What does “Patriotism” have to do with “Education”? Hugh Curtler explains quite eloquently within the American context something that I think applies to democratic countries everywhere. Please, read on…
Back in July of 2012 I wrote this post about the relationship between education and democracy, a relationship I, like many others, consider essential. A part of that discussion is about patriotism, and given today’s sudden interest in the notion, featuring many who have no idea whatever what the word means, I thought it timely to trot out the post and ask readers to consider it once again. I have modified the post a bit to bring it up to date.
Years ago John Dewey wrote a book titled Democracy and Education in which he argued convincingly that a democratic system required an educated citizenry. In fact, Dewey went so far as to insist that the purpose of education is to turn out citizens who are enlightened enough to select their leaders and understand what they are up to. It’s not about jobs or self-esteem; it’s about gaining…
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Fiora Books by John Fioravanti 
An uneducated population cannot make informed choices – hence no working democracy – but they probably don’t want us to make intelligent choices, do they?
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No, they don’t, Opher! Reminds me that even when I was growing up, the Catholic Church discouraged their faithful from reading the Bible on their own – ye gad, they might draw some erroneous conclusions about the Word of God! It comes back to that hegemony word!
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Sometimes I wonder if people want/appreciate democracy or not. Great post!
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Honestly? I don’t think present-day citizens in our democracies are much different from the Roman masses – give them their bread and games and they go home happy. Having said that, I dare not lose hope… we don’t need another Hitler running the world.
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Yes. Democracy is what Bernie Sanders is all about. People like Sanders and Corbyn are our hope. John, who would you say is the strongest advocate for democracy in Canada right now?
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Justin Trudeau is the advocate – and our Prime Minister. He won the election of 2015 by crisscrossing the country (as the leader of the 3rd party) meeting ordinary people and listening to them. He learned that from his maternal grandfather.
By the way, Bernie Sanders is in Ontario right now on a fact-finding trip to check out our health care system. In an interview, he said the health care up here is every bit as good – if not better – as the care in the US and for half the price. He said he’s amazed that our government provides care without out of pocket charges for every man woman and child in the country. Go Bernie!
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I’m glad to hear your affirmation of Trudeau, John. Yes, I heard Sanders went to Toronto to study your health care system. It is his practice to seek the top experts of any field. 🙂
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We’re happy with our health care. The best thing about it is that we don’t have to worry about bankruptcy if a family member needs expensive care. I hope Bernie runs next time.
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By reducing financial stress, universal health care makes everyone healthier — right off the bat!
Me, too. #Bernie2020
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America is a great country that could be much greater – without the likes of Trump and his base.
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Thank you for the re-blog!
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You’re welcome, sir!
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