The essential meaninglessness of the phrase "Minimum Competency" is discussed and it is placed in the larger context of "The Basics." It is argued that "The Basics" as taught in preparation for minimum competency tests (MCT) are not basic either in the sense of being essential skills or enabling skills. Using research findings and common sense, arguments are presented for other skills as being more basic than the "3R's." Evidence is presented that the skills taught in preparation for MCTs are disconnected, are not general and do not generalize. Arguments are made that preparing children for MCTs forces teachers to use a didactic mode of teaching even more than usual and that this mode flies in the face of all that is known from child psychology about good environments for important learning. It is contended that because the skills do not generalize, minority groups who accept MCT programs are being lulled into a false sense of accomplishment and security and that the programs are thus racist in impact if not in intent in ways not contended by the plaintiffs in the case of Debra P. Education must be based on meaningful philosophy and a set of goals to be a sound instructional system. (Author/PN)