My son got in trouble at school today for criticizing Smirk!

[liberalhistorian]

My son just started sixth grade in the district's new middle school, and he's really been enjoying it so far. He's made new friends in addition to the friends joining him from his elementary school, and he's been getting involved with band, the newspaper, etc.

Today he was extremely upset and almost crying, which, for him, Mr. Macho Toughkid, was saying something. He finally calmed down enough to tell me that he'd been sent to the principal today, and a lot of the other kids yelled at him. One of his teachers had a little "talk" with him. Another teacher was upset with him. He was terrified at having to go to the principal's office, since he's a good kid who gets very good grades, is an original and creative thinker (he's always coming up with invention ideas or new ways to improve things), and he usually doesn't get into trouble which, given the fact that he has Asperger's Syndrome, a type of high-functioning autism, is something to be proud of.

So what was his horrible crime for which he was taken so heartily and thoroughly to task for today? Pulling a girl's hair? Throwing food at lunch? Talking back to a teacher? Getting too rowdy during gymn class? Drawing a caricature of the art teacher during art class? Hell, no. His terrible crime was, get ready, speaking out and CRITICIZING BUSH. That's right, you read right, he CRITICIZED SMIRK. He, like me, is very liberal and not afraid to be outspoken about it, and yet respectful of the opinions and beliefs of others. Apparently, after a 9/11 commemoration program, he'd made some remarks about our Great Esteemed Fuhrer-uh, I mean, leader, and had been overheard by many other students and a couple of teachers.

And so the great "re-programming", "indoctrination", and "re-education program" began. "All I was saying was what I thought of him and why, mom", he said. "I thought we could do that in our country."

So what the hell do I say to him now? I've been too angry to really discuss it all that much with him, we'll talk more tomorrow. But do I then tell him that, since 9/11, those very freedoms that we love to invoke in our commemoration programs, since they "made this the greatest country in the world, and we cherish them", are being systematically destroyed in order to "save" them? Do I tell him that if this country allows that to happen, the appropriate way to mourn, commemorate and honor those who were murdered on 9/11 is to turn this country into a fascist police state, the very thing the terrorist attackers wanted most to happen?

I know what I WILL tell him. I'll tell him that I intend to fight to the death to make sure that that doesn't happen. I'll tell him that the kind of civil liberties and freedoms that are so critical to maintain are worth fighting for no matter what the cost, and to never be apathetic again!

[madmax]

1. From what you've written I know you will be able to explain

to your son what's going on in our country. I do hope you'll go to school and speak to both the teacher and the principal. Remind them they are there to teach and not indoctrinate children. Your son is entitled to his opinion - bush hasn't revoked freedom of speech yet, or has he?

Kick some ass liberalhistorian ;) and give your son a big hug from an old evildoer :evilgrin:

[liberalhistorian]

4. Oh, believe me, I certainly intend to have a little

chat with the teachers and the principal and, if they're unmoved, maybe even the superintendent! I'm the daughter of teachers, so I know how to talk to them.

[disgruntella]

13. good for you!

I don't know what your community's like (big/small/friendly/scary), but what about a letter to the editor of your local paper? Maybe not necessary if you get a decent response from the school, but it's a thought.

Tell your son I admire how brave he is! :yourock:

[liberalhistorian]

23. I certainly will do that, thanks!

[bearfartinthewoods]

80. have you sought input from your son as to how he would like the

situation handled? it would seem that since it's his live that will be most impacted by this, he might have some thoughts on how to proceed.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

97. How dare you suggest she relinquish her right to mold her son's mind

into another America-hating liberal? <sarcasm off>

He's come to his mom for help. He is seeking her guidance and looking up to her authority. She will deal with as she sees fit, and only she knows best.

[bearfartinthewoods]

107. err...did i miss something?

i thought she came here to ask for input.

being the kid of very involved parents, i well remember that there were times when i just wanted a hug and an 'i love you' and then let it drop.

i got sent to the principal's office once because my hair was too long. this was in '67 and i had grown it out during the summer.

if i had half a clue what hell was coming because my folks made a big deal of it which meant the whole school got a new strictly enforced dress code and, btw...blamed me for it, i would have hacked the damn hair off myself.

i just didn't enjoy spending high school as a martyr.

btw...when i grew up, i got even with the principal. i married his daughter and my hair was below my butt at the wedding : evilgrin :

sometimes it's ok to wait till you grow to be a hero or a martyr for a cause.

[calimary]

111. How about if the ACLU or People for the American Way heard about this?

Maybe a word could be dropped to them... this could be actionable, perhaps. And - imagine - trying to stifle a sweet little boy who was exercising his rights as a YOUNG AMERICAN! Press about that might not look too good for the school, now, would it?

Or...

Ask his school officials if the legendary Saddam Hussein is running the school. Because we don't like him, do we? And we started a war to overrun his country because he was a dictator who made sure to stifle dissent in his country and we're supposedly over there getting ourselves blown to smithereens trying to install - in Iraq - such cherished all-American freedoms as the right to dissent against your government. Ask them if - since we can't find Saddam over there - could it be that he's made it over here and is now running your kids' school? Tell them we surely need to alert the media and John Ashcroft and Rummy to send some troops here to wipe him out!

