Fay, the importance of Civics has been mentioned many times here and elsewhere, and I have edited this reply to be more clear and a bit more comprehensive about the subject. We don't know how many adult Americans know Civics. My guess is that it is necessary for Americans of all ages. I would suggest that our government fund quality Civi…
Fay, the importance of Civics has been mentioned many times here and elsewhere, and I have edited this reply to be more clear and a bit more comprehensive about the subject. We don't know how many adult Americans know Civics. My guess is that it is necessary for Americans of all ages. I would suggest that our government fund quality Civics courses to be available free of charge. This is an American issue., which touches on important aspects of our Society, including daily life, our elections, and, of course, education and democracy. As democracies have been failing, the importance of Civics is not limited to the US.
I agree, Fern, although I taught physical science in school I certainly took time to assure my own children and grandchildren were well versed in Civics. I attended school in Canada (I didn't become an American citizen until 1967) civics were not taught in Canadian schools in the 1930's or 1940's. In fact I knew more about English history than Canadian. I studied American and World History in college in California before switching majors to science. I have been a political animal since age 6.
Fay, as an aside, I imagine you lived in Canada when Sir Harold Alexander (formerly Field Marshall) was Governor General of Canada. He was the last GG appointed by the British Crown, and I understand that he was very popular in that role.
My father worked closely with General Alexander during WWII, being part of Alexander's staff across all of North Africa, Sicily, and all the way up Italy. My father was so impressed with General Alexander's soldier and leadership abilities, honesty, humility, and overall sense of character. More than once, I've pondered how fortunate we'd be in the U.S. to have Alexander as President. General Eisenhower was in awe of Alexander and said he would gladly serve under him in the war.
Fay, the importance of Civics has been mentioned many times here and elsewhere, and I have edited this reply to be more clear and a bit more comprehensive about the subject. We don't know how many adult Americans know Civics. My guess is that it is necessary for Americans of all ages. I would suggest that our government fund quality Civics courses to be available free of charge. This is an American issue., which touches on important aspects of our Society, including daily life, our elections, and, of course, education and democracy. As democracies have been failing, the importance of Civics is not limited to the US.
I agree, Fern, although I taught physical science in school I certainly took time to assure my own children and grandchildren were well versed in Civics. I attended school in Canada (I didn't become an American citizen until 1967) civics were not taught in Canadian schools in the 1930's or 1940's. In fact I knew more about English history than Canadian. I studied American and World History in college in California before switching majors to science. I have been a political animal since age 6.
Fay, as an aside, I imagine you lived in Canada when Sir Harold Alexander (formerly Field Marshall) was Governor General of Canada. He was the last GG appointed by the British Crown, and I understand that he was very popular in that role.
My father worked closely with General Alexander during WWII, being part of Alexander's staff across all of North Africa, Sicily, and all the way up Italy. My father was so impressed with General Alexander's soldier and leadership abilities, honesty, humility, and overall sense of character. More than once, I've pondered how fortunate we'd be in the U.S. to have Alexander as President. General Eisenhower was in awe of Alexander and said he would gladly serve under him in the war.
Yes, Heydon, General Alexander was the Governor General of Canada and well liked. A real war hero for us.