Between the big political stories and the eighth anniversary of the barbaric 9/11 attacks, which were nothing less than an assault on civilization itself, this has been quite a week. There's actually a common thread running through all of it if you consider the words, "Yes, we've seen it before but never like this." We had experienced acts of war, terrorist attacks, and even a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center before September 11, 2001, but nothing like what we witnessed on that horrible day. Similarly, the political stories had certain historical parallels, but as a matter of degree, they were unprecedented. People were so profoundly affected by the events of eight years ago that my words can add nothing to the dialogue, but I would like to discuss the other stories.
Presidents often address schoolchildren, and though it's properly seen as an honor and privilege to have the president speak to you, it's frequently accompanied by partisan complaints. When Republican presidents do it Democrats cry political campaigning masquerading as service to our youth, and when Democratic presidents do it Republicans cry foul in the same way. But once again, yes, we've seen it before but not like this. Some people across the country were furious, making wild, often patently false, accusations and some school districts refused to show the address even though the full text of the thoroughly inoffensive speech was given in advance. Some critics were enraged because the department of education prepared a lesson plan at all, and some were apoplectic because an earlier version of that plan included an exercise where students write a letter outlining how they can help the president achieve his education goals.
Not only is that letter writing exercise exactly what George H.W. Bush suggested when he addressed students, but it's a perfectly valid lesson extending exercise that promotes critical thinking and active learning. The lesson plan was prepared by some of the country's top teachers and their big mistake was in not hate-proofing it. This is understandable; Americans are by nature optimistic, but teachers are especially so. They simply don't understand the cesspool of darkness in which the hearts and souls of some of these critics reside. Sadly, they have now learned the hard way and America is a little bit uglier for it. Speaking of which, the other big story was Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) openly shouting "You lie!" at the president from the House floor. We have seen partisan rumbling and undercurrents at similar events but once again, yes, we've seen it before but never like this. Even worse, talk radio was upset that he apologized for what every lawmaker of any stripe would call a breach for which an apology would be required.
It's easy to understand the enemy from without that cravenly attacked us eight years ago, but we desperately need to address the ever increasing corrosion from within. As Walt Kelly said via his Pogo comic strip, "We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us."
