From: Anthony Mako (ajmako@NLS.NET)
Date: Sat Mar 18 2000 - 19:59:49 CST
<Patrick Hummert wrote>
Let me say it this way: each and every child and parent has, in recent
years, lived with the fear that "someone will take away the freedom to
live".
For this reason, the rules and limits have been spelled out....and rightly
so!!!!.... by every School Board in the Country.
</Patrick>
Pat,
Disagreeing with "zero-tolerance" does not equate to disagreeing with rules
or the need for them. No one believes that the rules against taking weapons
to school should be gotten rid of. What we object to is the severe lack of
common sence employed in making and enforcing the rules.
<Pat continued>
NOW.... It is the responsibility of EVERY SINGLE PARENT to review the rules,
and enforce them for their child's safe keeping, each and every day before
that child goes to school if needed!
There is no reason for any child to take anything on a ban list to
school....even if it reads BSA on the sides! NOTHING!!!!!!! That holds true
for all Scouting functions that are held on school grounds! After all, BSA
does not need the newspaper coverage any more then when a student is harmed
by someone who "is or was" a Scout.
</Pat>
It's BECAUSE every parents DOESN'T review the rules and make sure their
children are following them that zero-tolerence" policies have been
implemented. Yes, there's little need for a pocket knife in school. Yes,
bringing a pocket knife to school violates the rule. If your kids make a
mistake, do you give them the harshest punishment? Not likely. You still
punish them if a rule is broken, but the punishment fits the circumstances.
<Pat continued>
Hard .....YES!!!!
Real......Yes!!!!
Needed....You bet!!!!
</Pat>
What would you do if your state instituted a zero-tolerance speeding law.
All speeders will have their licenses suspended for one year. Doesn't matter
what the circumstances are, what your driving record is, or the actual speed
you were going. Zero-tolerance! One mile-an-hour over the speed limit is all
it takes. Harsh? YES!!!! Real? Yes!!!! Needed? I don't think so. But, that's
the kind of rules kids face.
YIS
AJ Mako, Scoutmaster, Troop 381 http://www.scouts381.org/
ajmako@nls.net
Great Trail Council, Old Portage District
