Why Johnny Still Can’t Read: A Libertarian Take

Book Review

Libertarian review that highlights books on individual freedom, limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility. It critiques works from diverse genres, promoting independent thought and offering insights into libertarian ideas and their real-world impact.

Rudolf Flesch’s book Why Johnny Still Can’t Read (1981) exposes the failures of America’s education system in teaching kids to read. It builds on his earlier work, Why Johnny Can’t Read (1955), and argues that schools continue to use ineffective teaching methods, leaving millions of children unable to read properly. Flesch places the blame on government control, bureaucratic stubbornness, and special interests, calling for parents to take back control of their children’s education.

The Problem with Reading Education

Flesch focuses on the “look-say” or whole-word method, which teaches kids to memorize entire words by sight rather than understanding how letters and sounds work together. This method treats reading like recognizing pictures instead of a logical skill. Flesch argues this approach ignores how the English language works and sets kids up for failure.

Instead, he champions phonics, which teaches kids to connect letters with sounds and sound out words step by step. Phonics gives kids the tools to read new words independently. Without it, children end up frustrated and unable to read anything beyond the words they’ve memorized. Flesch calls this failure not just a mistake, but a betrayal of children’s potential.

Why Schools Stick to Bad Methods

The real villain in this story is government overreach. Public schools operate like monopolies, with little accountability to parents or competition to drive improvement. Bureaucrats and textbook companies profit from sticking to the whole-word method, even when it fails students. Teachers, tied to union rules and outdated practices, often have no say in how reading is taught.

Flesch points out that government control of education stifles innovation. Instead of experimenting with better methods like phonics, schools double down on bad policies because admitting failure would hurt their reputation. Worse, parents are forced to accept whatever the system decides because they have no real alternatives if they can’t afford private schools or tutoring.

The Consequences of Poor Reading Instruction

The failure to teach reading properly has devastating effects. Kids who struggle to read fall behind in every subject, limiting their future opportunities. Many develop a hatred of reading and lose confidence in their ability to learn. This failure is entirely preventable, but the system’s refusal to change makes kids—and society—pay the price.

Flesch argues that literacy is a fundamental skill for freedom. People who can’t read well are easier to control and manipulate, which benefits those in power. A population that struggles with reading is less likely to question authority or seek out new ideas.

A Call for Parental Action

Flesch doesn’t just blame the system; he empowers parents to take action. He encourages them to teach their kids phonics at home if schools won’t. He provides simple steps for parents to follow, proving that teaching reading isn’t complicated when you use the right method.

Libertarians can see this as a perfect example of how individuals, not government, solve problems. Parents who take charge of their children’s education can bypass the broken system and give their kids the tools they need to succeed. Flesch’s message is clear: don’t wait for schools to fix themselves—act now.

The Libertarian Solution

Flesch’s critique aligns with libertarian ideas about education reform. He shows how central planning and government monopolies lead to failure, while individual action and choice lead to success. A system that gives parents more control—through school choice, vouchers, or homeschooling—would let families escape failing schools and encourage competition to improve education for everyone.

Why Johnny Still Can’t Read remains a powerful reminder that freedom works better than bureaucracy. By taking education out of the government’s hands and putting it back into the hands of families, we can ensure that every child learns to read—and learns to love it.

Imagine a World Without Taxes: Freedom and Prosperity for Ohioans

What if Ohioans could keep all the money they earned? Without taxes, life could be simpler, cheaper, and more free. Every paycheck would belong entirely to you, with no deductions for government programs or services. Let’s explore how Ohioans could thrive without the burden of taxation.

Keeping Your Money

When the government takes a part of your income, it decides how to spend it. This might sound necessary, but in a world without taxes, you would choose how to use your hard-earned money. Want better schools for your kids? You could pay for the education that fits their needs. Want safer roads? Companies would compete to build and maintain roads more efficiently than the government. No taxes mean no middleman. You’d pay directly for the services you value most, saving money in the process.

Lower Costs Everywhere

Taxes drive up the cost of nearly everything. Roads, schools, and health care aren’t free—taxes fund them, often inefficiently. Private companies, driven by competition, would provide these services at lower costs and with better quality. When businesses compete for your dollar, they innovate and improve. Imagine affordable health care tailored to your needs or schools using the latest technology to teach your children. Without taxes inflating costs, you’d get more value for your money.

Freedom to Choose

Without taxes, you would decide where your money goes. If you’re passionate about helping others, you could donate to charities that address the issues you care about. If you love nature, you could support parks and conservation efforts. The power would shift from the government to the individual. Every dollar would reflect your values, not the decisions of distant politicians.

Innovation and Progress

Over the past century, innovation has made life easier and more efficient. From cars to smartphones, competition has driven progress. But government programs, funded by taxes, often fail to keep up. Private companies, freed from heavy taxes and regulations, could deliver faster internet, cleaner energy, and groundbreaking medical treatments. Without taxes stifling growth, Ohioans would see even more amazing advancements.

Helping the Needy

Some worry that without taxes, people in need would be left behind. But history shows that communities are generous when they’re free to give. Churches, nonprofits, and local organizations could step up to help those in need. Instead of relying on inefficient government programs, people would help each other directly, building stronger, more caring communities.

The True Cost of Government

Taxes don’t just take your money—they take your freedom. Every dollar sent to the government is a dollar you can’t spend on your family or future. Government programs often waste money on bureaucracy and fail to deliver results. By keeping your money, you’d be free to make better choices for yourself and your community.

A Better Future for Ohio

Imagine a future where Ohioans live free from the burden of taxation. Families would have more money, businesses would thrive, and innovation would flourish. Roads, schools, and hospitals wouldn’t disappear—they’d improve, driven by competition and choice. Without taxes, we’d be free to pursue our dreams, help our neighbors, and create a better life for everyone.

This vision of freedom and prosperity isn’t a dream—it’s a possibility. By trusting individuals, not the government, Ohio could unlock its full potential. A tax-free future means more freedom, lower costs, and a brighter tomorrow. Wouldn’t you want to live in a world like that?