SBOE – “REST OF THE STORY” -The Wizard is Exposed

Rita Owens, M.Ed.

The eyes of many Americans focused on Texas during the State Board of Education meetings of March 10 through 12, 2010. I was thrilled to see that because FOX News sent principled broadcast journalists, our conservative SOBE members were given refreshingly “fair and balanced” press coverage. In contrast to our state newspapers’ penchant for constantly labeling these seven members as “far right ideologues”, religious zealots and worse, FOX gave America a chance to see these citizens as calm, articulate, reasonable and principled patriots.

A couple of Austin’s relentless anti-God, ACLU clone groups brought some colorful political theater into the conference room on Wednesday. Herding in twenty or so college students in bright yellow t-shirts, the Texas Freedom Network used the kids as props for some foggy outrage. Even though the t-shirts proclaimed “Students For a Smarter State Board of Education”, the students with whom I talked were surprised to learn that our conservative Republicans actually hold more extensive degrees and teaching experience than the Board’s Democrats. Filling a corner of the room for an hour or so, the students evidently had more pressing commitments and soon abandoned their post, whereas many in our contingency stayed until the adjournment around 9:00 p.m.

How did the Board get the massive draft document for the next ten years of Texas K through 12 social studies curriculum? Appointed, non-elected work groups (primarily made up of liberal teachers and scholars) had presented the Board with a curriculum document laden with heavy anti-American bias, emphasis on global citizenship, downplaying of our Judeo-Christian founding principles and heritage, deletion of important holidays and heroes.

During public sessions in November, January, and March, the conservative Board members brought the document back to an accurate, common-sense track. Much work culminated in the 100+ amendments crafted, presented, voted on, and passed last week.

Lampasas newspaper owner and Board Chair, Gail Lowe, demonstrated impeccable diplomacy, fairness, and respect toward every member of the Board. Griff Jenkins of FOX referred to her as a “kindly Margaret Thatcher.” Despite some liberal members’ rants, grandstanding, and a walk-out Thursday afternoon, Gail remained unflustered; it was an honor to watch her calmly steer the storm-tossed SBOE ship into safe harbor on Friday afternoon!

As an English teacher with years at the middle school through college levels, I consider it an honor to help spread the truth about our courageous State Board members and their work.

It occurred to me this morning: the work of our Mighty Seven has had unparalleled impact on this nation, and it thrills me to know that this is about God’s higher purposes–not just about reading, writing, math, etc. As important as those skills may be, the meetings this week plowed even more crucial ground. For the first time in many years, the American press, citizens, teachers, and students are confronting entrenched taboos.

Someone has finally pulled back the curtain and exposed the puny Wizard of Sneering Liberal Secularism in public education. Seven determined, conservative public servants have said, “Enough is enough. We don’t care if every so-called expert in America has bought into leftist revisionism; we WILL examine our nation’s founding documents, Christian principles, and exceptional freedoms– and we want Texas students to study these primary truths as well.”

In one of the most profound testimonies presented by citizens at this week’s meeting, a man who emigrated here from the former Soviet Union entreated us to fully understand and appreciate the depth of our country’s uniqueness in the world. He urged that we guard our liberty, and that we stop considering ourselves as “hyphenated Americans” of divided loyalties, languages, and special-interest groups.

American citizens are standing up by the millions to protest the treasonous hijacking of our country. The momentous work of our conservative State Board of Education members is part of this revolutionary protest. I look forward to seeing the nationwide effects of their courage, faith, and devotion to the truth. Please continue to pray for these seven heroes, as there are still many miles to go before they rest.

Rita Owens, M.Ed.
ritabook08@gmail.com