As a former teacher and military veteran, “Why my Constitutional issue is important to me” piqued my interest [Sequim Gazette, page B-8, March 5, 2014].

What valuable lessons had these young scholars gleaned from Steve Boots’ eighth-grade U.S. history class concerning the supreme law of the land?  Would it be popular sovereignty, limited government and the separation of powers? Or maybe checks and balances, judicial review or federalism?

Why no, the critical Constitutional issues of the day were illegal immigration, gun control, the death penalty and – of course – “same sex” marriage.

A U.S. history class … on the Constitution … for eighth-graders … and these are the topics?

Illegal immigration is unlawful; gun control is a state issue; capital punishment is explicitly authorized by the Fifth Amendment; and as far as sodomy-based “marriage,” you can read the Constitution backwards and forwards, upside down, from right to left and in Sanskrit, and you will find no mention whatsoever of any right to engage in sexual perversion.

Thirteen- and 14-year-old children should be taught the basics in a U.S. history class, not a destructive wish list of progressive ideas.

I do appreciate the glimpse into the mindset of our local public schools, however, right before a $154 million bond levy vote.

When the local teachers union and school board go on record as being in favor of school choice – where parents pick a school for their child and their tax dollars go to that school – I will vote “yes.”

Until then – not a chance.

Jerry Ludke

Sequim