I'm taking my kid out of the campaign tomorrow.

[Career Prole]

Her fifth grade history teacher thought it would be worthwhile there at *Name Changed* Intermediate School in Texas to get the fourth and fifth graders campaigning for their preferred candidate.
There are precisely two Kerry supporters...my daughter and her friend.
They have been called baby-killers, traitors, and gay during the week and a half since it started.
When not being insulted, they're being shunned.
I'm telling her teacher tomorrow that for my girl the campaign's over...either give her alternate classwork she won't be victimized over or grade her on the basis of what she's done so far and extrapolate.
I hope she makes me go to the school board.
She's also going to write a LTTE about it along the general lines of "these kids are this way because they learn from their parents...will you parents please act like grown-ups?"
Chip off the ol' block. :)

Sorry to bother you. I'm just completely P.O.'ed right now. This isn't the America I grew up in, and the one I grew up in is the one she should have inherited from me.
She and all the other kids living through this neocon nightmare are getting shorted and I feel like shit about it. :(

[auntAgonist]

1. Geez poor kid(s)!

So sorry to hear about the treatment of your daughter and the other child. That teacher NEEDS to be more in control of what's going on and parents need to be informed about how their little darlins' are behaving, although they'd probably be proud! geez.

All the way to the school board Mom!!! That's what I'd do. Good for you and what a lucky daughter you have!

hang in there. That bunch is gonna look pretty darned foolish next week!

:hug:

[Career Prole]

7. I'm her dad...but thanks!

I talked to the teacher when this started...she said she'd keep an eye on the situation, but it happens in the halls and on the playground. I told her to remember quotes and names for me.
I'll embarrass some folks, I guess, if forced to go to the school board but they've earned it.
Her campaign poster "fell" off the wall. All the pictures of JK with horns drawn on in red crayon stayed up. I guess it was inferior tape.
Her poster?
A picture of the White House with a swing set in front, and the slogan
"George Bush, go away...
Time to let the Big Kids play"

[auntAgonist]

28. I'm sorry for the assumption.

Being a Mom I assumed you were too :) Sounds like the teacher needs a teacher/education.

[GainesT1958]

2. Tell her to tell her ershwhile "friends"...

That in a week, SHE'LL be the one who laughs last!:D

She could also tell 'em that she only supports ELECTED presidents!:D

:kick:

B-)

[Career Prole]

9. I showed her the Philly crowds today...they had some great shots

on CNN. She was awestruck. I told her to be a good winner and not to rub it in (too much). :)

[autorank]

3. Remember the TX school kids who cheered when Kennedy was shot.

Sounds like they grew up and took over your school. Very sorry to hear this. It's child abuse on the part of the school. They should be ashamed but they are incapable of this as evidenced by the fact that they did it!

[StrongbadTehAwesome]

24. you just shocked the hell out of this 22-year-old

I had NEVER heard about anything like that happening. That is just disturbing and horrible! As much as I HATE Bush, I certainly wouldn't cheer if he were assassinated - and these were kids?!?!?

[bobbieinok]

25. this was widely reported at the time and upset many people

[lawladyprof]

32. I saw it in North Carolina--eom

[Career Prole]

43. They were innocent...they learned it at home.

Much like racism is passed down from generation to generation. :(

[autorank]

62. Check this out on the web or somewhere since it moved you so much.

I was 14 at the time. I remember so much of the whole saga of the assination. The cheering school kids was number three on the list of repugnance: 1) the assination; 2) the live 'execution' of Lee Harvey Oswald; and 3) cheering school children in TX. I believe Life Magazine had some photographs. The poster below is right, they learned this hatred at home but what a commentary on all those homes!

[AzDar]

4. The fact that y'all are put into this situation sucks; YOU GO, however...

knowing that YOU are 100% right. Another fine example of how polarizing *
is...uniter, not a divider, my ass. He can't disappear soon enough!

[Kukesa]

5. When VolcanoJen was in second grade

I sent her to school wearing a "McGovern for President" button.

She's had to stand up for her beliefs and defend those beliefs ever since; I think she's doing a terrific job.

Yeah, I know, times have changed -- the kids weren't as vicious then.