(sarcasm SORT OF off)

You go git 'em, liberalhistorian! I'm with ya!

[hang a left]

5. I would go straight to that school tomorrow

and raise hell and I wouldn't stop there, the district would be my next stop. Show your son how you stand up for yourself and yours and his rights. Valuable lesson for a child.

[RapidCreek]

113. CALL THE ACLU AND SEW THE FASCIST PRICKS!!!

I'm sure they'd love to hear from you about this.

The story of your boy reminds me of something my cousin Ann went through in Tennessee back in the 50's. She refused to pray in class...every day....and every day he teacher punished her by making her sit in the hall. She didn't tell my uncle about it for a year....one of the other kids told her mom...and her mom told my uncle and all hell broke loose.

He holds two doctorates I believe...and he is quite an orator...I'd have loved to hear how he handled the situation. Suffice to say that the teacher was forced to apologize to my cousin in class...and she didn't have to pray or sit in the hall, afterwords.

RC

[romantico]

2. I'd make alot of noise!

I would call for a meeting with the school board/superintendant,etc.I would make it my mission in life to make the school board's life a livng hell!

[liberalhistorian]

8. I'm the chairperson of the

communications committee for the school levy campaign, and you better believe I'm going to be raising some serious hell at the next meeting in a few days. Hopefully all of the board members will be there.

[oasis]

19. Please keep us posted. Your justice will be our justice.

[liberalhistorian]

24. I promise I'll do that!

n/t

[Cha]

3. Fight On, Liberalhistorian! I cannot believe that they would

traumatize a kid for speaking his mind about the stump.

My hope is that you are able to convey to his teachers And the principle what it means to live in a free society and that when we have our next election we will be back to being able to do that!

I admire your son so much! :kick:

[liberalhistorian]

12. I am, indeed, extremely proud of him,

especially of the fact that he has never, ever been afraid to speak his mind and to go against the majority view if it's wrong.

[HootieMcBoob]

33. that's what I was going to say

most importantly let him know that you're proud of him. Use the whole thing as a civics lesson -- freedom of speech, standing up for you rights, etc.

[Lori Price CLG]

6. I got a lecture at the bank for having an anti-dictator pin on last yr.

I was told, on Sept. 11, 2002, that my pin 'Who's that idiot in Al Gore's house?' and behavior were not dignified for the 'solemnity of the occasion', something like that.

Of course, if Bush didn't have the planes crash into the buildings on Sept. 11, 2001, there would be no need for us to be solemn, <g>.
:)-Lori

[NashVegas]

7. What Exactly Did He Say?

???

on edit:

hard to give an opinion without knowing the full extent.

Consider: even a teacher who agrees with him might still want to question him to find out if he came to the conclusion on his own, or parroting what he heard elsewhere.

[liberalhistorian]

22. From what I can gather, he talked

about how he thought Smirk was using 9/11 to get away with things no other president has gotten away with, that he'd stolen the president, that he was exploiting the commemorations, and that he was ruining the country economically, environmentally (he, like me, is a strong environmentalist), socially, and in every other way and that he desperately hoped Smirk wouldn't be re-elected.

[NashVegas]

29. Hmmm

Well that's something that's going to upset kids who want a secure world. It comes into direct conflict with what they are schooled to do: trust authority. Telling him that may help him view the place in a different light.

If I were his teacher I'd grill his ass to see what he was basing all this on, make sure he was using critical method. And if he stood firm, be quietly proud to have him as a student.

[G_j]

45. and should they grill the asses of

students who talk about how great Bush is and find if they are using critical method? If anything the "patriotism" now in vougue is the antithisis of critical thinking. :shrug:

[liberalhistorian]

47. Excellent point!

[KaraokeKarlton]

32. Don't allow the school to stifle him in that way

If that's all he said, the school was wrong. No one owes solidarity to Bush just because of 9/11. You need to go right to the school and stick up for your kid. Read them the riot act if you have to, but do NOT allow this. Remind the school of No Child Left Behind and how many educators in public schools are losing their jobs as a result. Your child has EVERY right to dislike Bush when he'd rather give tax cuts to the wealthy than fund education. I could see if he said something tasteless about the actual attacks, but just criticizing Bush? Sure, if he accused Bush of planning 9/11...that would warrant a talking to...but not what you describe.

[bobthedrummer]

39. An accurate narrative is what got him spotted out.

Whoa. Give them everything you've got mom.

[John_H]

62. have you had a chat with any local reporters?

[CBHagman]

96. Has your son been watching "Now" with Bill Moyers?

Seriously, a lot of those very topics have been discussed in recent weeks, and it's not only liberals who are concerned about the new powers of the executive branch.

Really, your son is in the same boat as Eleanor Clift and Helen Thomas and a few others. He's just small and surrounded by pressure to conform.

[DemBones DemBones]

9. Are you going to go to the school tomorrow and talk with the

people involved?

Have you been able to find out exactly what he said? And what they said to him?

