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Open thread
- By Phillip Brownlee
- Posted Dec. 21, 2006 at 1:05 a.m.
- Filed under Open thread
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116 Comments
Has anybody notice the traffic out there this holiday season out on the streets and in the stores and shopping malls? Wow! It’s a zoo.
It’s so awesome! Everybody is in a holiday spirit and our economy is great.
Merry Christmas everybody.
Quote of the Day:
“Philosophers are men hired by the well-to-do to prove that everything is alright” -Brooks Adams
Viva La Raza Blanco and Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas to you Joe.
This time of year makes me glad that I don’t work in retail.Especially when I see customers being rude to each other and the employees.
Today’s Bushism:”One of the great things about books is, sometimes there are some fantastic pictures.”1/3/2000
They are also easier to turn right side up!
Bless his little heart!He doesn’t even know that he’s really Stephen Colbert in disguise.
Actually the book of “Bushism” is a hilarious book to give somebody for Christmas. It’s a great bathroom read or maybe as fireplace material.
;)
Ratheon is gone! Say Hello to Hawker Beechcraft Corp.
My oldest daughter gave me a Bush (Mis)Speak calendar for Christmas. One of those desktop-pull-off-a-page-a-day things, with a Bushism a day for a year. It got to the point where I was rolling my eyes so much, I was afraid they’d roll right out of my head. ;)
RD- I’ve got one of those daily calenders- I either laugh or have trouble going to sleep!
There are twits, super-twits, mega-twits, and then our hero.
I wonder if Yale/Harvard get a percentage of sales?
WOW.This is a real oldie,but sounds like it was written yesterday.I love it.
I rolled out this morningKids had the mornin’ news show onBryant Gumbel was talkin’ ’bout the fighting in LebanonSome senator was squawkin’ ’bout the bad economyIt’s gonna get worse you see, we need a change in policy
There’s a local paper rolled up in a rubber bandOne more sad story’s one more than I can standJust once how I’d like to see the headline say”Not much to print today, can’t find nothin’ bad to say”, because
Nobody robbed a liquor store on the lower part of townNobody OD’ed, nobody burned a single buildin’ downNobody fired a shot in anger, nobody had to die in vainWe sure could use a little good news today
I’ll come home this evenin’I'll bet that the news will be the sameSomebody takes a hostage, somebody steals a planeHow I wanna hear the anchor man talk about a county fairAnd how we cleaned up the air, how everybody learned to careWhoa, tell me
Nobody was assassinated in the whole Third World todayAnd in the streets of Ireland, all the children had to do was playAnd everybody loves everybody in the good old USAWe sure could use a little good news today
Nobody robbed a liquor store on the lower part of townNobody OD’ed, nobody burned a single buildin’ down(FADE)Nobody fired a shot in anger, nobody had to die in vainWe sure could use a little good news today
And just imagine. G.W. got better grades than Kerry or Gore.
Yeah, we misunderestimate the decider.HA
I certainly don’t think the Shrub is an incompetent twit; to the contrary, the real problem is he is a highly competent twit!
Probably off the scale.
Two peanuts are walking down the street.One was assaulted.
ASALTED?
ASSAULTED.HA
Person 1: Knock knock.
Person 2: Who’s there?
Person 1: Control freak.
Person 1: Now you say “control freak who?”
Left alone = unsalted?
I don’t know. Ahhhhhh………..Touche’
Q: What’s worse: ignorance or apathy?A: I don’t know and I don’t care.
Oh my. Phillkline has some MORE ethics violoztions? Like using state-owned computers for election purposes? Who would have thunk it?
It’s possible that he’s been reading the shortest book in the world — “Political Ethics” by Paul F. Rossel. Of course, that’s assuming Phillkline can read, and I’m probably pushing the envelope there.
A case for civility:This open tread seemed like a good opportunity to put this issue up for debate and look forward to your response.
As a frequent reader of this blog I have come to the conclusion that, over time, there has been a considerable decline in the respect shown for those who disagree with one another. This is very discouraging because most of the time the same cadre of posters are locking horns. Although I enjoy a spirited discussion of varying points of view, it seems pointless and small to get into baiting, name calling, and degrading each other to make a case.
