Cynthia Dunbar: Constitutional Scholar?

by: ProgressiveInTexas

Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 02:42 PM CDT

( - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)

If Governor Perry is arrogant enough to appoint Cynthia Dunbar as Chair of the State Board of Education I would hope that the State Senate is sensible enough to reject her. How could a person who is bent on dismantling of the public school system be entrusted to head the body chartered for the purpose of advancing public education? She claims that the public school system is unconstitutional? As a lawyer one would believe that she has read the Texas Constitution at least once.

Article 7, Section 1 of the Texas Constitution states: "A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.".

Ms. Dunbar also appears to be lacking in her factual knowledge of American History and the United States Constitution.

In a letter to John Tyler, Thomas Jefferson wrote: "I have indeed two great measures at heart, without which no republic can maintain itself in strength: 1. That of general education, to enable every man to judge for himself what will secure or endanger his freedom. 2. To divide every county into hundreds, of such size that all the children of each will be within reach of a central school in it."

In her book, Ms. Dunbar claims that the framers of the Constitution formulated an "emphatically Christian Government.". She also believes that only those who share in HER belief system should be allowed into Government.

Has she heard of the First Amendment? Did she fail her high school history classes? Does she realize that what she advocates is exactly what the founding fathers found reprehensible? In the 18th century, England was a theocracy. Only those of the correct faith were permitted hold public office or receive government commissions.

Lest we forget that Iran is a theocracy. The First amendment is the bulwark that protects us from the perils of a theocracy. Maybe the Texas Bar Association should reexamine her qualifications.

Tags: Perry, SBOE, (All Tags)

Print Friendly View

Send As Email

Cynthia Dunbar: Constitutional Scholar? | 5 comments

vote (0.00 / 0)

thank you. and be sure to write your representatives, senators, and Gov goodhair to protest the appointment of that woman to chair the SBOE.

by: aggie77 @ Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 21:14:05 PM CDT

The problem is... (0.00 / 0)

...that Governor Perry is once again making an appointment that will not be subject to senate approval until the next time the legislature is in session. Like the previous SBEC chair, she could sit as chair for 18 months without a hearing or a vote.

by: McKinney @ Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 21:19:06 PM CDT

Besides the First Amendment, (0.00 / 0)

we have an even more direct provision of the Constitution:

"...no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." U.S. Const. Art. VI.

This isn't rocket science, Ms. Dunbar.

"In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican." - H.L. Mencken

by: PI Lawyer @ Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 22:24:38 PM CDT

Dunbar's 'reasoning' is spelled out in her book (5.00 / 2)

She starts with the biblical passage, where Moses tells the children of Israel:

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words that I command you on this day shall be upon your heart. And you shall teach them diligently to your children ...

and infers that God has entrusted education to parents, not to government. (I agree that teaching children about God should be entrusted to parents, and should be kept the heck out of public schools, but I don't think that Moses was talking about algebra and biology.) Since public education seeks to replace that God-given parental authority, Dunbar argues that it is an unconstitutional violation of freedom of religion, and should be replaced across the board with home schooling and local co-ops.

If you find this reasoning mind-bogglingly offensive, take steps to replace Dunbar on the Board! I am running against her, and could use your help. Please go to my website, LorenzoSadun.com and contribute to my campaign .

Several others are running as well. If you prefer Judy Jennings or Rebecca Osborne to me, then help them. We'll all make the case that Dunbar is unfit for the SBOE, and that case needs to be made loudly.

by: LSadun @ Fri Jul 10, 2009 at 07:39:08 AM CDT