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Yes, We Need Standardized Tests 0
- Economics
- October 27, 2015
While nobody really likes standardized tests, they do serve a purpose. That’s why calls to do away with them, particularly by teachers union lobbyists, should be met with skepticism. In Minnesota, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports, “The Legislature has made a raft of changes to public school testing in recent years, including eliminating high school
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14 Forceful Quotes from Teddy Roosevelt 0
- History
- October 27, 2015
1. “It is no use to preach to children if you do not act decently yourself.” 2. “A good many of you are probably acquainted with the old proverb, ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick — you will go far.’ If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big
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The Real Reason Why Rome Fell (and Why America Will Fall, Too)?0
- History
- October 26, 2015
Most Americans believe that the United States is in decline. To support that belief, eyes inevitably turn to the example of Ancient Rome for parallels between their fall and our supposed decline. There are many theories behind the cause of Rome’s fall. However, I frequently come across one theory more than any others. Simply put,
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Atheism Also Involves ‘Faith’0
- October 26, 2015
It’s popular to regard faith in God’s existence as “irrational,” and atheism as the height of rationality. But according to atheist Ijeoma Oluo, in a piece published in The Guardian this weekend, that’s just not true. Oluo writes, “I came to atheism the way that many Christians come to Christianity – through faith. I was
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12 Gore Vidal Quotes to Prepare You for Election Season 0
- Politics
- October 26, 2015
From the prolific writer (1925-2012) and perceptive critic of American politics: 1. “By the time a man gets to be presidential material, he’s been bought ten times over.” 2. “Happily for the busy lunatics who rule over us, we are permanently the United States of Amnesia. We learn nothing because we remember nothing.”
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Coming Clean: My 5 Suggestions for Improving the Education System 0
- Education
- October 23, 2015
At Intellectual Takeout, we often criticize today’s American education system. In reaction, some in our audience make the blanket accusation that we are “against public education.” Others accuse us of merely “cursing the darkness” rather than “lighting a candle,” and wonder what we would suggest to improve things. Are we against public education? If
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