[Sancho Panza]

10. poor kid

The peer pressure - the sheer oppression of conformity in the middle school years is AWFUL. I remember being ostracized as a new student in 6th grade and sneered at for not wearing NIKES. What your son went through is far worse. I am not familiar with Asperger's, but by what you say, I admire his composure.

I have no advice, other than keep teaching your son to speak up and speak OUT! Don't let this terrible incident discourage him from the courage of his convictions. In the long run, he will be a stronger person than them by the virtue of independent, non-conformist thought. It is a tough road to go down, but well worth it, and he will continue to be a son you can be proud of.

Sorry I do not have more help in this case.

[antiflagdemocrat]

25. Im A student too bothered by conservative peers

I am a 16 year old sophmore in highschool and i know exactly what your son is going throuhg. All though iv never been in quite a situation like your son. I am constantly being harrased by rich conservatives from the suburbs. I always get heat for my anti-bush pins and my democratic underground shirts. But the good thing about my school is that the teachers are on my side in this battle.

Tell your son to keep going after what he believes and tell that principle to vote Dean.

[Cha]

31. Welcome to DU, antiflagdemocrat! And our flag isn't so bad..

it's the people who are holding it hostage.

[jonnyblitz]

83. antiflag is the name of a punk band that sings political songs!!

:hi:

[liberalhistorian]

35. Good for you for standing firm,

especially during the high school years! How well I remember that hell, since I was very much out of the loop and out of the mainstream. I even liked classical music, which meant I was "weird." And I hated Raygun, which meant I was "even weirder."

I know it's really hard, but I'm glad you're able to stick to your guns, keep it up!

[HootieMcBoob]

41. yeah welcome

but the flag is a symbol of our constitution you should be proud of it. It's not the flag you should be against it's the people who wrap themselves in it in order to undermine the constitution and democracy in general. Hate the hypocrites, dig the flag.

[Porcupine]

53. Get some enlistment forms from your local Army recruiting center

and make sure you always have at least two in your backpack. Watch them wilt when you hand them out.

[calimary]

112. EXCELLENT SUGGESTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

REPEAT - EXCELLENT SUGGESTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jonnyblitz]

82. welcome to DU! cool screenname, good band ! (antiflag)

:hi:

[liberalhistorian]

26. Your advice seems pretty sensible

and useful to me!

[shatoga]

28. courageous heroic kid!

Lies die on their own..
Only TRUTH must be suppressed, by a dictatorship.


Write editorial to newspapers from your local rightwing owned rag to the Liberal Republican NYTimes.

Call the ACLU.

Keep us posted.
Let him read our responses.
I joined Vietnam Veterans Against the War right after my discharge.

We were right and on the side of truth, as is your son.
But the fight against Nixon's warmongering was a difficult one.

He is in school with Hitler youth who don't know they are being trained to be good little republicans, instead of good Americans.

I quit an "American legion" post because it has become
"The Republican Legion"
I did not leave quietly.
Dozens o fothers quit with me.
Thousands of veterans nationwide protest the dictatorship:
Many letters to the Legion Monthly and DAV are still being written.

We must stand up for freedom.
Bush's side hates Freedom of Speech especially.
because:
"The truth shall make you free."
and they seek to enslave all of us.

Lies die on their own..
Only TRUTH must be suppressed, by a dictatorship.

[Clete]

11. Do you think there would have been the same

reaction if he criticized Clinton? I would bring it up to whoever would be sympathetic even an elected official. This is teaching kids blind obedience to authority. What's the next step Bush's Youth Organization?

[liberalhistorian]

40. Hell, no, not if it had

been CLINTON! They probably would have given him a gold medal! That horrendously hypocritical double standard makes me ill!

[polpilot]

14. Request a meeting with all involved for a meeting approximately 10

days out and involve your son in this 'teacher cookin'. Sweat 'em for a week or so and then arrive with your attorney and a recorder.

Have fun!!!

Dean '04...

[Octafish]

15. Call the ACLU and get a lawyer.

You and your son need to get the law on your side. The ACLU should get someone on your son's case ASAP or at least refer you to a lawyer who believes in Civil Rights.

Put the spotlight on THEM — the brainwashers who call themselves educators and call the press, too. The community needs to know what the public schools are doing to a child who expressed a political opinion.

This story makes me so mad, I can hardly type. Freedom of speech and of the press extends to public schools. If not there, then the US Constitution is moot.

[G_j]

51. possibly a known journalist could

pick up the story?

[Arianrhod]

54. I agree with this

Make it as public as possible. The one thing these Nazgul cannot tolerate is the light.

[roughsatori]

16. LiberalHistorian: thanks for keeping up the good fight

Thank your son for speaking up too it is those small acts of bravery that help to change the world. I got sick in my stomach when I read that. I am happy that you are raising your son to speak out for truth in these fascist times. :)

[jiacinto]

17. I am not defending what happened to your kid

It was completely wrong and inappropriate.Your child should not have been attacked for voicing his opition on Bush.

That being said, however, there is a time and place for such discussions. 9/11 still remains an emotional issue for many Americans and frankly attacking Bush on that day is not the wisest thing to do, esepcially when you don't know how others will react. For many people 9/11 is still very upsetting and they don't want to hear people attack Bush on the anniversary of such a bad tragedy.

