Thursday, May 03, 2007

News: Not what it used to be

OK, no links today. No fancy pictures. Just commentary, and a rant. I took my wife to breakfast this morning, it was a treat for both of us. In the seating area was a TV, and it was turned to the news. After eating, while we were sitting and chatting a few news stories caught our ears. I was quickly reminded why I no longer listened to the news for anything other than weather, and I was also reminded of the sad state this world is in.

One story tells of a teacher that left the classroom, only to return to a physical fight two students were in. The teacher broke it up, reported the students and received a surprise reaction from the school, the media, and now it seems from the local government. What was her surprise? She was suspended for allowing the fight, then fired for leaving the room, and now she is facing criminal charges. THIS IS CRAZY! I know teachers. I know their workloads, and the many hoops they must jump through to receive far less then average wage for far more than most accomplish. There is no teacher in America, and possibly the world, that does not find themselves in a situation where they must step out of the classroom on occasion. To be held accountable for students that have not been taught right and wrong at home is not only STUPID, but irresponsible on the part of the authorities in question. It is NOT a teachers job to parent their students. The actions of these students should be the responsibility of the students, and their guardians (parents, extended family, whomever). If you fight at school, then you are punished for doing something wrong. Your parents are punished for doing something wrong, NOT the teacher who is doing their best to make do with inadequate tools, support (from homes, and schools), and in this case students. What part of teaching these kids they can get away with doing wrong while someone else pays the price is right or good or beneficial to themselves or society at large? WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR ACTIONS! Wow am I steamed!

Dear God, have mercy on us all!

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