Never Too Young to Indoctrinate: 'Why Mommy Is a Democrat'

March 21st, 2007 9:03 AM

Oy, did Google's algorithims ever misfire. There at the top of my Gmail inbox this morning was an ad, which the Google wizards presumably determined to be geared to my predilections, for a book called . . . "Why Mommy Is a Democrat."

I suppose Google was right, in the sense that the ad piqued my interest, though the odds of my buying a copy of the book are as remote as Outer Mongolia. But let's have a look. According to the About page:

Why Mommy is a Democrat brings to life the core values of the Democratic party in ways that young children will easily understand and thoroughly enjoy. . . this colorful 28-page paperback illustrates the Democratic principles of fairness, tolerance and peace, and concern for the well-being of others. It's a great way for parents to gently communicate their committment to these principles and explain their support for the party.

Why Mommy is a Democrat may look like a traditional children's book, but it definitely isn't just for children. With numerous subtle (and not-so-subtle) swipes at the Bush administration and the Republican party, Why Mommy is a Democrat will appeal to Democrats of all ages.

And what better way to teach kids those Democratic principles of "tolerance" and "concern for the well-being of others" than by taking "not-so-subtle swipes" at people who don't agree with you?

The sample pages are very revealing. Have a look at the one shown here: "Democrats make sure we all share our toys, just like Mommy does." I wonder how Dems "make sure" we share? Sounds a bit ominous. And so the socialist indoctrination begins! By the way, look closely at the upper right-hand corner of the page on display, or click on the sample page link to see a larger image. That is presumably a caricature of a Republican couple, the man smoking a cigar, the woman holding a poodle, ignoring a man with his hat in his hand.

Another pages assures us: "Democrats make sure we are always safe, just like Mommy does." Strength through sharing toys! And from whom is Mommy guarding the children? An evil elephant! Message to the kids: the real enemy aren't the jihadists, it's the Republicans!

A quick, well, Googling doesn't turn up a companion volume, "Why Daddy is a Republican." Market opportunity, anyone?

Note: the book is not new, just new to me, and still obviously being flogged on the Internet.

Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net