Poll Shows Patriotic Fervor Short-Lived on Our Campuses



by Jim Brown

A nationwide survey by Republican pollster Frank Luntz reveals some shocking insight in the patriotic pride — or lack thereof — among American college students.

The poll was commissioned by Empower America, a group led by former Secretary of Education and “drug czar” William Bennett. Among the findings were that 37% of American college students would evade the draft if one were called today. Empower's Jeff Kwitowski says the results are shocking, especially after the events of September 11.

“It's very disappointing, it's disheartening, and it calls into question if we really know — as a country, as a people — why we must fight this war,” he says.

The poll also shows that 79% of those students do not think Western culture is superior to Arab culture. Kwitowski says this anti-American attitude originates with college professors who preach the myth that America is nothing more than an imperialistic nation.

“Many of these higher institutions — these 'elite' colleges — have focused more on the faults of America and the faults of American civilization than on the greatness and the goodness of America, Western civilization, and our values,” he says.

Kwitowski says it is important to remember this is the same Arab culture that suppresses women and does not give equal rights to Christians, Jews, and people of other faiths.

According to Kwitowski, the poll not only calls into question the focus of America's colleges and universities, but also what is taught in the home. “What are families doing during the quiet times, around the dinner table, during the family vacations, and during these great holidays, like the July 4th holiday that is coming up?” he asks.

“What are parents doing? How are they celebrating it? Are they taking the time to instill — at an early age into our kids, into the next generation — what America is, why it is indeed the greatest country in the world, and why it must be protected and defended?”

The poll also shows that college students in the U.S. are unfamiliar with many top federal officials. For example, only 19% knew Condoleezza Rice is President Bush's National Security Advisor, and only 32% knew Donald Rumsfeld is Secretary of Defense.


(This article courtesy of Agape Press.)

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