Letter: Founding ideals of nation needed more than ever

Thursday, Aug. 19, 1999 | 10:04 a.m.

Those among us who served, especially in World War II, understand the difference between "free speech" and inciting violence.

Littleton, Colo., or the recent shootings in Granada Hills, Calif., are actually no surprise, given our recent amnesia of the intent of the Declaration of Independence. Two bills introduced in the 1999 Nevada Legislature fell victim to this disorder.

AB144, in its original form, would have required public schools to "cooperate with the pupil to determine a reasonable alternative activity" if a student refuses to stand in silence or respect for a patriotic observance of the principles upon which this nation was founded.

SB285 attempted to require teaching in our public schools the essence of the Declaration of Independence, including the founding ideal that we are endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Teaching of respect for our fellow citizens apparently is not a modern concept. It was defeated!

We do not need new laws to stop this violence, we need to ourselves remember, and educate our youth, the founding principles of our country.

ED GOBEL President Council Of Nevada Veterans Organizations