On our abysmal knowledge of history

I thought the following passage would be appropriate for the No Kings protest yesterday in Kansas City. (I acknowledge it is slightly changed from the original.)

The history of our present King is one of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny.

Because it was a lot of words, it took some time for people to read it.  I then asked whether they knew where it was from.  I also asked those carrying signs that said “No Kings since 1776.” 

Only about 10% recognized where I got it.  Before reading further, do you recognize it? 

There is a poll below.  

When people didn’t know or guessed wrong (the Constitution or Hamilton), I politely suggested they need to sue their high school.  

This is a passage from the Declaration of Independence. That a large majority of our fellow citizens could not recognize this passage, especially at a rally titled No Kings, suggests something is seriously wrong with our teaching of our American history. 

What can we do about that?

Is this why so many of our fellow citizens can vote for Trump?  

(I love the reading of the Declaration of Independence by the reporters of NPR every July 4th.  Of course, this reveals how “woke” NPR is.)