crime & punishment part one
The Alberton Papers, Vol.III, #4
By Dick Darne 11-19-06
Crime and Punishment part one
"It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry" Thomas Paine
I will now weigh in on the "bus incident". As to what "dog" I have in the fight, I have no kids in school anymore, but I have had seven attend here and six graduate, plus two foreign exchange students Out of these came misbehavior, punishment, and, in some cases, suspension. For one, the punishment meted out was too severe, he successfully argued for a more appropriate punishment to a board of trustees who were not totally "wooden-headed". He went on to graduate and eventually become an Alberton School Trustee. My "dog" in the fight is Justice for all the kids.
I am sure I am not the only person who was surprised and dismayed by the board’s refusal to reconsider last week. In spite of public utterances by the County Attorney, the Sheriff, the Juvenile Probation Officer, Teachers, an ex-Trustee, the Local Pastor and community members, all either advocating reconsideration, or extolling the integrity of all students involved, the trustees refused, acting as though their minds were already made up.
It appears that these boys have lost all extra curricular activities, all sports, been charged with a misdemeanor, served a three week suspension and are performing community service. Since the incident, at least one has made the honor roll.
Among the qualifications for "wooden-headedness" is: a stubborn refusal to change course when a clear alternative is available. The boys have accepted blame, and now, more than anyone, know not to ever do it again. I would expect them to be in the vanguard of hazing elimination in Alberton. Because the old adage, "boys will be boys" is true, adult supervision is necessary, therefore an adult should have been positioned in the back of the bus a long time ago.
While in some societies a failure of this magnitude would call for seppuku , in ours an acknowledgment of a "learning experience" is sufficient. I would bet that Mr. Walsh now knows better than most and would also be in the vanguard. Probably be a better coach, teacher and principal too.
Enough is enough, rehabilitation rather than excessive punishment, learning rather than blame, redemption rather than humiliation.
I’ll bet on the boys, I’ll bet on the coach, they have learned. The trustees, I just don’t know.
It does take a village! Keep thinking and asking questions. dd
By Dick Darne 11-19-06
Crime and Punishment part one
"It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry" Thomas Paine
I will now weigh in on the "bus incident". As to what "dog" I have in the fight, I have no kids in school anymore, but I have had seven attend here and six graduate, plus two foreign exchange students Out of these came misbehavior, punishment, and, in some cases, suspension. For one, the punishment meted out was too severe, he successfully argued for a more appropriate punishment to a board of trustees who were not totally "wooden-headed". He went on to graduate and eventually become an Alberton School Trustee. My "dog" in the fight is Justice for all the kids.
I am sure I am not the only person who was surprised and dismayed by the board’s refusal to reconsider last week. In spite of public utterances by the County Attorney, the Sheriff, the Juvenile Probation Officer, Teachers, an ex-Trustee, the Local Pastor and community members, all either advocating reconsideration, or extolling the integrity of all students involved, the trustees refused, acting as though their minds were already made up.
It appears that these boys have lost all extra curricular activities, all sports, been charged with a misdemeanor, served a three week suspension and are performing community service. Since the incident, at least one has made the honor roll.
Among the qualifications for "wooden-headedness" is: a stubborn refusal to change course when a clear alternative is available. The boys have accepted blame, and now, more than anyone, know not to ever do it again. I would expect them to be in the vanguard of hazing elimination in Alberton. Because the old adage, "boys will be boys" is true, adult supervision is necessary, therefore an adult should have been positioned in the back of the bus a long time ago.
While in some societies a failure of this magnitude would call for seppuku , in ours an acknowledgment of a "learning experience" is sufficient. I would bet that Mr. Walsh now knows better than most and would also be in the vanguard. Probably be a better coach, teacher and principal too.
Enough is enough, rehabilitation rather than excessive punishment, learning rather than blame, redemption rather than humiliation.
I’ll bet on the boys, I’ll bet on the coach, they have learned. The trustees, I just don’t know.
It does take a village! Keep thinking and asking questions. dd
posted by aldermandarne | 11:04 PM
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