Tyranny in the public schools

I'm not so concerned about the hubbub over the president's address to students this week, but the attitude of some of these school administrators is wicked. They have their fiefdoms and will rule with an ironhand.

But some parents won't be allowed to "opt-out" their kids everywhere. At least one school district, Tempe Elementary School District No. 3 in Arizona, is not permitting parents to pull their children out of class during Obama's speech.

I have directed principals to have students and teachers view the president's message on Tuesday," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Arthur Tate Jr. said in a statement Thursday. "In some cases, where technology will not permit access to the White House Web site, DVDs will be provided to classes on subsequent days. I am not permitting parents to opt out students from viewing the president's message, since this is a purely educational event."

"I am not permitting parent's to opt out..." Contra Scripture, the state trumps the parents' authority. I wonder what King Tate would have done if Ronald Reagan were president now. I'm sure appeals to "freedom of conscience" would win the day. Of course, Mr. Reagan would not have pulled this stunt to begin with.

If you send your kids to government schools, this is what you get.