[quote=Allan from Fallbrook][quote=sunny88]
Political correctness is one of the major reasons why progress is so slow. We should all be able to tell the truth no matter how painful it is.[/quote]

Sunny: I agree with your assessment, but I think we both know that, in the America of today, frankly speaking one’s mind or stating the truth, is a recipe for disaster.

We’re not prepared (nor are we allowed) to speak the truth, so as not to offend, or make others feel bad, or honestly admit how far this country has fallen, especially when it comes to education, ability and performance.

I have two kids in grade school and it never ceases to amaze me how much effort goes into the “self-esteem” and “self-worth” of the students, and how little effort goes into actually teaching them. Teachers “teach to the test” (essentially gaming the State of California standardized test system, which drives all metrics, especially budgetary dollars). As parents, we’re constantly lectured about “diversity” and “cultural understanding”, but we hear very little about the three “R’s” (Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic).

In the 1960s, the California school system was one of the best in the world. Now look at it. Everyone knows why, but we’re too afraid to say it.[/quote]

You’re right, but then we shouldn’t complain about the country going down the drain. The only way to improve is to recognize the weaknesses and come up with solutions. Making people feel bad is often the first step for improvement. Tell people when they are lazy and praise them when they work hard. Don’t reward losers – make them feel bad to motivate them. I believe that the current climate is contraproductive and leads to disaster. Political correctness is the enemy of progress!