I am not defending them or the decision that took place. Is this fair? It most definitely isn't.

But I am just explaining how they probably saw it. They probably saw it as insulting the victims of 9/11.

Your child didn't deserve the treatment he received. At the same time, on a day like today, emptions were probably running high.

[TrogL]

52. I understand what you're getting at

I've been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome so I probably have some valid opinions.

Today was the worst possible day for this to happen.

Middle school is where they teach kids to be good little robots and fit in socially. Those who don't are ostrasized by the kids and teachers alike. You're not allowed to start thinking until high school.

One thing Aspie's lack is tact. He very likely missed the social cues that today was NOT a good day to be anti-Bush, especially if the teacher's been using a simplistic lesson plan on the subject.

Your son is probably way ahead of the class intellectually, especially on this issue, given your background. Kids hate smart people.

If he's in trouble for disagreeing with the teacher or acting out in class, that's one thing. On the other hand if he is in trouble for his opinions only that's a whole other story.

I'd hear what the teacher and principal have to say for themselves before you go running off to the ACLU. I'd talk to them tomorrow, not a week down the road, while memories are fresh.

[jiacinto]

88. Good idea

All I am saying is that 9/11 was not necessarily the best day to voice anti-Bush opinions.

[Name removed]

58. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[wellstone_democrat]

61. This might be appropriate for children

but those of us who are adults and educators do indeed have to rise above our emotions every single day and do our jobs. Those of us who were in the classroom and on the campuses on September 11, 2001 had to work through our own horror and fear (yes, even those of us who were in NYC) and be professional. If we can do it easily after two years, then this crew of unprofessional educators and (obviously) professional "patriots" can as well.

That this was not the "wisest" thing to do underscores the fact that this was a sixth grader and these were adults. The adults are supposed to do the "wise" thing. Personally, I don't think that the majority of the nation even on the anniversary is functioning in a state of grief that affects their ability to function rationally. These people were not acting in a professional manner and I for one seriously doubt that "grief" was the motive for this chain of scoldings, the desire for a homogenous problem-free day of unbridled sentimentality was more likely the cause. "Sentimentality" is much easier than demanding answers, or assisting the real survivors and bereft. The "sentimental" merely demand conformity and *shows* of grief.

I ought to know, I'm now in the city that had one of the largest memorials today and this sort of thing went on in force all day in these parts. You forgive these unprofessional people for terrorizing a child into conformity if you like, I'm proud of his mother for refusing to.

[jiacinto]

87. I'm not "forgiving them"

What I am saying, though, is that 9/11 is not the best day to criticize Bush. Her son had every right to, but he had to know that there would be a backlash. Now again the school is in the wrong here. No doubt about it. But what I am saying is that there are certain times where it is best not to inject politics, and doing so on the anniversary of 9/11 is one of them.

[w4rma]

18. IMHO, You should go to the school and explain that to the principal, also.

It sounds like your son understands the situation better than the school principal does. Let the principal know that you won't tolerate this and that you'll stand up for your son if they try it again. Anyway, I don't think I'm saying anything you probably won't already do. :)

[Devils Advocate NZ]

20. I know what I would do...

I'd be "speaking" to a few teachers about their facist attitudes...

[BiggJawn]

21. "Bush is NOT America, and America is NOT Bush!"

Good starting point and you can take it from there.
Good luck, I'll tell you now, they will probably invoke that "But the other children were getting upset" bullshit.

Always "For the CHILDREN", even when it's another child they're trying to break.

[liberalhistorian]

30. That's exactly right!

And that's a great slogan, too, thanks!

[BiggJawn]

43. I stole it.

Don't remember from who, but I couldn't agree more. I use it when somebody tries to bust my chops about being a "Bad Murkan" by "Disrespecting the President" or "He's YOUR Presidnt, and YOU need to RESPECT him!"

Bull. He has to get up several times in the night to pee, just like me, and his shit doesn't smell like lilacs, i'll warrant...

[dsc]

27. I would do all of the following

A) Make sure he is telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about his. Even one little exaggeration will be used to crucify you if you complain.

B) Complain to your principal. Normally I would start with the teacher but this seems to involve more than one so go to the principlal.

C) If your principal refuses to respond or responds badly then go to the Superintendent.

In most cases the above will work. I wish you luck.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

34. And if nothing works, the ACLU

that's what they do best!

[NashVegas]

36. I Don't the the ACLU Can Do Much Here

Unless the child gets suspended or faces some sort of official punishment.

[Blue_Chill]

37. Do what my dad used to do!

Immediately request a meeting with the with principal with you, your son, and the teachers. Have all the adults spell out what happened then have your son give his side. Then ask your son to step outside.

If the story is still the same let them have it. I ran into a lot of racist teachers and my dad had to have 7 of these meetings. He would get everyone in the room so that nothing would be confused and no 'he said she said' crap went on. If my dad still thought I was right he never failed to spell it out. He didn't fuck around either, he gave it to them straight.

Do that and your kid will trust you forever in matters of schooling.

[Blue_Chill]

38. Do what my dad used to do!

Immediately request a meeting with the with principal with you, your son, and the teachers. Have all the adults spell out what happened then have your son give his side. Then ask your son to step outside.