[Career Prole]

12. My girl's name is Jen, too!

She's the only one in the family who was born in Texas, and she used to get terribly offended if I even cast aspersions on Texas drivers.
Now she just wants to leave and she doesn't care where to. :shrug:

[crispini]

36. Awwwwwwwwww... where are ya'll?

There ARE some good, artistic, interesting, fun Democrat types in Texas. They're just all in the cities. Tell her not all of Texas sucks, just some of it.

- C in Dallas

[Career Prole]

41. I know...I've found some!

Dear friends, all, and every one of 'em Democrats! :D

[Ruffhowse]

6. I'm so sorry you have to live in Texas. I thought they were known for

their manners and friendliness, but I've concluded otherwise. Red neck parents raise red neck kids.

[Career Prole]

13. It's not everywhere, I'm sure of it...

...but there are definitely pockets (such as where we live) where the sign on the highway should say "Welcome to the 60's".

[wellstone_democrat]

69. Someone suggested a sign for the large city north of you:

"Welcome to April 1954----where Brown v. Bd of Educ and all that mess is in a future that never has and never will arrive!"


Too true both racially and socially.

[Career Prole]

72. Ah, yes!

I'm familiar with the place. Apt, indeed...and such a fine Halloween prank! Hmmmm...
:evilgrin:

[CitySky]

77. make it the 1860's

if folks like John Cornyn had their way. :(

ps - looks like rain in st. L tonight, no sox?

[Career Prole]

81. Mucho Sox!

Looked like Trot Nixon was playing on a Slip & Slide when he hit the warning track last night and butt-skidded into the sunset! :D
Reverse The Curse!!
:bounce: :toast: :bounce:

[Norquist Nemesis]

8. At my daughter's school

(a Montesorri which we pay tuition through the nose for!), the director and I had a conversation about politics getting into the classroom. He was telling me how the Bush supporters were bashing the Kerry supporters and vice versa. He asked a couple of questions that showed that neither side knew what they were talking about, they were simply parroting their parents.

So...he gave a pop quiz. A couple of the question were :
What government positions has Dick Cheney held other than Vice President? (most couldn't name any)
Who is the controversial figure that resigned as President Bush's Secretary of the Treasury? (they had no idea--Paul O'Neill)

What he told them was that when they had the facts, then they could start 'talking politics'. It was a real eye opener for them.

I feel for you. We had to take my daughter out of public school (for other reasons)...but I still feel for you. Trying to deal with the public school system can be an exercise in torment.

[Career Prole]

14. Have you read Ron Susskind/Paul O'Neill's book,

The Price of Loyalty? Eye-opener, it is. Especially worrisome regarding Alan Greenspan then vs. now...

[Norquist Nemesis]

17. Not yet, but

hubby works at the library. :)

[Kanary]

10. Don't Texas schools have "tolerance awareness" programs, or whatever

they're being called now? I thought all schools were doing that after Columbine. I would suggest looking into that, and linking it with what is happening in that (alleged) class.

What you describe sounds like harrasment and hazing. This is no small thing, and I hope you're logging all the incidents, and researching the rules of the school. You have a case here, I think.

At the same time, I sympathize with you. It's hard enough being a parent, with all that life now entails, without the school giving you this grief. No wonder we mothers are so exhausted!!

Your daughter is very fortunate to have a mother who is looking out for her! THat bodes well for her future.

:pals:

Kanary

[Career Prole]

18. I'm her Pop, but thank you, Kanary! Turnabout's fair play...

...I think I made the mistake of guessing your gender wrong awhile back. I guess my post did sound kind of "motherish", but I'm a big softy when it comes to my "boo-boo" girl. She was born when I was forty and we weren't quite expecting her, if you know what I mean.
Funny how the same guys that tell their boys "Don't cry...get out there and fight back!" get all protective over their girls. :D

[AP]

11. Don't punish your daughter. Make the teacher discipline the other kids.

[liveoaktx]

20. I agree-the teacher needs to protect your child and if she won't do it

go to the principal. The slurs simply can't be allowed.

