President Introduces History & Civic Education Initiatives. Remarks of the President on Teaching American History and Civic Education Initiative.

The Rose Garden September 17, 2002.

[Begin quote] In the last year, in this last year of American history, we have witnessed acts of sacrifice and heroism, compassion and courage, unity and fierce determination. We have been reminded that we are citizens with obligations to each other, to our country, and to our history. These examples are particularly important for our children. Children reflect the values they see in their parents, and in their heroes. And this is how a culture can be strengthened and changed for the better.

During the last year, our children have seen that lasting achievement in life comes through sacrifice and service. They've seen that evil is real, but that courage and justice can triumph. They've seen that America is a force for good in the world, bringing hope and freedom to other people. In recent events, our children have witnessed the great character of America. Yet they also need to know the great cause of America. They are seeing Americans fight for our country; they also must know why their country is worth fighting for. [end of quote]

Life as a Revisionist seems to give me a different perspective on things than most personages of power and influence in our society. At a time when the President of the United States was citing "history" as a reason to invade Iraq, I was citing history as a reason not to invade Iraq. Most Americans agreed with Mr. Bush.