March 3 is the day dedicated to encouraging literacy through reading. It used to be known as Reading Across America. March 3 was chosen because it was Dr. Seuss' birthday. He was instrumental in increasing literacy among American youth. This year, many areas chose not to include Dr. Seuss books in favor of ones that are indoctrinating children with an agenda instead of teaching them how to read. This is wrong for many reasons.
As a journalist and author, I am concerned about the precedent set by taking Dr. Seuss from schools and libraries. Banning books is the first step toward having a government telling us what we are allowed to read, what we are allowed to think and what we are allowed to say. His books might offend some people, but they have a right be available. He is allowed to have his say. And, the replacements might offend more people. When does it stop? Huckleberry Finn will be next or To Kill a Mockingbird will be found offensive, but at the times they were written, that was what common. You can't impose 2021 political correctness on 1960s or older books.
Goes Against Constitution
We have a Constitution and first amendment that guarantees free speech, which includes printed books, electronic books, information on the Internet and newspapers. While the publisher is within its rights to remove books from print and not sell certain books, the libraries are not allowed the same permission. The libraries are a public entity, which are required to abide by the 14th amendment, which applies the first amendment to states and cities. Therefore, when the libraries started removing the books to be “politically correct,” they violated our right to free speech. We have a guarantee in the Constitution to say what we wish even if that language might be offensive to one party. And, in the last year, the Constitution has been under attack in exchange for public health. For example, churches were not allowed to be open and offer a place to worship to their congregation. Trials by jury were not held. Therefore, innocent people were not given their right to a fair trial. And, the federal government was making decisions for states, which violates the 10th amendment. We can't let attacks on our Constitution to continue or we would become a police state or a dictatorship. We would have to defend our Christian faith or be afraid to leave our house.
Dr. Seuss Accomplishments Should Outweigh the Problems
Almost every child in the United States learns to read by using Dr. Seuss books. His rhymes and funny words helps children understand the language and pick up reading more easily. Those books about culture diversity are not as easily read as Dr. Seuss. His books also have a message that all children need to learn. The Lorax teaches children to be environmentally aware. Horton Hears a Who tells children that everyone matters regardless of their looks or nationality. Green Eggs and Ham teach children to try food before they say they don't like something. Others allow children to dream and reach for the impossible. How the Grinch Stole Christmas shows children that Christmas isn't about the gifts or stuff but about Jesus and love for each other. These are powerful messages that would be lost if we listen to a few noisy people. And, without Dr. Seuss illiteracy is likely to increase.
Division Growing
Much of what is termed offensive is a move toward dividing our country. We are no longer Americans. We are this group or that group. Discrimination is growing. We are offended easily, which means that we are ripe for people to attack us and hurt us greatly. We need to stop worrying about what people say and remember that they have a right to say it even if we don't like it. We need to stop making decisions that are wrong, such as allowing transgenders in the military, and start working together again. We must protect our freedoms before it is too late. The United States is the only democracy that guarantees free speech. In the United Kingdom, the government can remove information if it chooses. We need our Constitution to survive the dangers in the world. We need our freedoms that our founding fathers worked so hard to protect. We need each other. We need God in our lives.
Children Should Be Free
We should not be giving children books that promote a government agenda. This is what tyrants did throughout history, most recently in World War II under the Nazis. Let children decide if they like something or want to know more about a subject. That is what freedom of speech is, the right to choose for yourself what to read, think and say. We are taking away this freedom when we force children to learn what the government wants. It is not right and goes against our core values.
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