[Career Prole]

21. If I thought it would work, I would.

A little additional insight...the teacher in question told the class that people with children will likely vote for shrub, but young people with no children will vote for Kerry because "they don't have any kids to protect".
I believe the teechur is a wing-nut, and beyond redemption.
I've got to get to bed now...I'll check back for more advice tomorrow. Thanks, DUers!
:grouphug:

[AP]

23. Still, it shouldn't be that your daughter needs to be treated differently

from the rest.

Either the teacher drops the whole program and is reprimanded by the school for allowing that situation to develop, or your daughter remains in the program and the abusive kids are forced to drop it.

Obviously, the ideal situation is that the people who can behave civilly are able to continue to participate while the other kids find something else to do, even if it's to sit down and shut up and observe how well-behabed children talk about issues like this.

Your daughter and the bad kids will learn the totally wrong message if that message is that abusing people removes them from the debate. They win, your daughter loses.

Frankly I'm a little shocked that you, as a parent, didn't realize that that was the result of what you're advocating.

[Career Prole]

45. See my update below, AP.

Once again I find myself liking your advice! :)

[acmavm]

15. My grandson goes to a Catholic school. They held a mock election.

Andrew and one other kid were the only two to vote for Kerry. All the other kids started pitching fits about how Kerry "lies about bush*" etc.

Andrew is still fuming. He's been on the warpath all night. This really affected him in some strange way. He says that those kids are 'idiots'.

The thing about Andrew is if he's convinced he's right, there's no telling him otherwise. And living with his mother and having to listen to me all the time, he understands exactly what's going on. He's very, very, very smart. Like a little old man in a nine year old's body. Can't pull the wool over his eyes.

Wonder if he'll hold a grudge? I'm always intrigued by the things that he becomes fixated on. And this, knowing Andrew, might just be one of those things. I would never dream of suggesting that my daughter interfere. He can stand up for himself and at nine, he's totally secure in voicing his opinion and standing up for what he thinks is right. He'll fight them 'til hell freezes over.

[MI Cherie]

16. My son ticked off a Bu$hbot at his school and

this big bad senior sucker punched him (a junior) and ran away like a "sissy boy." My son's been in weight training for the last couple of years — it probably hurt the kids hand to punch a rock hard stomach!

[JSJ]

19. kids are natural fascists- the maturation process,...

...if it occurs at all, tends to make people liberal.

[leftofthedial]

22. the churches are to blame

they are spewing this irrationaly bullshit and venom

My kids' friends are infected with it too. I asked them about it and it is clearly their churches giving them the GOP Gawd bullshit. Nothing as nasty as what your daughter wnet through though. That is inexcusable and should be grounds for expulsion of the abusive kids.

[Sattok]

26. A brilliant anti-Bush t-shirt

I've found something cool out there: an anti-Bush t-shirt, which I think really does hit the spot. It says all we need to know about the person and it does it in both killing simple and intelligent way (refers to the wonderful "upturned book happening" of the Bushlife). The guy who designed this must have some big brain. May I say the way the t-shirt puts it should spread because the funny piece would help folks see something clearer.
Have a look at it:
http://www.butik.pl/b1/commodity?groupId=166797&l=en

[DeepModem Mom]

27. Oh, damn, CP -- so sorry --

[vetwife]

29. I know Career, and this especially hurtful to you

For those on this board who do not know, this a a VN vet who supports Kerry and guess what they called vets coming home back then?
This is ridiculous. Go further. Call the Superintendent. Of course you can't go too far as Rod Page the big dawg for Bush thinks teachers are terrorists. What is their number, I would not hestitate to call them ! I'll call and say if kids can't hold a mock election drop it. Better yet go to the Dept of Family and Children Services and say the school is promoting violence and causing mental distress.
This was not the year for mock elections..Too divided.
I got your back ! Again Thank you for your service and Welcome Home and tell us how we can help you. YOU KNOW I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO STOP THIS CRAP WITH THE KIDS AND HURTING VETERANS !

[Career Prole]

46. Thanks, Amanda!

I know you've got our back, as always dear.
I haven't forgotten you, by the way...
:hi:

[babylonsister]

30. How irresponsible of TX schools is that?

Hell, close friends and relatives don't talk politics a lot of the time, but these kids are being forced into taking sides? I'm all for civics lessons, but I don't ever recall having this kind of lesson taught.