If the story is still the same let them have it. I ran into a lot of racist teachers and my dad had to have 7 of these meetings. He would get everyone in the room so that nothing would be confused and no 'he said she said' crap went on. If my dad still thought I was right he never failed to spell it out. He didn't fuck around either, he gave it to them straight.

Do that and your kid will trust you forever in matters of schooling.

[liberalhistorian]

42. That's a good idea to do it that way, thanks!

n/t

[shance]

44. Bless his heart and bless yours as well****

That makes me mad and I feel saddened when I hear how fear has gotten hold of so many people.

I dont have children so I am not a parent, but my heart goes out to such a spirited kiddo!

I will say that in what I read I am proud of him because I think instinctively he knew he was taking a bit of a risk there.

But he cared MORE about telling the truth than sitting there and just accepting whatever he was being fed.

Good for him. He was taking a risk in order to say the truth, however off hand the comment may have been expressed. Heck, hes in the sixth grade for goodness sakes***

In his mind and in most Americans minds he was being honest, not inflicting harm on anyone else, and quite frankly exercising his freedom of speech.

They may have some convoluted principles at the school that counter free speech, but I cant imagine how they could really stand up to this comment, especially in light of the situations happening every day because of this Administration. In any event, it seems to be that in human nature, and in the sixth grade, if you cower, they'll keep coming and it will get worse.

Hopefully he can nip this in the bud, and ultimately I believe he may have to have to fight back and hold his ground. Hes NOT wrong, and although his comment may have been inappropriate in their eyes***, hes been punished so they need to let it go now. But kids in the sixth grade often dont like to let things go, so he may have to be prepared to sharpen his defense skills a little.

Bottom line: our leaders and many in the government are wrong. What your son said was essentially true in the sense that this government is pretty much a power-mongering crew that have gotten way out of hand and our leader (and leaders) are attempting to turn our nation into pretty much a dictatorship. He may not have been able to express that, of course not, he was just making a funny comment that was not funny to those around him, but the overall premise can be understood if people will take the time to understand differing points of view.

I also hope that if these teachers continue to hassle them, that your son might say something like, if he was criticizing or talking negatively about Bill Clinton how would they react? Or better yet, he could say that it is still a Democracy and free speech is a component of that. Those are debatable - that could possibly get him in more trouble, but in the end, if they are egging him on, he has every right to reply in my opinion.

Another option would be that you and your son could always go to the principal, assuming they are reasonable and objective. In fact, that may be a great idea. That may cool off those righteous teachers, especially if you all were to go tomorrow and that would be pretty immediate and perhaps unexpected. I would suspect that they assume you and your son will resign and perhaps cower on this one. I dont think I would take this one sitting down or by putting the tail between the legs.

Overall, the punishment WAY outweighed the action, if there is any action to ultimately punish. That in and of itself deserves a trip to the principal. Although, then you have the sixth grade thing going where that may be the LAST thing he wants to do. Whatever you and your son decide, I wish you luck and know it will all work out fine.

Okay advice is cheap. Im rooting for you both!!

[meisje]

46. I plan on letting my kid form his own opinions

when he is ready. Is'nt the 6th grade a little early to teach him to be angry at the world?

[liberalhistorian]

49. Actually, he's always been

very much his own individual who's always formed his own opinions. He's smart and he reads the newspapers and news magazines and watches the news on many different channels, and pretty much comes to his own conclusions. He is not "angry" at the world, he's angry that Smirk is president and that he's causing so much damage. And by his age, many kids are quite capable of individual thought and of forming their own opinions and conclusions.

[cmd]

85. Is there a "right age" ?

If Liberalhistorians son only get his information from the media, what do you think his opinion is going to be? Would her son be better off if she taught him to blindly follow popular opinion? I think not. I also do not think someone is "angry at the world" because he disagrees.

[9215]

48. Now you can turn this into a

learning experience for you child. Maybe turn him onto what happened in the McCarthy era and do a comparison and contrast with the present.

There is nothing like being attacked personally to stimulate the learning process.

Good luck.

[seventhson]

50. I'm a lawyer. My advice is to send a copy of the Constitution/1st Amend...

ment with your son to school.

He has a right to freedom of speech. Especially political speech.

There is a federal law 42 USCode 1980 et seq. which says that government officials cannot deprice us of our constitutional rights under color of law.

He has the right to freedom of expression (as long as it is not too disruptive or "unreasonably" so, like yelling or patently offensive).

THAT is what the first amendment protects.

Political speech is protected speech and he has th right to his opinion.

If they violate that with punishment or sanctions they are violating the constitution.

Let them know that you and he know that.

[TahitiNut]

55. It's particularly egregious if ...

... other students are given visible/vocal approval by faculty members for speaking in support of Bush*. Then it's not just a violation of 42USC but blatant political discrimination. Those are the kind of "teachers" who should be fired and sent to another profession.

[Kenneth ken]

56. Tell him:

you are right, they are wrong.

Sometimes being right is lonely, painful, and hurts.


It is still right!

[TheYellowDog]

57. He certainly has freedom of speech,

but I'm not sure if today, of all days, was the right time for political bickering. It shows a complete lack of tact, liberalhistorian.

