Sunday, April 29, 2018

I PLEDGE - Week 1



copyright 2018 - Vic Campbell

I PLEDGE

A Weekly theme for school reflection time to coincide with or even replace the pledge to the flag. The concept is to build on the great thinkers over the ages (from all parts of the world and of many backgrounds and experiences) who contributed to the thought behind the US Constitution.

What was behind their thinking as they created a nation that has a system of civil government that is WORTHY of making a pledge to support and defend. If we do not understand WHY we would pledge to an IDEA, then why do it?
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I PLEDGE

WEEK ONE

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CICERO --

A mind without instruction can no more bear fruit than can a field, however fertile, without cultivation.
Cicero
Roman author, orator, & politician (106 BC - 43 BC)




The people who founded the United States of America were well read. They studied the literature and philosophies and governments of thousands of years. Cicero was not just a few quotes to them. His life writings were one of the required elements of their classical instruction. But - by reviewing some insightful quotes from Cicero (and many others), we can gain a little perspective of the serious thought given to the structure of the government these founding leaders would envision.

This quote is found in many forms from many writers and thinkers in history. The concept here is that education is critical to progress as a person AND as a nation. The debate then becomes - WHAT constitutes a good education? Who shall have access to this treasure?

Questions for the week 
DAILY -- Read the quote only - and write a paragraph
 by the end of the week on one daily question

Day 1 -- Who is responsible for your education? Is instruction not the same as "education"?
Day 2 -- Should everyone receive some minimal standard of instruction?
Day 3 -- How did Cicero get his basic instruction?
Day 4 -- How can you get more knowledge about what YOU want to do?
Day 5 -- Is education a right? a privilege? a gift? a requirement? a certificate? A goal?




Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman politician and lawyer, who served as consul in the year 63 BC. He came from a wealthy municipal family of the Roman equestrian order, and is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists. (wikipedia)

When we say a PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE to the Flag -- does that mean an allegiance to our government or our nation? Is there a difference? Why? 

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

A project of 12ponder.com and me3tv.org


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