I have also noticed a tilt towards profanity. That really troubles me. How does the use of the F word enhance an argument? To me it diminishes the writers’ credibility and weakens their point of view. There are many other swear words used that also, at least to me, demean the writer.
I guess most of the folks who post on this site assume it is adults who read the WE Blog. I would remind you that younger eyes also enjoy the discussions and would hope that an example could be set for expression that allows for passionate, reasonable, and civil debate.
Jeeze, you’re right truth.
I am an F-Bomb offender. I didn’t even stop for a second and consider that kids might read these posts.
I for one apologize and shall henceforth bomb no more.
Thanx truth.
Truth’s point is well-put and well-taken — and certainly Sol, I’m as bad or worse than you are regarding “F*** this” or “F*** that”, or the ever popular “F*** Phillkline”. And truth is right.
But having said that, each and every web site, blog, “whathaveyou” on the Internet is “age-appropriate”. And if someone has children, and has a computer, or the children have their own computers, and they live under their roof — it is not my or your or Truth’s responsibility to monitor whether their children are viewing age appropriate content.
Which expands into a (or IMHO, the) major problem in society in this first decade of the 21st century. No one wants to take personal responsibility for their own actions, or the actions of others for which they may be responsible. People expect day-care, school, television and the internet to raise their kids. Serial murderers kill 14 people they never laid eyes on in their life before they killed them because their “self esteem” was “disadvantaged”, when their “male role model” was “absent during the formative years”, and so on, ad nauseaum.
Ergo, no responsibility = no consequences. So the attitude becomes, “I can do whatever I want to do, because nothing bad is going to happen to me because of it”.
I’ll try to watch it, but not because many don’t give a damn what their kids are doing or where they’re doing it, as long as they’re not blocking the television set or the driveway.
Good points from you all on this. Personal responsibility is very lacking these days.
Rm.Took the thoughts right out of my head. I’ve posted several times that ‘parents’ these days are glorified (and poor excuses for) baby sitters. Most of them can’t even baby sit for their own kids.
Go to a toy store and count the number of out of control kids. The parents won’t even discipline them. I blame society for a lot of that. If you give your kid’s butt a good pop to get him/her back in line, you are likely to have CPS or the police called on you. Those same folks that would call the cops look down on people with unruly kids. Pick one or the other – disciplined kids or kids that run rampant.
Spill coffee on you crotch. Wasn’t MY fault I’m clumsy. Sue McDonalds. Get six figures.
I freakin hear you. No responsibility these days. ALWAYS someone else’s fault and a law suit is sure to follow.
your**
Society in general has gone this direction, at least in this country.You know, I’m just kicken’ it with my 6 yr. old grand daughter, watching saturday morning cartoons and enjoying the company….when I notice sumpin’.Sponge Bob uses the same sad language.Not the full F-bomb, but it’s cleaned-up variation, ‘freakin’ or ‘friggen’!!!!For God’s sake people.The 6 yr. old knows very well what ol’ square pants is REALLY saying!I can’t believe this.I mean…I mean, I wouldn’t let the kid watch SouthPark,do we have to be assaulted with the same on Nickelodeon?
Why….If Johnny West woulda’ said that when I was a kid,his old man woulda’ blistered his cartoon ass!
I agree that personal responsibility is lacking in society. But, what about our responsibility to set the example?
Shouldn’t we be personaly responsible “for expression that allows for passionate, reasonable, and civil debate.”
Holy crap, I agree with something Tracy said. Tracy, you are quite right on that one.
You know what else is messed up along the same line? You’re watching a perfectly innocent TV show with your kid and then comes along a commercial with sex and language stuff in it that I don’t want my kids seeing.
Okay Colbert fan.Wag of the finger to us.Point well taken.BTW, that shoulda’ been Johnny QUEST, not West, gettin’ his little cartoon ass warmed up.
OOPS, I said ASS.Put me on notice!
truthiness, you are absolutley right.
….I was wondering who Johnny West was. I remember Johnny Quest.
