probably take for granted today... Harry Potter only had a stake in wasting your time and lightening your wallet. Yes, absolutly! And let's not rob them of the wonderful, edifying, inspiring, charcter building things available by substituting inferior material like Harry Potter books and movies... childhood is far too short and precious for that. Robb I agree, there is nothing wrong with teaching our kids about important historical figures, such as George Washington. I remember in either late elementary or middle school taking a particular interest in reading Rebels And Redcoats, a history of the Revolutionary war based on diaries, letters, etc (personal accounts). I read most of the way straight through, skipping maybe one chapter after it got too dry for me part way through. However, I also read many other types of books, fantasy books included. Important historical figures are not the only thing that children can/should read. Whether or not it's edifying? I guess if you're hardline religious, then perhaps fantasy books can be a bit dangerous to the controlling nature of religion. I remember when I first started reading fantasy books (when I was a 'good' professing boy), it did make me think about/question a bit the power of god/jesus. But I soon got over that and was a good boy and accepted the power of god/jesus. But, if you're dead set on believing that Harry Potter books and other fantasy books are detrimental to people's ability to deal with reality... *shrugs*. Ok. That's your life. Hope your kids still come out ok and all from having only "important" historical figures and other "edifying" material offered at them. Sooner or later they're going to find out about Harry Potter and other fantasy books. What then? andy
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