[Riptide]

31. Similar story with my 13 year old daughter.

She wears her Kerry/Edwards shirt for gym. Well, last week she came home from school and her shirt was filthy - totally covered in mud. I asked her what happened. She said that they were playing touch football, and the gym teacher said that whoever could get my daughter's shirt dirty would get extra credit. Then, he said he was just kidding. But, at any rate, she ended up covered in dirt because the other kids were kicking mud at her.

I asked her what she wanted me to do. She said, "Wash it, so I can wear it again tomorrow."

[vetwife]

33. Well this is making me really mad ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr: :grr:

[DemBones DemBones]

44. Your daughter rocks!!! But you ought to kick that gym teacher's ass

for his comment. Then you ought to go to the principal and when he won't do jack shit, you go to the school board. Also go to the newspaper.

It's good for kids to fight their own battles up to a point. When a teacher is against a child, that point has been exceeded. The gym teacher was totally out of line and saying "I was just kidding" is no excuse. He advocated violence against your child.

[Career Prole]

47. God bless your daughter!

What a smile I'm wearing now...you'd see the glow on the horizon from it if it was dark outside! :D

[TriMetFan]

34. I grew up and went to school in Texas.

I feel for your kid. I understand what she is going through. I'm just glad my kid doesn't have to put up with that kind of crap here in Portland OR. even though he goes a Catholic school. Some times being PC is good and that is one thing that is lacking in my home state of Texas. But do hold the teachers feet to the coals. Make her understand that if anything happens to your kid she and the school will be held responsible.
Now my kid has had a great time camping for Kerry. And for a 7yr. old to go up to a house and to ring the bell and talk to the people as to why they need to vote for Kerry is just way kool. I'm so proud of him.

Peace my friend

[Career Prole]

49. Heck, I'm proud of him too!

Peace right back to ya! :D

[Arkana]

35. That really sucks...I'm sorry

It's a sad day in America when children are taunted for their political views.

[Killarney]

37. Those children should be punished!

They should not be allowed to call your daughter a baby-killer without being given detention or some sort of punishment. I would petition the principle.

I'm so sorry this is happening to your daughter. I hope it doesn't scare her away from politics or from voicing her opinion.

[skygazer]

38. This is absolutely uncalled for

If the teacher wanted to have a civics lesson, she should have organized a campaign between the children not between real candidates. That is what we used to do in grade school when I was a kid. This was just asking for trouble and is inappropriate. I would seriously go to the principal and if no satisfaction was derived there, I would go to the school board. Your daughter is being exposed to severe harassment for something that she is not even likely to fully understand - nor do the other children, I'm sure. And she should not be penalized for the behavior of the other kids.

And that teacher should be made to explain why she is unable to control her class.

[ArkDem]

39. This is what bush did to the schools in Texas.

[DemBones DemBones]

48. Except that this kind of crap is happening everywhere.

vetwife and BamaGirl have had to take on their children's teachers in the past few days because of anti-Kerry comments made by the teachers themselves! The problem is that the GOP has become the party of the absolute lowest of the low instincts of human beings, the party that encourages the torment of anyone who dares disagree with it.

Sadly, they dare to believe they have God on their side. :cry:

[vetwife]

51. Thanks CP and Dembones..What you say Dembones is true

Back their little minds up in a corner and they show they are Bunnypants as well. I try not to make them cry but will if necessary. And like CP I do it so nice but the look we give in that soft voice is what terrifies them ! They know we are not kidding and are fed up ! People know when one is bluffing or not. They do. Especially if one creates that as part of their make up. Everyone who knows me , knows like so many who too are like me on this board, I have never thrown an idle threat or bluff in my life. I sure don't plan on starting now. More determined than ever ! AND DEFINATE !

[ArkDem]

54. This is what bush has done to america.

[DemBones DemBones]

57. Yes, with the help of many other slimy people in the GOP.

Bush* built upon a foundation laid by Gingrich, DeLay, the Hutchinson brothers, Phil Gramm, etc., going all the way back to the Reagan administration. Cheney's been along for the whole ride, as has G.H.W. Bush, who may well be behind it all.