Here’s one for you…. Folks get their panties in a wad over some idiot exposing her breast at half time on the super bowl.
But you can watch some one get shot, strangled, stabbed…. All the blood and gore you want.
I would rather my son (many moons from now ;-) ) go out and ‘chase tail’ because he saw it on TV than gun someone down.
Why is sex and language so closely monitored on the airwaves, but the violence is perfectly acceptable?????
Right on SOB.Try explaining what ‘enzyte’ is,AND why smilin’ Bob is smiling!Sheesh.
Erectile dysfunction?Let’s talk about it during prime time,maybe between Full House and Green Acres!!
Vaginal itch?Learn about it after Gillmore Girls,and before Little House On the Prarie!
Ok, let me put some context on that last one. I don’t let my boy watch the violent shows. That is my responsibility as a dad. My point is only that sex and language are so closely guarded and violence isn’t.
Ya’ see truthiness,we’ve cussed and discussed this very topic for years.
By the time this thread dies,you’ll be sorry you brought it up.Mark my words.
Bob Dole watching Britney Spears and telling his dog to calm down……
Try explaining that one.
Besides, know that Bob is using Viagra conjures up way too many mental images.
Poor Elizabeth.
We’ve made war ‘clean’ and our bodies dirty.(new smart weapons leave a ‘clean’ battlefield)
Jesus wept.
Trump or Rosie? I vote Trump.
…but really I’d rather they both shut up.
Hey people: you really need to checkout the latest David Zucker video on youtube.com. Its a spoof of the Iraq Surrender Group comparing them to Neville Chamberlain. Its a real hoot, even better than the Madeline Albright/ North Korea video he did a couple of months ago
“..but really I’d rather they both shut up.”
Please! Can we get a gag order for both of them?
Unprecedented court ruling in Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, MI (AP) – A seven-year-old boy was at the center of aDetroit courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court rulingover who should have custody of him.The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judgeinitially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with childcustody law and regulations requiring that family unity bemaintained to the degree possible
The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beathim more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live withher. When the judge then suggested that he live with hisgrandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.
After considering the remainder of the immediate family andlearning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life amongthem, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy topropose who should have custody of him.After two recesses to check legal references and confer with childwelfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to theDetroit Lions, whom the boy and the court firmly believe are notcapable of beating anyone.
Free Genarlow Wilson Now
Genarlow Wilson loves reading mystery novels and can’t wait for the next Harry Potter book. The 20-year-old former high school football player and honor student works in a library, the perfect job for a young bookworm. Unfortunately, that is where the good news ends and a genuine horror story of this country’s legal system begins.
The library in Georgia where Mr. Wilson works is in prison. He is two years into a sentence for engaging in consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl at a New Year’s Eve party when he was 17. He won’t be eligible for parole until he has served 10 years, essentially sacrificing his remaining youth to an obvious miscarriage of justice.
As Shaila Dewan reported in The Times this week, Mr. Wilson has been convicted of aggravated child molestation even though he and the girl were both minors at the time. Even if he could win an early release, Mr. Wilson could not go home to his family. He would have to register as a sex offender and would be prohibited from living with his 8-year-old sister. It is all the more disgraceful because the Georgia Supreme Court last week refused to hear his appeal.
The sexual act took place during a party involving sex, marijuana and alcohol, all captured on a graphic videotape. But that does not make Mr. Wilson a child molester. When high school students engage in consensual sexual activity, that is not the same as an adult molesting a teenager or a teenager molesting a child.
What makes this case more absurd is that if Mr. Wilson and the young woman had sexual intercourse, he would have been guilty only of a misdemeanor and not required to register as a sex offender, thanks to a provision in the law meant to avoid just this type of draconian punishment for consensual youthful indiscretions, the “Romeo and Juliet” exception. And since Mr. Wilson’s conviction, the law has been changed to exempt oral sex as well. But the courts say that can’t help Mr. Wilson retroactively.
His lawyer is planning to file a habeas petition seeking his release. The courts need to grant it and expunge his record so that Mr. Wilson can return to his family and his once promising academic career. Legislators in other states should take notice and make sure that their own laws do not catch children in dragnets designed for predatory adults.