[neebob]

64. Uh, no

He doesn't have freedom of speech. He is being coerced by people who are a little too used to bossing kids around all day every day and need to be reminded that the respect rules they undoubtedly have apply to them, too. It doesn't matter what day it is.

I happen to think today was a really good day to stand up to the flag-waving, troop-supporting, unwitting deputies of the thought police. Unfortunately, a lot of people let it pass. I was surprised to see the ever-shrinking group of local war protesters standing on their usual street corner today, and I felt guiltier than usual only driving by with a honk and a thumbs-up. Last week, there were half a dozen of them, including two young boys; today there were only two grownups. That's commitment.

[wellstone_democrat]

65. with your tagline, that is a remarkable statement

Servility doesn't have "days" or "days off" in my book. Is September 11th forever a non-partisan day? For whom? Democrats and dissenters? I saw the Republicans hitting every airwave they could catch? Are you with them on the issue of their actions and words being neutral and all others "political?" And is this ban forever? the lifetime of those who witnessed the actions of 2001? or what?

If these so-called educators did indeed act as reported then they allowed "politics" by any definition I know to be a feature of their day as long as it was the right *servile* variety. But, more critically, a "lack of tact" is a hallmark of the asperger's child: fine educators these people are to have handled this so very poorly. That alone should get them a visit from his parent(s).

[buddhamama]

77. would you say the same to some victim's families?

because they spoke out and criticized Bush too about the war(s) and the investigation into intelligence failures. As well as, Bush politicizing the DAY and the death of their family members and friends.

do a search for Peaceful Tomorrows.

[Eloriel]

94. Lack of tact

(which I disagree with anyway) is ALSO protected speech.

Eloriel

[TheYellowDog]

110. I didn't say it wasn't

But, then again, I have the right to criticize her son for making that statement. I'm utilizing MY freedom of speech, Eloriel. If you ran GD, or a newspaper for that matter, nothing but pro-Dean commentary would be allowed.

[RapidCreek]

115. I'd say today is the perfect day for political bickering!!!

You gonna share your sentiments with the two widows who were on Hard Ball? What a load of crap!!! You can bet your sweet ass if my wife kids or friends had died because of that bunch of boobs in the administration, today would be a day they feared for the rest of their fucking lives.

RC

[Resistance Is Futile]

59. Not a singular case

There was a throw-away comment in ony of the Guardian's editorials a few weeks aback about a family who were visted by the police after their kid refused to recite the pledge of alligence.

Hitler Youth isn't as far off as many would like to think.

[playahata1]

95. Do you have a link for this article?

I've GOT to see this!

[neebob]

60. Darned if that isn't the most disturbing

of all the disturbing things I've heard recently. I'm fortunate to live in a town with a lot of like-minded people, many of whom have jobs in education, but it wouldn't surprise me if something like this happened at my son's school. I'd really struggle with what to do about it, considering the embarrassing-mom factor, but in the end I think I'd have to make a big public stink about it.

Good kid-raising.

[Robin Hood]

63. Fuck that!! Get a lawyer.

Sue the Nazi bastards and give that teacher a taste of the wonderful Bush economy.

This is outrageous!!!

[mistertrickster]

66. Do you live in a state that allows teachers to unionize?

If the NEA or AFT represents teachers at your school, they would be eager to help you deal with the administrators. As for the teachers who "narc-ed" on him, not all teachers belong to the union, alas.

If you live in Texas, which has practically banned teacher's unions, they probably can't help you. Or if it's a private school, again, you're outta luck, but I'm guessing it's a public school because private institutions aren't known for wanting to help students with special needs, heh.

Good luck.

[mistertrickster]

67. BTW, why are schools wasting time with 9-11 shit?

Planes hit buildings, people died. Long story short. Terrorism is reality all over the world, but when it happens to us, OMG are we a bunch of crybabies, or what?

9-11 is every damn day in Israel / Palestine.

Get those kids back to the math books and leave the misty-eyed tributes--a kind of secular religious act, when you think about it--to the people who want it, not captive middle schoolers.

[freedude]

68. It happens everywhere-

I`m sorry about your sons bad experience, but it seems to happen everywhere- I`m 50 yrs. old, and I was trashed in a chat room the other nite, because I had dared to criticize Bush. This guy is killing our freedoms and ruining our country.

[Yupster]

73. What use are chatrooms, if

you can't get trashed in them.

I got cursed out in a baseball chatroom for saying Al Oliver doesn't deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.

[dean4america]

74. lol

I'm sorry, I don't mean to disrespect the spirit of this great thread, but your comment about getting trashed for the Al Oliver comment has me almost in tear from laughter. One bright ray of sunshine amidst yet another student getting fucked by the police state.

[imax2268]

69. tell him the truth...

We need to convince the kids of today that there is a future...

[knight_of_the_star]

70. Sue the bastards

Call the ACLU. America was founded on a war that was fought for such rights. Show those eshai'du that a true American is not afraid to start WWIII to defend those rights when threatened. Show no mercy, take no prisoners, and leave a trail of proverbial bodies to mark your path. They MUST know justice, and they MUST get it in the way they deserve it most.

