On one hand, the traditionalist in me bemoans the lack of interest in education on the part of the average teenager. Yet, instead of worrying about the “commies in the USSR,” I'm concerned about the ones in China (1.3 billion of them – and note that my tongue is firmly placed in my cheek here … in other words, do American high school students have what it takes to compete on the world stage, with test score comparisons as they are?

I think it was Cornell West in _Race Matters_ who tried to address this problem with African-Americans – and pointed the finger at mass media. It's interesting that the biggest impediment to me in the classroom… mass media… is also my greatest tool.

For this reason, I am also optimistic. I just ask for balance. And (in response to G falls), have to point the finger away from the overworked teacher and to the underinvolved parent.

At the same time, Dreyfuss DOES have an amazing voice. I'd put him in for a #2 spot for narrating my life or something.

On one hand, the traditionalist in me bemoans the lack of interest in education on the part of the average teenager. Yet, instead of worrying about the “commies in the USSR,” I'm concerned about the ones in China (1.3 billion of them – and note that my tongue is firmly placed in my cheek here … in other words, do American high school students have what it takes to compete on the world stage, with test score comparisons as they are?

I think it was Cornell West in _Race Matters_ who tried to address this problem with African-Americans – and pointed the finger at mass media. It's interesting that the biggest impediment to me in the classroom… mass media… is also my greatest tool.

For this reason, I am also optimistic. I just ask for balance. And (in response to G falls), have to point the finger away from the overworked teacher and to the underinvolved parent.

At the same time, Dreyfuss DOES have an amazing voice. I'd put him in for a #2 spot for narrating my life or something.

If I am recalling the _Gettysburg Times_ article correctly, it states that Mr. Dreyfuss received a standing ovation after his speech; the ovation was not done in reference to that single sentence. If that is the case, then I would not worry about the siginificance of it. I have attended several Dedication Day speeches, some better than others, and I think that all of the speakers received an ovation, at least out of courtesy if not for anything else.

Regarding your opinion that “. . . they are already dead to the world,” isn't that a bit harsh? It almost reduces your commentary to an “us vs. them” argument.

Thanks for the link to Mr. Dreyfuss' website. It does appear to be rather sparse.

Funny, but I always thought parents had something to do with their children's education. Thus it stands to reason that you are condemning parents … and thus the parents of their parents … until you've taken a swipe at everyone.

Of course, that's why you posted under a false name … because you didn't care to be subjected to the same scrutiny. Should we blame you for your inability to reason dispassionately with this problem? I'd think so.

“To quote you: The truth is that this generation of teenagers is more connected to the world around them than at any time in this nation’s history” is absolutely laughable. If you call sitting on their overweight butts punching computer keys and listening to teachers like you (everyone knows that those who CAN do – those who CAN'T – teach), then, yea, sure, they're “connected” all right!

However, those in the sane world have only to look at test scores and talk to students (I just had a teenager ask me last week if the monuments on the Gettysburg battlefield were there during the battle). Was she one of YOUR students??? Oh, yea – connected!

You and your ignorant ilk are the cause for the brainless wonders that are coming out of schools today. This country is doomed as long as their are teachers (jokes for making a living) like you.

God bless Richard Dreyfus! One can only imagine why you would make fun of two thousand people who “got it.” I rather guess you are proud to stand alone in your ignorance. (insert laugh here)