a standard line for me as I opened a Saturday WaPo used to be "OK - let's see what Colman's whining about now"....I think he also teaches at AU....on the plus side, I seem to remember the Post having him cover the Kemper because he was a very good golfer in his own right.
new subject: I didn't realize Montgomery County was open to volunteer teachers coming into the classrooms. Might be fun to force the issue for an alternative program.
OMG! It is good to see that suckers never become extinct. Pity, though, that they are allowed teaching others.
It's an elective course, emphasis on elective. Why should it be banned? Isn't that censorship? These kids don't like what the class says (without having taken the class) and don't want anyone else to attend? Yep, sounds like those kids have a good understanding of how a democracy that has a constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech. Not!
Well, Bob, I didn't take the word "banned" literally, and I don't think you should, either. What he was saying, I think, was that if a course is ideological claptrap with a teacher who tries to indoctrinate students, the course shouldn't be given. That wouldn't be anything like censorship. Colman McCarthy has got many forums for his views. The schools don't have to invite in every outsider to teach a course to express his views; personally, I'd be happy to teach a course with my own asinine political views. In fact, I suspect it's highly unusual that McCarthy, who probably isn't certified, was permitted to teach the course. Where's the teacher's union, damn it?
You're kidding, right? Instead we're supposed to teach that violence is good? Are you nuts?
I hate to dignify this anonymous comment with a response, but if someone is trying to kill me, yes, violence against that person is good. Whether that makes me nuts I'll leave to others.
I wonder if the school has a JROTC program?
Mr. McCarthy is not expressing his first amendment prerogatives through this class; that is not what his role is as an educator (not that he is a licensed teacher). It also goes against objective professionalism that ought to be maintained in academic settings. Following Bob’s logic, Mr. McCarthy should be given forum to talk about how his religion is morally superior to all others as well, since this too is a First Amendment privilege; this is another question of objectivity and the role of the education system, which is certainly not to preach on matters of subjectivity. On this issue, keep in mind that BCC is not a town square or a political battleground; it is an institution of education. Therefore, it is not an outlandish idea that any class without an objective, academic purpose should come under scrutiny or be censored. Furthermore, BCC does not have the resources or the obligation to provide anyone with a political view an unadulterated class of their own.
Though this is an elective class, any class that the school system offers is a manifestation of the very values that the education system holds dear; this is especially true at the high school level.
And no ROTC or armed forces influence whatsoever...The parents go crazy at any mention of something that could be interpreted as loosely conservative.
Avishek Panth (panthster@gmail.com)
Junior, Bethesda Chevy Chase HS
Oy, this is too much. A Peace class.
Yeah you are absolutely right Attila!
How dare someone oppose war and violence. Someone has to shut him up!
I'm pretty sure we can go along bombing and killing indefinitely. At some point (when no one else is left?) we should achieve peace. Its worked great so far.
By the way, have you looked at his materials or read any of his books...in other words are you speaking from a position of knowledge or ignorance. I bet I know which one!
Good job.
First of all, peace studies is in no way biased to any political party. The teacher is probably liberals because liberalism is strongly associated with idealism, which is the opposite of realism, which believes war is a way to solve conflicts. The very subject of peace studies, however, is not taught from a party perspective.
Furthermore, I have taken some peace studies classes in college, so i understand how the class is run, and, if nothing else, it gives students an alternative to war and, believe it or not, an alternative to diplomacy when a conflict arises. Perhaps before criticizing the teacher, who, by your description seems to be nothing more than a ghandi loving man trying to create an alternative, and before criticizing the class, you should study up and expand that tiny, fractional little mind of yours mister atilla. (its ironic that your name of this website is atill, dont you think?)
Um, anonymous 2, you're about 2-1/2 years late to this party. We've been over this already. Colman McCarthy is a horse's patootie. And as for peace, I believe in peace through superior firepower.
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