[einsteins stein]

71. Give them Hell!

Let them know you will not tolerate any negative mark on your son's record, and insist on seeing his file. Calmly and rationally demand that your son not be singled out and chastised for his thoughts, and reassure the school that you would never tolerate your son acting against another child who thought differently.

You may not feel like it at first, but you have a good deal of power when dealing with these school admin hard cases. Go to the press if you have to (or at least threaten to) if your child is not dealt with fairly.

Stand behind your child 100%, and he will never forget what you did for him.

Good Luck!

[Yupster]

72. As a former teacher, please let me advise

that you ask for an explanation in a friendly manner before getting defensive or offensive.

There were times where a parent came up to our school incensed at what happened to their kid, and it turned out that the kid had gotten the story all backwards or just flat out wrong.

Ask the principal for "help" sorting out what my kid told me because he can't possibly be right telling me he got in trouble for his opinion, can he?

If the principal tells you it was the opinion, then you can get mad.

If it turns out the kid misuderstood something or is telling the story slightly tilted in his favor, you won't be embarrassed for storming around.

PS -- One time I walked through the office and there was a grandmoher storming around the office because she had to pick up her grandson who was being sent home because of discipline. She kept saying that she had warned her daughter not to marry that fool, and the poor kid just has bad genes (jeans?).

[whirlygigspin]

75. just don't

ask them to deal with the kids in an "even handed" manner.

lol

[JNelson6563]

76. Scary, isn't it?

I know. My kids are definitely being raised with views that seperate them from their counter-parts, many who have parents that listen to Rush and go to fundie churches. I have cautioned them that certain views are better left unstated for the time being. I have also explained the situation to them--why it is unwise to say certain things at this time.

My daughter thinks Canada looks good.

My sympathies to you and sending good vibes and encouragement for when you pay a visit to that school.

Julie

[shatoga]

86. certain views are better left unstated for the time being? NEVER!

That's what let Hitler take over so easily.
America's Brownshirts shouldn't intimidate us real Americans into keeping quiet for fear of reprisal.

McCarthyism bullied Liberals into fearful silence
while (former?)Nazis took over the Republican right wing.

A few more courageous voices need to be raised.

Not fewer!

[0007]

78. "liberalhistorian"

Please let us know how this plays out. I'm interested how the School District will handle this -

Good Luck and keep fighting.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

79. I would be LIVID! and let the school admin. and board hear about it

just my $0.02...an editorial to the local paper would then be forthcoming too.

[in_cog_ni_to]

81. I do believe

we still have freedom of speech in this country and more than one friggin political party. I would have a meeting with the teachers and the principal and set them straight. Take a copy of the Constitution with you. FIRST, dress your son in his DemocraticUnderground.com T-shirt, put his DU hat on his head and fill his DU coffee mug with a drink and THEN go to your meeting. Of course, you would dress exactly the same. Do you think they would get the message? :) This really pisses me off. One would think the teachers would admire the fact that your son is even interested in politics at his age. He is entitled to voice his opinion and they cannot stifle that.

[LWolf]

84. I'm sorry. But I'm not surprised.

It's the 9/11 connection, when many are exposing their raw nerves out there.

I taught a boy with Asberger's for a couple of years; my only experience, but I had to research and study to understand and serve him. This sort of experience is hard for any kid, but devastating on a different level for your son.

It might be an opportunity to look at our country, our system, as a work in progress. To show the reasons why our constitution is needed, and the history, evolution, and cycles we've gone through in the area of free speech. And to talk about why we still have work to do.

It's also a good time to teach some responses to give to those who try to correct or "enlighten" his political perspectives. A "thank you for sharing your perspective with me. I disagree. Isn't it wonderful that America makes us free to disagree peacefully?" Or "Isn't it great that in America, we can disagree about politics but still be friends?" etc., etc.

[Stuckinthebush]

89. The most important thing you can do

is to show your son that you are taking his side on this and that you are proud of how he acted - like a true patriot.

You are a good parent. Explain the mass insanity that is going on in our country today and discuss our obligation to fight this insanity.

[Walt Starr]

90. YOU MUST GET AN ATTORNEY AND FILE SUIT!

If you do not, the camel's nose is under the tent and he'll be completely inside the tent very quickly.

[philosophie_en_rose]

91. Your son deserves better!

I think I remember previous posts of yours that indicate that this is not the first time something like this has happened. Not only are these vicious idiots violating your son's right to an education (not to mention IDEA rights), the teachers have an obligation to protect him or to communicate with him - as opposed to enlisting in the lynch mob.

Document everything and be prepared to contact an attorney. Please keep us posted. I'm not surprised that this happened, but I'm sorry that your young son has had to deal with this.

[HFishbine]

92. Will You Forward This To Him?

Dear Young Man,

You don't know me and I don't know your name. But I know you are a brave person. I read on the Internet what happened to you at school yesterday. I'm sorry that you were upset. You didn't deserve to be put down. Maybe I can offer some words that will make you feel better.

You should be darn proud of yourself. It's hard to stand up for your beliefs when so many other people have a different view. But a lot of very wise people have done just what you did. Just like you they suffered consequences that hurt them. But they persevered and went on to make the world a better place. You are in good company.

