Right wing wacko in Texas sends me this about Maryland.... need response with facts

[DUgosh]

I want all the facts before I respond to this Republican neighbor of mine that is sending out this drivel. Please advise me appropriately with as many facts from your state as possilbe. I would appreicate it. Thanks from deep in the trenches in Wacko land Texas




"July 6, 2007
Please help us get this information into the hands of as many people as possible by forwarding it to your entire email list of family and friends.
Maryland Board of Education: State's right supersedes parent's rights
Only a positive view of homosexuality can be taught in classrooms

The Maryland State Board of Education has ruled that the right of the state supersedes the rights of parents in teaching children about homosexuality. The Board said the "right (of parents) is not absolute. It must bend to the State's duty to educate its citizens."

The ruling means that the teaching of homosexuality as an accepted and approved lifestyle in Maryland public schools can move forward. Very important! Some professionals feel that the Maryland curriculum could become the model for promoting the homosexual lifestyle in public schools across the nation. That is the reason we are asking you to send the email.

The new policy prohibits any unfavorable view of homosexuality from being presented. A video for use with eighth-graders instructs students on how to put a condom on a pen-s.

The Board has been trying to incorporate the promotion of homosexuality into their sex-education classes. A federal judge overturned a previous attempt to include the promotion of homosexuality because of the curriculum's expressed hostility toward Christianity.

But in approving the new curriculum, the Board refused to hear arguments from those who oppose the promotion of homosexuality in the classroom.

AFA suggests that parents find out if sex education is being taught in their schools and, if so, ask to examine the curriculum being used.

To read the Washington Post article on this, click here.
Take Action
Send an e-mail to the president of the Maryland Department of Education and to the Governor of Maryland.
If you have children in public schools, ask the local superintendent if they have a sex-education program. If so, request an opportunity to review the curriculum.
Please forward this to your family and friends.

Send Your Letter Now!

If you think our efforts are worthy, would you please support us with a small gift? Thank you for caring enough to get involved.
Please help us get this information into the hands of as many people as possible by forwarding it to your family and friends.
Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman
American Family Association "

[AnnieBW]

1. Consider the source

It's the American Family Association. Frankly, what business is it of someone in Texas as to what a Maryland school teaches? God forbid we teach a balanced view of homosexuality, and teach our kids how to use birth control correctly! Maybe if we taught kids to use condoms, we wouldn't have as many abortions?

They may be talking about the Montgomery County revised sex-ed curriculum, which the Fundies have been fighting. The State Board of Education just approved the revised curriculum.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/03/AR2007070300991.html

and

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/12/AR2007061201186.html

[CBHagman]

2. So much for local control!

My first thought was: Why are Texans interested in micromanaging the Maryland educational system? Isn't it a tenet of the right wing that town, county, and state control are more competent and trustworthy than the federal government?

Don't mess with Maryland, eh?

[southpaw8]

3. this group and others like it have been fighting this

for a long time, but the new curriculum with sex ed finally passed. However, please note that for all those that don't like it, the second to last paragraph states that parent who want their kids to take the new sex ed classes must SIGN PERMISSION for the child to take it. Why should the majority sign up for it--why not make those who don't want to take it opt out with their own form and leave the rest of us alone. Remember, if you don't want to watch something offensive on tv, TURN THE CHANNEL. Don't want to learn about all forms of human sexuality, DON'T TAKE THE CLASS!

[RavensChick]

5. Word!

WTF is wrong with people who have their own share of problems getting up in some other state's business? They need to get a grip! Just because Maryland does something does not mean all the other states have to jump on the bandwagon, let alone criticize it! How else are children supposed to learn about the world around them? Out in the street? Heaven forbid!

Texas, y'all focus on dealing with those illegals coming across the border and invading our cities and towns, messing up our services and making life harder for US! We don't mess with your state, please leave us alone!!!

[amb123]

4. AFA letter debunked

Here's a link that debunks the AFA letter.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/sexuality/hatecrime.asp">Urban Legends Reference

AFA is also saying that pastors who speak out against homosexuality will be "arrested and sent to jail for hate crimes".

[RavensChick]

6. Wow!

Well that clears it up. Thanks 'cause I was about to rant again.