[BiggJawn]

60. Sounds like another Party from the Past....

"...the GOP has become the party of the absolute lowest of the low instincts of human beings..."

Do I have to name that particular party?
A party who's leader was a raving paranoid lunatic?

[Career Prole]

40. Update after confronting the teacher this morning...

We left a bit early this morning so I could get to the bottom of this recent unpleasantness with "Mrs. Doe". Because we were early most of the students were sitting in the hall in front of their lockers reading which is the practice before the 8 o'clock bell.
I asked Mrs. Doe if I might speak with her a moment before class and we went into her room.
I didn't yell because I have a really low voice which I'm told carries quite well...sometimes unfortunately so, I suppose...and I remembered what the drama teacher told me about "projecting" as well.

Me: Mrs. Doe, about this election you're running here...I think it's a great idea to get children engaged and interested early on in the process, don't get me wrong.
What's causing me a problem with it is the name-calling between the parties has started up in the schoolyard here and it's upsetting to Jenny and what upsets her, upsets me.
I got home last night from a hard day's work and the first thing my daughter tells me is that she wants to move. We talked, and she told me she'd been called "traitor", "baby killer", and gay because she supports John Kerry.
I'm here to tell you that if that kind of behavior can't be controlled then I'll get this election stopped if it takes the school board to do it.

Mrs. Doe: Well, the problem is in the whole school there are only four children who support Kerry...

Me: Is that an excuse for harassment?

Mrs. Doe: Of course not, it's just...

Me: These kids are picking up their parents' rhetoric and hurting my daughter with it...

Mrs. Doe: Yes, of course...

Me: and if their parents were paying any attention at all they'd know that none of it has any basis in fact. (I start ticking off fingers) John Kerry isn't a "baby killer"...he doesn't approve of abortion, he just doesn't think the government has any place in what should be a decision between a woman and her doctor. I agree with Kerry, and since your students forced the issue on us, after Jenny and I had our first "father/daughter talk" about abortion and the separation of church and state last night Jenny agrees with Kerry as well, and not one of us is a "baby killer" by any stretch of the imagination.
Traitor? Since when, and on what charge? You were at the fifth grade music program, "Saluting Our Veterans". When we were asked to stand and be recognized I counted a half-dozen of us out of 200 in the auditorium. John Kerry and I served in the active-duty Navy concurrently, and we both opposed the war in Vietnam because...it...was...wrong! You're a history teacher so teach the history, and don't forget to cover the non-combat role of the National Guard Bush served in during the Vietnam era and whether or not he even showed up for it.
As for the gay marriage issue, John Kerry is not supporting it, but does support civil unions which provide the same rights which if I heard Bush correctly on the news yesterday, is also the position taken by the White House now. Teach the students the intricacies of the situation. Teach them about the Vice-President and his daughter Mary, but do it sensitively because like Dick Cheney, Jenny has a gay relative who we love very much and we don't like to hear the word "gay" used as a weapon.
If you're willing to invest the time and effort then this will be a valuable lesson for these kids, but if not I'd prefer Jenny didn't participate.

Mrs. Doe: Of course. You're absolutely right. I'm pretty sure I know the boys involved, and I'll put a stop to it immediately.

Me: And if you can do that, then Jenny's homework assignment will be done tonight. I won't have her picking the three most important issues for this election and explaining her choices if she's going to be insulted for it.
Thank you for your understanding...it's been a pleasure.

Mrs. Doe: Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Exit to hallway, Jenny's locker...collecting goodbye hug...

Me: Could you hear me out here, Sugar Booger?

Jen: Sure could, Daddy. Thanks!

Boy About Twenty Feet Farther Down The Hall: I could hear too!

Me: Good deal!
See ya tonight, Sunshine!

Jen: Bye, Daddy!

Success of strategy to be determined...
:D

[vetwife]

42. You did good....this Mrs. Doe and her superiors do no want

tons of letters if we had to call the State School Superintendent.
You handled it good Daddy and we are proud of you. I know from experience that this scares the pajamas off people when they get called out on their disgraceful actions !