When you say what you think is right, even if it means other people are going to gang up on you, you are following in the footsteps of people like Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Mahatma Gahndi, and Nelson Mandela.

Every one of our founding father, from Ben Franklin to Thomas Paine showed great bravery by standing up for what they beleive. You have done the same thing.

Most of your classmates and teachers may not appreciate your courage. That's okay. Don't let it get to you. There are many, many other people in the world who agree with you. In the mean time, be patient with those who think you are wrong. They are not your enemies, they simply have a different view and you will be a bigger man if you show them respect even if they are not giving you respect at the moment.

Hold your head up high. Don't cry -- you've done nothing wrong. Be proud of who you are, what you beleive and what you've done. You may be surprised. I'll bet there are some classmates and teachers who agree with you even if they haven't said so yet. You may find that you'll make some new friends and admirerers because of your bravery.

So, next Monday, try to go back to school with quiet confidence. Remember those great people I mentioned and imagine what they would do if they were in sixth grade at your school. If people taunt you, fine. If they disagree with you, fine. One day, probably sooner rather than later, they will see that you were right.

Good luck, my friend.

[tom_paine]

102. Goddmaned that's beatiful, HFishbine

The Spirit of the Old American Republic still iives on DU!

I second that and hope liberalhistorian forwards this along.

[buddhamama]

103. i second that, Beautiful HFishbone !

LH, i too, hope you send this along to your son and give him my best. let him know we stand with him.

[HFishbine]

106. Since

I mention you, Tom, I'm pleased you approve.

[proud patriot]

108. Great words ! HFishbine

I hope that letter gets to him . Wise Wise Words ...

[MrBenchley]

93. I'd complain to the school board

This is disgraceful!

[NeonLX]

98. Misery loves company?

My 3rd-grade daughter has become the pariah of her school. The parents of the kids in this school are about 99.99% hard core repuglican. We have some lefty bumper stickers on our car so the parents in the parking lot sneer at us constantly from the seat of their Land Rovers, Mercedes & Lexii. My daughter spoke up against Smirk once during recess and received notes from the other students in her class, informing her that the Chimp is a "fine, Christian man" and all that rot. She doesn't say much anymore but I feel bad for her--having to listen to her parents rant & rave about what an evil SOB Bush is, then go to school and have to bite her tongue all day long...

[goddess40]

99. My 10 year old son is NLD borderline Aspergers

He is a democrat and HATES bush. We live in a conservative city and many of his classmates are children of rightwingers. These kids parrot what their parents say. They like to harass my son and because of his disability he has a difficult time dealing with it.
He came home upset yesterday upset about the principals little speech about 9/11 and the war in Iraq. My son knows that they are not connected and was angry about the propaganda. Luckily he didn't have to go through what your son has.
Does your son stand for the pledge? Both of mine do because they get attacked by the kids if they don't.

Good Luck!

[shimmergal]

100. Suggestion for parents whose kids are intimidated by RWs

My kids grew up in a hard-right small town during the Vietnam War era.
For most of this time I was a single mother, too.

The kids had a safety net, however, because most of my friends were also liberals, and many had children of the same age. The children got to be close friends too. Although most of what they did together was "kid stuff" (flying saucers were a big interest), they had the peer support when political-type issues came up.

If you don't have this situation already, it might help to see if you can find parents in your town who are Democrats and/or liberals. Even if the children don't go to the same school, knowing they have friends elsewhere who think the same way can help.


Their best friends

[scarface2004]

101. he needs to go to my son's skool!

my son kicked off the commemeration with 'george bush is a 10lb piece of shit in a 5lb bag! to which he received cheers for 5 minutes!!

[uptohere]

104. I would point out that...

...while he is free to have his own opinion and state it, there are appropriate and inappropriate times to do so. During an event such as you describe it not terribly appropriate.

You don't start saying negative things about the funeral director at the burial of someone else's loved one. The information may well be true and its a free country but its just the wrong time and place.

[TahitiNut]

109. Maybe its an "inappropriate time" to laud the Smirking Chimp, too?

Maybe the kid got tired of hearing adulation for Der Fuhrer? :eyes:

"The burial of someone's loved one" is also a poor time for the funeral director's sycophants to hand out marketing brochures to the mourner's friends.

When in Rome ... :puke:

[RapidCreek]

116. Inappropriate?

How the hell do you know this kids mother or uncle or aunt or gramma or grampa wasn't one of the people that died in the WTC as a result of Smirks unadulterated stupidity? You don't.

Were the two widows of men killed in the world trade center, lambastin Bush and Cheney on HardBall the night of the 11th being inappropriate? Of all the gall...who the hell do you think you are?

What's inappropriate is ignoring the reason 9/11 was allowed to happen...that's what's inappropriate.

RC

[chadm]

105. Don't get so dramatic about it

Just tell him to believe what he wants to but also be smart about who he's talking to. That's what we all have to do to get through this system, I'm sure you know that.

[rman]

114. "watch who you'r talking to", "watch out what you'r saying"

i'd say that's good cause to get dramatic.