What else is there to say?
Link: 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.
Shameful. God forbid our children should have a multi-faceted education. It is all about making certain that no one thinks for themselves.
Posted by: Lisa | Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 01:02 PM
The event was moved to the American Legion hall, where it belonged to begin with. If these teenagers and their families are so interested, they could always go there.
Posted by: chris | Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 01:18 PM
"-- The event was moved to the American Legion hall, where it belonged to begin with. If these teenagers and their families are so interested, they could always go there. --"
No. The decision was ridiculous, but not because of the principal. Since when does a veteran's rally constantly need to take on political overtones? Is it not enough to simply celebrate men and women in uniform or are we required to hold up signs defiantly demanding that we've 'won'? At a certain point it becomes embarrassing to watch veterans' tributes turn into Neo-Con pep-rallies.
I think the principal saw the rather ugly shit storm that was coming and decided to avoid it entirely. And more power to him. When people are ready to act like adults, maybe they can reschedule.
Posted by: IslamoLlama | Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 02:01 PM
I hope, for the parents that complained, that their kids, when they turn 18, decide to decide for themselves. I hope their kids go seek out the advice of a military recruiter. I hope their kids join up on the spot and within weeks are shipped off to basic training or boot camp. I hope they have long, distinguished careers as officers — non-commissioned and otherwise — in the Marine Corps or US Army.
And I hope, for those parents, it either 1) awakens an honest and sincere respect and admiration for all the men and women of our military, or 2) drives them bat-shit-insane wondering “where did we go wrong?”
_____
You can contact Principle Massey here: smassey@forestlake.k12.mn.us
Please be respectful and polite -- but let him know how you feel about his decision to dishonor our veterans.
Posted by: Robbie | Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Just another example of the Left's hate for the military and its veterans. Good. It shows how they really feel, and all veterans should be aware of the Leftist ingrates.
Posted by: templar knight | Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Should I be grateful for this??
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080325/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq
5 years and the goatherders still aren't in line. I wonder if that traveling band of veterans are talking about that.
Posted by: BobInStamford | Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 06:03 PM
"--- The event was moved to the American Legion hall, where it belonged to begin with. If these teenagers and their families are so interested, they could always go there. ---"
No, the event should have been hosted at the publicly-funded school to properly honor the students' elder patriots who have made a great civic sacrifice for our land.
Posted by: seekeronos | Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 06:06 PM
"-- No, the event should have been hosted at the publicly-funded school to properly honor the students' elder patriots who have made a great civic sacrifice for our land. --"
That's a great way to dictate how taxpayer money is spent, but shouldn't such considerations be left up to the local community? When did publicly-funded schools include "celebrating our veterans" in their mission statements? Why not host the event at a publicly-funded court house or a mayoral office or a military base or a park? When did public schools become the de facto required location for military rallies?
Posted by: IslamoLlama | Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 11:20 AM
"--- Why not host the event at a publicly-funded court house or a mayoral office or a military base or a park? When did public schools become the de facto required location for military rallies? ---"
This is not objectionable, and might have even allowed everyone to save face.
However, what is saddening is that this principal has allowed his political agenda to squash what would otherwise would have been an invaluable experience for these kids.
Of course, if it were an anti-war demonstration by Code PINK, the principal would likely have rolled out the RED carpet for them.
Posted by: seekeronos | Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 11:48 AM