[Career Prole]

50. I thought a campaign speech for JK which could be heard

up and down the hall would be better than a simple blasting of the history teacher. We'll see how it goes...
:)

[DemBones DemBones]

55. EXCELLENT speech, Dad! Sometimes you have to

teach the teachers. I predict that "Mrs. Doe" is about to become Fair and Balanced in her teaching!


Career Prole :yourock:

[Career Prole]

63. In the words of my idol (and my ideal), Popeye the Sailor...

"Gorshk!" :)

[TriMetFan]

52. Great Job.

I don't think any one of us could have done better. We are all Proud of you and your kid.

Peace my friend.

[rocktivity]

61. Sugar Booger--LOL!

I had a friend who would greet her niece as Cousin Uglt. On one of her visits, she noticed looking her nice was looking gloomy. My friend asked if anything is wrong, and she whined, "You didn't call me ugly!"

I would do something similiar with my two nephews--I'd literally sweep them off their feet, shake them, and kiss them. Once when they came over for a holiday dinner, I was helping with the cooking and was unable to greet them at the door. The older boy asked me, "Aren't you glad to see us?" I didn't understand what he meant, but then it dawned on me. So as soon as I'd put my food in the oven, I went to the boys, said, "There's just one more thing I have to take care of," and grabbed my younger newphew. The older one ran for his life!

:headbang:
rocknation

[geniph]

75. I wish I'd had a dad like you, CP

Rock on, Pop!

[ChipperbackDemocrat]

53. To Career Prole, his daughter and her friend.

Career,

1. You are a helluva man for standing up for your kid!
That is what a father does, and it hurt my heart to read how your kid got treated for doing something that all Americans have the freedom and responsibility to do, think for themselves!

However, don't pull them out of the exercise!
I know, that may not be the most popular tactic among this thread, but what those two little girls are going up against is something that our adversaries do all the time. They try to play upon fear.

If these kids back out, it'll only get worse and worse and if we allow it even in this small arena, it'll happen in bigger and bigger arenas.
Also consider, you never know who you might influence. There maybe kids, and their parents who are just going along to get along out of fear. But if you show courage, it may give them the courage to move beyond and take the blindfolds off.

I'm not saying just put your kids in a bad spot, pursue all the official means to protect them and hold those who's job it is to teach and protect them accountable. To think that adults would allow kids to be molested because they don't share a political belief is insulting and unamerican.
But, please, if they want, let them campaign hard and fight to win. If nothing else for the little girl who's face they see in the mirror every day.

To Career's daughter:

1. Forgive them, young one, for they don't even understand what they do.

2. Realize that you are in company with the greatest of Americans.
You are in league with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, John F. Kennedy, Barbara Jordan, right down to your very own father.

Real Americans use their freedom to think. All the people I've named here refused to just "go along to get along". The were thinkers and doers. Thank God for our country that they were.

3. You and your friend have a lot of courage, and our country needs that courage.

Our country was built on the guts that you have, young one. Don't let these bullies take that courage away. You and your friend stand up united, and you will win.

4. You may not think so, but there are other like you in that school. For whatever reason, they may be afraid. If you stand up, those others will find you.

5. Millions of us adults have your back. On November 3rd, you will go back to school with the biggest smile on your face because John Kerry is President-Elect.

"I thought of those words of Francis Scott Key who wrote 'Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave/O'er the land of the free and the home of brave? In his writing, he connected, plaintively, freedom and bravery. Every time American sing this, we need to remember: To remain the land of the free, it will take courage." (Rep. Dennis Kucinich D-Ohio)

Peace, Love and America!

[Career Prole]

64. I just printed that out for her.

I'm going to give it to her as soon as I get home.
Thanks from both of us.
Thanks, all of you from both of us.
We're mighty proud to know you. :grouphug:

[Career Prole]

71. I just read your inspirational piece to her over the phone...

...she said "Will you print that out so I can put it on my wall?"
That's a signal honor, I'll have you know!

[movie_girl99]

56. my son had a similar experience

he's in 8th grade and in his art class they are making Kerry or Shrub jerseys. He said about 30% of the class are making Kerry ones and they get a lot of crap from the dwarf srubs. Luckily the teacher is a Dem (I registered her and her partner to vote) so as much as she can, she sticks up for the Kerry kids. She has told the kids that she's undecided but thats because we live in the burbs and she's far out numbered. My son is proud to be a Kerry kid and comes home with a great story everyday.

