I salute your dad for his service.

 

Do you think he would tell five kids to remove symbols of the flag and nation he fought to protect?

 

I'm not saying the assistant principal is un-American... but I do think a solid case might be constructed regarding the stupidity of his actions... and that has nothing to do with skin tone or national loyalties. :thumb:

 

As a teacher, I can tell you that kids don't always give the true and full story in situations in which they get in trouble. (I bet that you parents can vouch for that. :sssh:) That's why I'd like to hear the principal's version.

 

If the boys' story is 100% true, then the principal made a stupid decision, which may or may not be based on sympathetic feelings toward those of Mexican heritage. Regardless, he should not have had the boys remove the t-shirts. Bandanas, yes, if they are against the dress code (they would be at my school).

 

I'll ask my dad what he would do when I talk to him Sunday. I'm going to guess that he would feel just like I do. It's 100% wrong to make the kids remove t-shirts with American flags on them simply because it was Cinco de Mayo.

I salute your dad for his service.

 

Do you think he would tell five kids to remove symbols of the flag and nation he fought to protect?

 

I'm not saying the assistant principal is un-American... but I do think a solid case might be constructed regarding the stupidity of his actions... and that has nothing to do with skin tone or national loyalties. :thumb:

 

It is absolutely un-American what the assistant principal did. When is it ever inappropriate to wear patriotic colors? The only answer is never.

It is absolutely un-American what the assistant principal did. When is it ever inappropriate to wear patriotic colors? The only answer is never.

A single, ill conceived un-American action does not necessarily make this individual un-American. We all pretty much agree his actions were foolish. If you re-read my previous post, I'm fine with saying his actions were shameful, but stop short of saying the individual is un-American. I certainly cannot say he is un-American simply because of his last name or heritage. :thumb:

 

I'd bet he would do things differently given another chance.

First, it was a dumb decision to send them home or make any other kind of issue of the shirts. Second, don't kid yourselves. The timing was intended to provoke a response from the students of Mexican heritage. Third, my guess is that the assistant principal wanted to head off trouble. Bad call, but I wouldn't question his patriotism over it.

So what? If anyone that comes to this country can actually be offended by the the American flag (on Cinco de Mayo or any other day) the problem is theirs. If that's the worst thing these kids did there's nothing to be offended by.

A single, ill conceived un-American action does not necessarily make this individual un-American. We all pretty much agree his actions were foolish. If you re-read my previous post, I'm fine with saying his actions were shameful, but stop short of saying the individual is un-American. I certainly cannot say he is un-American simply because of his last name or heritage. :thumb:

 

You're exactly right you can't say he's un-American because of name or heritage, but you sure as heck can for his actions.

What type of American is offended by the symbol of the American flag?

 

I can answer that. Native Americans who are descendents of those killed at Wounded Knee or Pine Ridge or other military engagements where innocent people, including children, were killed by those carrying American flags. To them, it means something very sad.

As a teacher, I can tell you that kids don't always give the true and full story in situations in which they get in trouble. (I bet that you parents can vouch for that. :sssh:) That's why I'd like to hear the principal's version.

 

If the boys' story is 100% true, then the principal made a stupid decision, which may or may not be based on sympathetic feelings toward those of Mexican heritage. Regardless, he should not have had the boys remove the t-shirts. Bandanas, yes, if they are against the dress code (they would be at my school).

 

I'll ask my dad what he would do when I talk to him Sunday. I'm going to guess that he would feel just like I do. It's 100% wrong to make the kids remove t-shirts with American flags on them simply because it was Cinco de Mayo.

You can ask your dad if you want, but we both know what he'll say...

 

If you do talk to him this weekend, tell him a big, tall, Kentucky kid thinks he's a hero and thanks him deeply for his selfless service to our great nation. :thumb:

That is the biggest crock of bull I've ever heard. :puke:

 

If you heard my father's name, I'm sure that you'd say the same thing. Yet, he served two tours of duty in the US Army before and during Vietnam. Don't you dare tell me he's not 100% American.

 

And they say that profiling won't affect legal citizens. :rolleyes:

With you 100%, except for the last sentence.

You're exactly right you can't say he's un-American because of name or heritage, but you sure as heck can for his actions.

 

No, not necessarily. We don't know what his INTENT was in making the decision, however foolish it is.

No, not necessarily. We don't know what his INTENT was in making the decision, however foolish it is.

 

What could his intent have been other than to appease a bunch of whiny Mexican-American middle schoolers?

You're exactly right you can't say he's un-American because of name or heritage, but you sure as heck can for his actions.

And that my friend sums up my support for profiling when applied in an objective manner. Skin tone or nation of origin or religion are only single facets of a much more complex "profile" that is actually useful to law enforcement... but I digress.

What could his intent have been other than to appease a bunch of whiny Mexican-American middle schoolers?

 

I don't know. But just because I don't know, doesn't mean that there isn't one.

 

Here's an example from a situation at my school last week. We didn't let a pregnant girl attend our prom.

 

Yes, you heard me...we didn't let a pregnant girl attend our prom.

 

Isn't that terrible? Aren't we discriminating against her? Shouldn't we be sued? How awful and uncaring in this day and age!

 

Actual story...the young lady did not get to attend because she did not meet the criteria for prom attendance, as did 20+ kids that aren't pregnant. This criteria involves attendance to school, being to class on time, completing certain important assignments and not owing any school debts.

 

Some people jumped to conclusions and made a big deal about the principal's (and my) intent (I am one of the prom coordinators). However, it's really very simple. She didn't meet criteria. The fact that she is pregnant had no impact on the facts of this situation.

 

For that reason, I'd like to hear the principal's version. Again, if it matches that of the boys', he made a very poor decision.

And that my friend sums up my support for profiling when applied in an objective manner. Skin tone or nation of origin or religion are only single facets of a much more complex "profile" that is actually useful to law enforcement... but I digress.

 

:thumb:I support "complex profiles," just not those on who "looks" illegal (or as in this thread, who doesn't sound 100% American).

:thumb:I support "complex profiles," just not those on who "looks" illegal (or as in this thread, who doesn't sound 100% American).

My whole point was/is that race, gender, religion, patterns of actions, political affiliations, etc. are all valid components of a useful profile. BUT, when a so-called profile is distilled down to any one point... and one point alone, it ceases to be a profile and becomes racism or some other form of discrimination.

My whole point was/is that race, gender, religion, patterns of actions, political affiliations, etc. are all valid components of a useful profile. BUT, when a so-called profile is distilled down to any one point... and one point alone, it ceases to be a profile and becomes racism or some other form of discrimination.

 

And it's a beautiful point...that I agree with in it's entirety! :thumb: