[December 4, 2020] The U.S. has experienced an anti-military ideology since the 1960s. This kind of thinking has become a key component of Progressive dogma. In the city of San Francisco, this line of Progressive thinking is strong. Recently, community leaders in San Francisco saved their JROTC program from school board members’ intent on removing the program.
Those of us who study leadership know that being a leader means convincing people to do things they would not ordinarily do. It is practiced, not so much in words, as in attitude and actions.
In November 2006, San Francisco board members, openly hostile to the United States military, persuaded other members to “phase out JROTC.”1,2 Despite open support from all seven High School Principals, Parent Teacher Student Associations, numerous politicians, and students, the board remained unimpressed.
Social media was coming into its own during these years. Facebook and other media platforms were used to unite those with interest in saving the JROTC programs. For more than a year, the group “Choice for Students” rallied community support, contacted politicians, and made clear, well-organized arguments for keeping the program.
Eventually, using the democratic process, they gathered enough signatures to place the measure on the ballot. Students, parents, and local supporters talked to voters about the values of JROTC, about the skills taught that are relevant to jobs and life, and about choice.
“You may not be connected to JROTC, but if the School Board can eliminate a program they dislike on ideological grounds, they won’t stop with JROTC.” – Michael Bernick, parent
In the poem, “First they came …” by Martin Niemöller, the Lutheran pastor who survived the concentration camps was prevalent. Democratic Party officials urged parents and students to “compromise” (eliminate uniforms, remove the JROTC name, and cut official ties to the U.S. military). They were told to “be reasonable.”
On election day, the measure to keep JROTC won overwhelmingly. Following the election, anti-JROTC board members used delay tactics to stop any formal decision to keep the program. But in May 2009, after a long night of waiting, the Board voted 4-3 to restore the program.
A popular radio show host offered the School Board members and Superintendent the opportunity to explain their views of opposing JROTC. Not a single one returned calls to speak on the radio show.
This fight to keep a vital JROTC program is an example of what can be done when most voters see through empty ideology and recognize excellence.
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- http://www.usarmyjrotc.com/general/program_overview.php Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is one of the largest character development and citizenship programs for High School-aged youth in the world. The U.S. National Defense Act of 1916 established JROTC programs.
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelbernick/2020/12/01/todays-education-battles-lessons-from-a-campaign-that-saved-jrotc–in-the-public-schools/?sh=7f4fc8e62662
The story of the anti-military ideology of the left is NOT anti-war as they claim. They hate our military… because it’s what they are told. There is no real reason except they just need a target.
Another spot on article by gen. Satterfield. Good to see that we have the forces of good still out there fighting the good fight against the Nazi-like fascism of our educational system. I should know, I teach at the High School level.
Keep plugging away to protect our youth. Thank you Mr. Asper for doing what you can to help our young throw off the insidious ideology of Karl Marx.
Great article. Sad to read this.
It looks to me that this ‘fight’ has been going on now for 14 years. Nothing is more depressing than the anti-millitary, pro-marxist ideology of these people. I’m beyond arguing with these nuts.
When school boards adopt Marxism as their underlying philosophy (or in this case, their ideology), they believe they are superior to everyone else. Note the vote in this case was 4-3, marginal victory but I will predict only a temporary victory. The evil forces are on the march and many who march with them are blind to what they do.
Like communists of old, they employ all tactics to attack to destroy. No change, except they have no guns (for now).
Good point, Roger. I see another defeat for JROTC in the future. Gen. Satterfield is right, they are anti-military but also anti-American. They are blind but that doesn’t mean we have to treat them with respect.
I may be new here but I’m liking what I read. These daily doses of leadership snippets are great. Thank you sir.
#metoo. Ha ha ha. I also new. 😳
Welcome Kelly & Terrance!
Yes, welcome to all those who are new to Gen. Satterfield’s leadership blog. Please feel free to comment on the ideas of others or bring up info that you want to share or… lay out new ideas for us to discuss. That is how we make ourselves THINK better and develop our leadership skills. No one here will be nasty like the leftist you see on other websites.
Welcome Terrance and Kelly. It is always good to see new folks on this leadership website by Gen. Satterfield. Bringing new ideas and thoughts are a big plus. Please critique our words and ideas. 😊
For those of living (ie, existing) in the Republic of San Fran, we all know that our elected officials are batshit crazy. But so many lemmings live here that are WOKE….that explains it all.
Amazing what an anti-American ideology will destroy.
The School Board of SF, stupid is as stupid does.
👍👍👍👍
Forrest, you got that one right on the button. Thanks, partner. This is the kind of shootdown that we all like to see. They also want to defund the police and then they wonder why crime is rising. Must be those pesky rightwing nuts, sarc/
Neo-Marxism destroys!
What else is there to say but you are right.
Hi Fran, haven’t seen you here before. Welcome. Keep reading and writing comments. This makes for a more interesting and educational setting for us all.