Santorum Crosses All Californians

Rick Santorum flat-out lies about California universities | Hotspyer

Normally, we don’t get involved in the back-and-forth of the campaigns, preferring instead to focus on a discussion of broader principles, issues, and policies. But we get our dander up when a candidate of any persuasion questions the patriotic credentials of Californians.

Rick Santorum apparently accused California universities for ruining the nation, claiming that “seven or eight” universities in the state do not even offer American history.

The University of California response:

But UC spokesperson Brooke Converse told Think Progress, which originally reported the story, that all University of California undergraduate programs require students to study American history and institutions, though the exact requirements vary by campus.

And from the California State University system:

The CSU requires each student receiving a baccalaureate degree to be knowledgeable about the Constitution of the United States, American history, and state and local government. This U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals Requirement is generally known as the American Institutions Requirement. You can complete this requirement either by completing the required courses (generally two) or, at some campuses, passing a comprehensive examination or a combination of coursework and examination.

When campaign rhetoric reaches this level of demagoguery, when a candidate has to lie in order to make his or her point, a line has been crossed.

Rick Santorum owes California an apology, and he needs to explain to us how he is planning on avoiding the spread of such disinformation in the future.