In defense, Henry says he agrees democracy should demand that all citizens have equal opportunity, but feels egalitarians have gone too far by insisting all should finish equally. Henry concedes that in our diverse culture, people do not begin on a level playing field. Explain what he feels these groups lose, and what society loses. Using empirical evidence, defend your own beliefs. Henry starts with the assumption that the collective culture of traditional Western Civilization includes the wisdom of humankind.
Test scores support the author's position that American educational standards have declined.
He asserts that parents and teachers no longer teach reverence for authority and learning, that schools have become rehabilitation centers making up for social and psychological deficiencies, and that schools focus on bringing slower students up to speed rather than challenging the gifted to move forward. Many people agree that in some cases political correctness has been carried to extremes. This comes at a time when downsizing is being challenged as a miracle cure for business. Henry believes that this false chumminess, this playing down of individual achievement accomplished by intellectual rigor, makes it next to impossible for a leader to inspire citizens to better themselves. Defend or attack his position.