The War Room

Q & A: FAITH BASED EDUCATION, PART 2

You said you thought John Tory's system is flawed. Why did you say that?

As with anything that receives government funding, the fact that it will have to conform to government guidlines means it could be watered down. That is a valid concern. But it also weeds out extremists.

Why do you think John Tory is insincere?

As I have said before, I like John Tory. Overall, he is a decent man. But he is not a real conservative. He has alienated the conservative base of the party and has tried cosying up to the media and the left. This is his token bone to PC social conservatives and attempt to woo socially conservative ethnic minority votes who might vote Liberal.

Why do you think John Tory is promoting it wrong?

He is trying to say Dalton McGuinty is an elitist for being a product of a Catholic educational system. It makes it look as though it is Catholics who are opposed to faith based schools. This is incorrect and rubs many practising Catholics the wrong way because they do not see Dalton McGuinty as a practising Catholic. McGuinty defines himself by his secular left-wing values. His percieved "Catholicism" has nothing to do with it.

Then is Dalton McGuinty an elitist?

At face value, yes. But I do not take McGuinty at face value. Political strategy is about thinking ahead; two steps more than the other guy. I think if/when he wins, he will use this criticism as an excuse to begin to dismantle the Catholic School System. That is what the secular left (his base) has been wanting for years. This would also appeal to many Red Tory's.

But what if Dalton really is for the Separate School system?

The Separate School system in Ontario is not truly Catholic. Most of the schools (I'd wager at least 50%) are fitted with teachers who have very secular left-wing views on issues of economics, the military, sexuality, law etc. Look at the positions of the Catholic teachers union; especially in Toronto. True Catholicism is neither left nor right. This left-wing ideological infiltration will not be immediately present in other faith based schools. That's why progressives are threatened.

But how do I know what is being taught in faith based schools? Shouldn't I be worried about extremist factions such as in Islam?

No, it should make you feel better. They will have to conform to provincial standards. Again, these schools already exist. If extremists are now in the system, it is better to have these schools open to inspection. But let's not just pick on what is a very small number in Islam, do you not think left wing extremists exist in the public school system supporting radical causes?


Next, Part 3.

posted by Nicol DuMoulin @ 10:39 AM