OPINION:
“White House says Smithsonian pushes leftist ideology, cannot be trusted to tell America’s story” (Web, July 6) was a bit of a shock.
According to a White House report, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History “purposely presents America as a problematic country irredeemably conceived, founded by deeply flawed men and still operating today as an instrument of systemic racism and oppression.”
It seems the Smithsonian and our public education system have failed to educate the public.
If we are so racist, how have people of color been elected as president and vice president of this country? What accounts for minority successes in all walks of life?
A bigger problem would seem to be our education system. A recent Cato Institute survey of adults indicated that 46% of those surveyed didn’t know why we celebrate the 4th of July.
I remember first visiting the National Museum of American History as a child in the 1950s. It brought American history to life in a very positive way, with inspiring exhibits that gave me a better understanding of our nation’s history.
It has been a few years since my last visit, but based on the article about the White House report, I certainly don’t find the Smithsonian presentations inviting. It breaks my heart to think many young people visiting the museum these days will probably not be inspired as I was to love and appreciate this country, blessed by God.
DANIEL P. MCKIM
Springfield, Virginia
Please read our comment policy before commenting.