This is a real scandal. I am getting reams of e-mails like this one:

“Unfortunately, your correspondent is quite correct, at least if my

experience is any indication. I had never heard of the Battle of Horseshoe

Bend, and frankly, had never heard the Battle of Midway referenced while in

school. I’m 26 years old, and in graduate business school at the University

of [major US city]. After college, I undertook to educate myself about

American history, and was astounded to learn how little I knew about

massively important events in my own country’s history. Almost all of my

knowledge of history is self-taught, and my classmates are frequently

astounded at my knowledge, which leads me to believe that my schooling

deficiency was hardly unique. The sad fact is that my public school system

was considered to be top-notch in our area, and I was a top student. It’s

scary to think how little my fellow Americans, irrespective of their

intelligence, know about their country’s past.”