Mar 25 2008
Soldiers Barred From Talking to Students
So what; they’re fighting in our name and dying in our name… Why would we allow them to speak to our kids about duty, honor, and service to their country?
A national tour featuring decorated veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan won’t be stopping at Forest Lake Area High School today as planned, after school leaders abruptly canceled the visit.
Steve Massey, the school principal, said the decision to cancel was prompted by concerns that the event was becoming political rather than educational and therefore was not suitable for a public school.
He said the school had received several phone calls from parents and others, some of whom indicated that they may stage a protest if the event took place.
“The event was structured to be an academic classroom discussion around military service. We thought we’d provide an opportunity for kids to learn about service in the context of our history classes,” Massey said. “As the day progressed, it became clear that this was becoming a political event … which would be inappropriate in a public setting.
Nice move, Mr. Massey. A bunch of libtards start shouting and complaining and you cave in. No wonder you didn’t want some good soldiers giving a talk at your school; they have more character and honor in their pinky than you have in your whole quivering body.
This sets a great precedent, too. Don’t like what someone may say? Find a spineless principal and start shouting. They’ll cave.
What a joke.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Ugh… I hate libtards. Support the war or don’t support the war, I don’t care. But now liberals have found a way to use freedom of speech to infringe on freedom of speech. Great.
Stupid stupid stupid.
March 25th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
My nephew is an infantry soldier in Iraq right now. He came home for two weeks this past Feb. During his visit he went to his former high school and was permitted to speak to the students there. He did this for three days, all day. He didn’t talk about how our government is wrong for this or right for that. He simply talked about how the military has given him a purpose in life, gave him self-confidence and the tools to succeed in everything he puts his hands to. He talked about the reality of war in general, without taking political sides. He talked about the country of Iraq in general - what it is like living there, what the locals are really like, and the experience of eating Iraqi food (which he loves).
It was educational, not political. It’s only political if the officials make it so. And the school here did not. They are looking forward to him returning from war so that he can speak to the new classes next year.
March 25th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
See… normal, clear headed people… not fearful parents or fearful schools. Normal!
…sigh… life would be much better if I could adjust things ever so slightly…