Too often we try to argue against Common Core based on results instead of principle. Here are the 2 overriding principles that Common Core violate: parental control, and decentralization of power. Those principles are clearly outlined, in the context of education, by Thomas Jefferson in his letter to Joseph Cabell (Feb. 2, 1816). He says, “But if it is believed that these elementary schools will be better managed by the governor and council, the commissioners of the literary fund, or any other general authority of the government, than by the parents within each ward, it is a belief against all experience. Try the principle one step further, and amend the bill so as to commit to the governor and council the management of all our farms, our mills, and merchants’ stores. No, my friend, the way to have good and safe government, is not to trust it all to one, but to divide it among the many, distributing to every one exactly the functions he is competent to.” He goes on to say,”What has destroyed liberty and the rights of man in every government which has ever existed under the sun? The generalizing and concentrating all cares and powers into one body…”