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But I don't understand the distinction. If a parent values the Democratic Party, as millions of parents obviously do, then explaining one's support for the Party IS teaching values. After all, how do you define "values"? Is it okay for Democrats to teach their children to be tolerant of different lifestyles, or is that an unacceptable lesson because it's similar to the Democratic platform? How about Democrats teaching their children to appreciate the environment and equality, while criticizing oil companies and corporate greed? Are Democratic parents allowed to teach that, or would it be too much like promoting the party? And is it okay for parents to tell their kids why they refuse to shop at Walmart, or must they keep it a secret, lest they be guilty of "indoctrination"? Is it acceptable for parents to openly advocate unions, pulling troops out of Iraq, civil rights, a woman's right to choose, or universal health care? Or would all of that fall under the "indoctrination" heading as well? Or is it okay to promote all of these things as long as you carefully avoid mentioning any political party by name?
If George Bush and I both agree to teach our children the "right values," do you suppose we're going to be teaching them the SAME values? Of course we won't. Whether or not he ever mentions a party by name, Bush's "right values" will (and did) push his children straight into the Republican Party. So, again, what's the difference between teaching my kids the "right values" and teaching them about an organization that I believe embodies those values? The distinction, it seems to me, is entirely arbitrary.
The alternative to having frank and open discussions about politics with your children -- an alternative that so many parents unfortunately buy into -- is to let them figure it out for themselves. As a result, kids tend to learn about politics from their equally uninformed friends, Fox News, internet rumors, etc. Or they simply don't learn about politics at all. Is it any wonder that the vast majority of young Americans have an incredibly limited understanding of politics and so little desire to get involved? Political ignorance and apathy are NOT healthy for our country. In fact, political ignorance and apathy are arguably responsible for getting us into the mess we're now in. Hiding your political beliefs from your children -- especially your support for the Democratic Party -- isn't doing them (or any of us) any favors. To the contrary, it's a terrible thing to allow your kids to grow up politically ignorant, as far too many parents seem to prefer.
If you're not a Democrat, then of course you won't want to teach your kids about the party's virtues. But if you ARE a Democrat, then why wouldn't you want your kids to know about it? If you can't bring yourself to tell your kids why you're a Democrat, then what's the point of being one?
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