A Free Society is an Educated Society

By Ron Paul

A survey of 2,253 Americans conducted by Morning Consult and the Cato Institute provides some good news but also raises serious concerns about the future. The good news is that the survey indicates 55 percent of Americans believe the Constitution should put firm limits on government power and 58 percent say no political party should be trusted with too much power.

However, the survey also indicates that four in ten Americans would approve of a president they voted for “stretching” the Constitution to accomplish their goals. This is not surprising since it is common for people’s positions on presidential power to change when their candidate ends up in the Oval Office.

A disturbing result of the survey is that 53 percent of people in Gen Z (defined as those born between 1997 and 2012) have a favorable view of socialism while only 45 percent have a favorable view of capitalism. Fifty-one percent of Gen Z said they are more likely to vote for a candidate who identifies as a “democratic socialist.” This support for democratic socialism among young people means America will likely travel further down the path to totalitarianism, as younger voters respond to problems caused by government intervention in the economy with calls for more government.

Students who are not taught the history of America’s founding, including the importance of limiting government to a few well-defined functions and separating power among three branches of government and between the federal government and the states, will be less likely to support constitutional government. Similarly young people who are not taught that prosperity comes from free markets, private property, and sound money will be more likely to believe the socialist delusion that the key to prosperity is surrendering our liberty to politicians.

The lack of education in basic economics is why many confuse our current economic system with the free market and thus blame capitalism for problems caused by the government. This lack of education also allows President Trump to get away with denouncing socialism while taking at least partial control of private companies, a policy right out of the socialist handbook.

One factor in the decline of knowledge about American history, sound economics, and the principles the American republic is the neglect of history and civics education. The federal government insists that government schools focus on preparing children for mandated reading tests, as well as emphasize science and technology education. Teaching reading, math, and science is important, but that does not justify neglecting history and economics.

Parents looking to give their children a well-rounded education that includes focus on the history and ideas of liberty may want to explore my homeschooling curriculum.

My curriculum provides students with a solid education in history, literature, mathematics, and the sciences. It also gives students the opportunity to create their own websites and Internet-based businesses. Starting in the fourth grade, students are required to write at least one essay a week. Students also take a course in public speaking.

The curriculum emphasizes the history, philosophy, and economics of liberty, but it never substitutes indoctrination for education. The goal is to produce students with superior critical thinking skills. If you think my curriculum may meet the needs of your child, please visit www.RonPaulCurriculum.com for more information.