Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1934-03-29
OUR SCHOOL SPEAKERS
\ skOy American:

Thanks to the editor for bringing
our public school issue before the peo-
pie. An answer would hardly seem
necessary, as any fair minded reader
can readily see how your selected edi-
torials in the very next column un-
arm your statements. However, II
parents, 35 to 60" really are "wob-
bling and switching as you state,
even with their practical experience"
that you point to in life, maybe 1t Is
necessary to answer. If it is true,
then this surely is a good argument
for helping the youth in high school
to know the facts.
You stated that no political party
or philosophy is to be placed higher
than another in that institution" We
agree. But the fact remains that this
principle has not been upheld. Let
us quote from the report of the Amer
lean Educ. Association convention
in Cleveland, Ohio. last month as
reported in the Duluth Herald Of
March 1 and 2: prof. Beale) "Power-
full groups, he was convinced after a
schools of the nation" Furthermore.
1.-The chief interest of big business in
the schools is the indoctrination of
pupils and teachers with concepts that
will silence criticism of business and
insure large profits for the future"
Read some of the text books in our
school and see what prominence is
given to the Republican and Demo-
cratic party policies, while the poll
cies of the Socialist, Communist, or
even the leading party of our state,
that elected the worthy Governor Oh
son-the Farmer-Labor party-are
barely mentioned. Is this equality?
All we ask for is that the facts
about and the policies of such estab-
liShed parties be presented to our
youth in high school without prejudice
that they can intelligently judge for
themselves later. How can anyone
otherwise expect them to fill their
place as citizens in our complex Sc
ciety. If a fair presentation of the
various party principles and philoso-
phies can not be given i'm social
science or civics class, then by all
means exclude all of them. Why con-
tnue to contaminate youths mind
with the principles of capitalism
which so miserably has failed today
and exclude the thought and training
for the cooperative commonwealth
that must come. If you attended the
meeting of the Farmers Holiday last
Monday and heard the last speaker,
you could not have failed to notice
how keenly that gathering of farm
ers and laborers listened to the talk
by Mr.. Egley on the need of the CO.
operative commonwealth. The bulk
of that group was no longer satisfied
with our present patchwork. Should
their children receive no considera-
ton as to teaching of the cooperative
principles? The studies, which you
state "are the important things in
school," are elementary grade sub
jects.
We feel that youth should have fur
Their help. We are not advocating
anything new or untried. We are only
trying to keep in step with the pro-
gressive thought of our farmers and
workers, that their children may be
prepared to take up their work in the
chaotic world which they must in
,herit. Again Let us quote from the
above mentioned report: prof. Civ
ens) "a large degree of social control
is necessary and education should be
geared to the new America. All
of us, including the owners, must be
subjected to a larger degree of social
control. :. But that assumes the con-
sent of the people, and that can be
given only when the people under
stand. :. He added that schools are
faced with the task of trying to find
out the truth about the new deal and
the newer deal which we need" (Our
underscoring).
You stated that there are three
socialists on the Askov school board.
Correct, and we are proud of it. For
the benefit of the public you might
have added we are also members of
the Farmers Holiday, the co-ops, have
voted with the Farmer-Labor party for
years, and are fairly law abiding citi-
zens! Up to this we know of no school
board member who has been ques-
toned as to his political party affili-
atiOns or OstraciZed because of them.
Why then the would be Paul Re-
veres" galloping out in the snow storm
last week to warn our country people
and call them to "arms" because
three Socialists were coming? Why
fear us any more than the other three
members on the board if you really
are advocating public ownership.
Might we suggest that you also get
out with us and work for it,
Please tell us what Socialist speaker
we have dragged" or persisted on
dragging" into the AskOv high school?
You have publicly accused us and
now we want the facts presented pub
licly.
The Dulleas. two splendid American
citizens, were here last year but with
the consent Of the superintendent and
every one of the high school faculty
seemed very pleased to be present at
the meeting. They told of the social and
economic conditions as they had seen
them on their travel abroad.
Robert Miller, who spoke this year,