LD1396 (The Common Core Repeal Bill) “An Act Regarding Educational Standards for Maine Students” was voted voted “Ought Not To Pass” 12-1.

Normally other legislators take their cues from The Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. But they did not support this bill. Rep. Mike McClellan was the only voice of support. Because of his vote, this bill can make it to the House Floor to hopefully be opened up for a lively discussion and debate about the merits of this bill.

Your voice needs to speak volumes!

I believe the 127th Legislature should restore the K12 public education in the pursuit of happiness, individualism, self-governess, and continual self-improvement. Children need a teacher with a special skill which can generate excitement in a child’s desire to learn, because you can’t do it for them. It is time to restore the true purpose of education and that is the shaping of a human being, intellectually and morally, into a responsible, wise adult. I agree with what Thomas Jefferson stated in a letter to James Madison. He stated that the purpose of education is to develop the soul of a person so that he may govern himself in the governess of others.

The Common Core Standards are copyrighted and actually owned by two private, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – the National Governors Association Center (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) – out of reach of the “Freedom of Information Act.”

Now is the time to contact your representatives!

Members of the House can be found a http://www.maine.gov/legi s/house/hbiolist.htm; members of the Senate at http://legisweb1.mainelegislature.org/wp/senate/senators.

Call or email them to express your thoughts about the passage of LD 1396 An Act Regarding Educational Standards for Maine Students. The only way the rest of the legislators will take notice on this bill is if they hear from you.

Gordon Draper Bowdoin