[DemBones DemBones]

59. Any teacher can, and should, keep his/her political views private, and

stand up for kids who are being picked on. I know this is a very difficult years for teachers and frankly am glad I'm not teaching now, but I also know teachers can make a difference.

[Career Prole]

65. Dwarf shrubs? I love that! n/t

[TrogL]

58. Former teacher here

Go to the school board and demand that they show you where this particular class material/activity is located in the curriculum guide as:

1. Part of the course of study.

2. A recommended/sanctioned activity.

[Career Prole]

66. You may be onto something there, TrogL.

I may make an inquiry towards that end.

[wellstone_democrat]

67. Good for you----not much of a teacher she's got there

That is sickening. Don't even try to tell me that the teacher didn't know what would go on--- we are in the same part of the state and its no mystery to me what the result of such an "exercise" would be. I also don't believe that the teacher (and others) don't know what is going on outside of the classroom. I've taught too long to believe that and at my level you don't spend the day with them.

Oh, and "Bothering" us? this is why we are here pal.

(Hey, I don't recall this crap at our mutual high school in *name deleted town and state*---oh yeah, we grew up in a Democratic state didn't we...:evilgrin: )

[Career Prole]

73. I remember it now as a Golden Age.

Perhaps we may kick up a renaissance* for the next generation yet.
We'll at the very least kick up a bunch o' dust 'round these here parts!

*Olga B. "extra-credit" word. ;) Funny what sticks in your head and what flees, never to be thought of again.

[wellstone_democrat]

74. I had Olga for homeroom and Riley for English

But, I did wonder if that "stage" voice you used this a.m. was courtesy of the fine training of Gabe DeM.!

(I on the other hand worked lights backstage---no talent but it was a hilarious place to be. Especially the year we did Dracula!)

[Career Prole]

76. Young Master Fallon!

A fine Drac!
After a reading from "Plaza Suite" Gabe told me I did "a better Walter Matthau than Walter Matthau!"
With that and a fifty cent piece I could and did get a cup of coffee (this was of course pre-Starbuck's!) :eyes:
Of course I did learn how to "project" (arm grandly sweeping out)so I didn't leave totally empty-handed. :D

[coalition_unwilling]

68. You need to threaten massive litigation (w/ help of ACLU)

to ensure your daughter isn't being harrassed for her political beliefs.

[Career Prole]

70. New update...after this morning's "lecture"

Where once stood four "Kerry Kids" now stand seven.
That's some jump for one day. "Bugscuffle Bottoms Intermediate School" is far from going blue, but progress is progress! :D

[AP]

78. Sweet!

[BlackVelvetElvis]

79. Wow. I don't even know you, yet am so proud!

I love what you said to the teacher and how you stood up for your girl. She will always remember that one, I think.

[Rabrrrrrr]

82. Hehheh!! And it reveals the tactics of the rightwing -

make the other side totally afraid to speak their mind and even admit who they support.

Once the bullying is stopped and the fear of violence is ended, they start coming out of the woodwork in droves...

[LiberalAndProud]

80. Can I just mention that I noticed that you have a truly great kid?

Wow! I remember how much fitting in mattered in the fifth grade. Your daughter and her friend are very brave, wonderful, not to mention smart, people! Please tell her how much she is admired.

[Career Prole]

83. I don't know how to thank you all...

I let Jenny read this thread last night when I got home. Afterwards, she was fired up to do her history homework...no other description for it :D. She wasn't worried anymore about what the other kids would call her. Instead she was wondering if any more kids would cross over. I was this close -> <- to getting her out of that partisan crap even if it meant keeping her home until November 3rd.
You folks have turned what was shaping up to be a big negative in my girl's life into a big positive that's going to stay with her always.
Thank you...all of you...for that gift.
:yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock:

[Javaman]

84. Actually it is the America you grew up in, have you forgotten McCarthyism?

I remember bully's in my grade school calling me an other kids Commies. "All things are as they were, only you are there!"