I am starting Dads for Literacy as both a response to the Parents Matter Act (PMA) currently up for approval by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, and as a counterpoint organization to the group behind PMA, the so-called, Moms for Liberty.
The Freedom to read is an American Tradition!
As has been well documented, Moms for Liberty (MFL), works with hate groups, like the Proud Boys, uses hate language in quoting Hitler in their newsletter, and has worked to ban books in public libraries across this great nation. Their Orwellian doublespeak of a name is outrageous. They are absolutely not for liberty. They are for book banning and censorship.
Censorship casts a shadow over free expression, stifling diverse voices and ideas. In its grip, societies risk intellectual stagnation. Literacy is a beacon of enlightenment, empowering individuals to resist this darkness, fostering a vibrant community where ideas flourish and minds are free.
This is the type of society Dads For Literacy waants to see and MFL abhors.
Why is literacy so important? In Fresno County, 39+% of adults cannot read to the 6th grade level. Low literacy rates breed high drop-out rates, high gang involvement, high crime rates, and lower economic opportunities for the whole county.
Higher literacy rates correlate with better educational outcomes, reducing dropout rates. When people are literate, they have more options, making them less susceptible to joining gangs or engaging in criminal activities.
Education serves as a powerful deterrent against involvement in negative aspects of community life.
Now I want to shed light on the antonym of Literacy, the insidious specter that is censorship—a force that lurks in the shadows, threatening the very essence of our freedom.
Censorship, like a silent predator, preys on the diversity of thought, snuffing out voices that challenge the status quo.
Imagine a world where dissent is muffled, where only a narrow narrative is allowed to thrive. This is the reality under the ominous umbrella of censorship. It robs us of the rich tapestry of ideas, leaving a monochrome landscape where creativity withers and innovation fades.
Literacy is the antidote to the intellectual malaise of censorship. It is more than just the ability to read; it is the key to unlocking minds and empowering communities.
A literate society is a resilient one, equipped to navigate the turbulent waters of misinformation and manipulation. In a community that values literacy, individuals become the guardians of their own minds. They can critically assess information, discern fact from fiction, and resist the oppressive forces of censorship.
Literacy becomes a powerful weapon against ignorance, enabling people to engage in meaningful dialogue and shape a collective narrative that is diverse and inclusive.
So, let us champion literacy as a beacon of enlightenment, dispelling the darkness that censorship seeks to impose.
Let us build communities where the free exchange of ideas is not only protected but celebrated—a sanctuary where minds can flourish, unshackled by the chains of suppression.
In the battle against censorship, literacy is our most formidable ally.
Together, let us wield the power of knowledge to ensure that the horrors of censorship never cast their shadow over the bright future we strive to create.
Improving literacy enhances communication, empowers individuals to access information, and fosters critical thinking. In a community, this translates to better-informed citizens, increased economic opportunities, and a foundation for overall progress.
Isn’t that what we want for Fresno – For America – a well-educated society with the ability to critically assess information?
I know Dads For Literacy do!