Trickle Down Ignorance - at the US Citizenship Office!

[veracity]

This morning, an AP article brought out the schoolmarm in me. There’s such little awareness of American history on the part of so many in this country, that this story ticked me off to the point of having to share my thoughts. So, here goes:

The AP reported that the US government has plans to revise many of the civics questions asked of immigrants as part of the process of becoming American citizens.

The article cited one of the questions on the present test as being: What was the Emancipation Proclamation? It then explained that current applicants need to know that it freed the slaves.

NO IT DID NOT.

In fact, the Emancipation Proclamation did NOT free a single slave in any state on either side of the conflict between the states...nor did it intend to do so at that time.

For those who don't know, I've posted the historical truth here:
http://tvnewslies.org/blog/?p=507

When those who have the responsibility to teach others...especially potential citizens who have not had the advantage of American History 101 - this kind of misinformation is embarrassing....if not unforgivable.

[AspenRose]

1. Well, it didn't free the slaves in Texas, that's for sure

Since they didn't hear about it until 2 years after it was signed....hence the Juneteenth celebration.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth

[veracity]

2. the war had ended...

... and that put an end to slavery. Texas was not about to do Lincoln's bidding while they were still at war. They heard about it, but Jefferson Davis was their head honcho, not Abe.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. You are absolutely right

In fact, at the time, the Abolitionists in the government condemned the Proclamation, pointing out that it only freed slaves in areas where the Union had no control. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Proclamation was worded the way it was so that slaveholders in MO and KY would not cause any additional problems in those states. The 13th Amendment was what freed the slaves-all of them, everywhere.