A reader responded with the following words:
The problem is that many school districts do not require a basic course in civics. Back in Hays when I was growing up every student needed to take that course in 8th grade.
It is what got me interested in political science which led me to major at FHSU and to get my master's and then later my Ph.D. at Missouri. It shaped my whole career in both public and academic realms.
Obviously not everyone needs to do that but if you do not have the basic understanding of checks and balances, separation of powers, the Constitution and the kinds of democracies that exist you are not doing your job as a citizen.
Democracy only works if you have an "informed" citizenry. If you do not then you are on a slippery slope. We have been on that slope for a long time and now those running the executive branch clearly do not have that basic understanding.
Comment by B.J. Reed, Sr. Vice Chancellor (retired), University of Nebraska at Omaha authorized for publication in response to "Understanding Our Government."
This reader of my blog sent this reply several months ago, and I saved it, having received his permission to share it at a later date.
Other blogs slipped into my posts, and I failed to share his comment. Because I try not to impose my opinions in my blogs, but rather to provide information that all readers might enjoy, I decided it was appropriate to ask someone that I knew votes more conservatively if they would express their openion about mandatory civics for students. I did not direct their responce behond asking their opinion about teaching civics in public schools.
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