Vote to change history typical of GOP

My biggest problem with Democrats is that they want too much control over what I do with my money. My biggest problem with Republicans is that they want too much control over what I do with my body.

My second biggest problem with Republicans is their blatant denial of the truth on account of the fact that they don't like it. It's like sticking your fingers in your ear and saying "I can't hear you," except it's done by adults — and with potentially severe ramifications.

For instance, Oklahoma lawmakers are steadfast in their effort to block funding for Advanced Placement U.S. history courses, saying the curriculum is not patriotic enough. They're not actually saying it's inaccurate, mind you. Just that they don't like it.

Actually, the wording of HB 1380, a real bill in the Oklahoma House, states that AP History doesn't focus enough attention on “American exceptionalism.” It passed out of committee with 11 Republican votes and no Democratic votes (out of a possible four).

And Oklahoma's not alone in their denial of a historically accurate history. 

The Republican-controlled Texas Board of Education asked the College Board — the organization that administers the AP tests — to rewrite the U.S. history curriculum. 

Let's try that again for effect:

The Republican-controlled Texas Board of Education asked the College Board — the organization that administers the AP tests — to rewrite the U.S. history curriculum (because it wasn't patriotic enough.)

Republicans tried something similar in Colorado.

Here's an idea to Republicans: If you want history to feature "American exceptionalism," make America exceptional. You're the ones with the reins. So instead of fighting about funding for high school history classes, fix our nation's broken infrastructure, cure diseases, fight poverty, end hunger, house the homeless. You know, do something exceptional.

Kudos to my 17-year-old daughter for bringing this one to my attention. She was — understandably — upset about it. And while she may not read her father's columns, no one can accuse her of being uninformed. At least not unless Republicans get their way.

+Scott Leffler is a registered Libertarian who despises Republicans ... and Democrats ... and most Libertarians, too, actually. Follow him on Twitter @scottleffler. 

This column was originally published on East Niagara Post.