Kids still learn the cherry tree myth of George Washington.

Haven't we any relevant facts about him to teach?

Granted, most of what he is known for is related to the military, violent battles. How about learning the geography of those battles, since some were local?

And, during Black History Month, it might be important to discuss Washington's position on slavery. Or talk about the social and political circles he moved in, name-drop a little.

I don't understand idealizing Washington. We do it for schoolchildren but I don't understand it.

Sure he was great. But he wasn't the greatest man ever. And he probably wasn't the greatest man of his time.

He was great for us, for our country at its beginning. And not because, as a boy, he hacked a cherry tree and confessed it. What a nonsense story. Time on the annual cherry blossom festival would be better spent.