Yesterday on Bill Mick Live we talked about the Astor Place riots and the impact that the love of Shakespeare in America of the 19th Century had on the nation, and the events of May 10, 1849.

After the show, I was thinking a bit more about things, and it occurred to me that there might be a related issue today. The New York times recently ran an article explaining the problems in primary schooling when it comes to the teaching of history. The article seems to indicate that history, and indeed most social studies, are being ignored in primary schools (1st-12th) in favor of the more technical subjects which are tested for assessments and entry into colleges.

Having a 7th grader myself, I am not convinced that is true, but it did raise some questions in my mind about HOW we teach not just history, but the values and principles that guided those who came before us…