Truthiness,Yes, I occasionally use a profane or obscene word. There are times on here when “Oh shucksie-poo” just fails to express my feelings about some of the posts and/or subjects covered.You don’t want me to cuss? Then use the brains god gave you, and I won’t need to!
Tracy,
That is a crock of crap. Wouldn’t it make sense to gauge the criminality of the act by the difference in the participant’s age? Consensual obviously.
i.e. if one is 18 and one is 16 for example.
Yeah, I mean this really is injustice.You know it’s not a good thing, especially ON FILM!!!!In the good old days it was just a guy and his girl, the back seat and AM radio.
Jed, here’s a quote for ya’:
Words ought to be a little wild, for they are the assaults of thought on the unthinking…..John Maynard Keynes
Occasionally I peruse this blog while I am at home with the kids around. Sometimes my teenager reads over my shoulder and sometimes my 4 year old sits on my lap. I am one of those pesky hands-on parents that know what’s going on with their kid. I know what they are watching on TV (and there is no spongebob or barney at my house)or movies, I know what they are listening to (my son thinks that I am way to harsh not letting him listen to slipknot or ICP) and I know what they are reading (yes I read or skim most books before the boy reads). I am not a helicopter parent because I know that they must figure most stuff out on their own before maturing.I appreciate people who watch their language. If you cannot communicate without swearing (most of the time) then you have no business debating the topics because you cannot fully express yourself appropriately. I must confess however that occasionally there is nothing more satisfying than a good &%^(*&()^$%$#$&^ rant.
Sol, the quandry the young man is in is due to nondistinction in the statute as originally enacted. Passage of statutes without thinking, in response to pressure, real or perceived, without time for debate and thought, often results in bad laws. As was pointed out, the statute has been subsequently amended, but this does not help Mr. Wilson.
Vaughn,I guess that doesn’t make sense to me. They made a bad call and fixed it. But those previously effected are just screwed?
Sol,What it basically boils down to is that a person is sentanced for a ‘crime’ commited according to what the sentancing guidelines are.The whole BTK thing is relavent here. I use this case because it’s a fairly well known case, especially here in Wichita.BTK committed the murders during a time period when the death penalty was NOT in effect. Even though the sentancing took place AFTER the death penalty was reinstated the crimes took place when the death penalty was not an option so he got life in prison.In Mr. Wilson’s case it’s like being grandfathered in only this time it’s not in a good way.
Yeah, IT AIN’T RIGHT.They fixed the law (presumably) because of this case, but the poor horny little wannabe porn star has to do ten years with bubba?Sheesh.
The United States is a nation of laws: badly written and randomly enforced…..Frank Zappa
Sounds like a crappy deal. OK, without getting into the whole –should we have the death sentence- debate. OK, I can see that point of view. Changing a sentence after the fact to a harsher punishment makes sense. But when a law is passed, breaks that law and is convicted, then that law is overturned, it seems like he/she should fall under the new ‘intent’ of the law.
Just doesn’t seem fair. I know, life isn’t fair, but this is just dumb !!!!
Amen Tracy
Kids having sex – I am glad (not bragging) that it was strictly backseat – Mom and Dad aren’t home – when I was in my teens.
You would think that a prosecutor would have better things to do than to brings charges against a seventeen year old for getting a little head.
I guess the meth issue hasn’t struck home in his county yet….
I hear you WS. And it was consensual.
Julie hit it on the head, Sol; at the time the statutory violation occurred, the law made no distinction based upon the age of the violator. Thus, his sentence upon conviction was controlled thereby. I am reasonably certain the amendment to the law in question resulted from this case.
While not technically an ex post facto law prohibited by the Constitution, the rationale is similar. Just as one cannot be convicted of an action, lawful at the time, under a subsequent statute criminalizing such action, the punishment imposed for a violation of a statute cannot differ from that called for under said statute at the time the wrongful act was committed (assuming, of course, the original act was constitutional). In this case, Mr. Wilson found himself on the wrong side (for him) of a change.
As the statute in question is penal in nature, it is to be strictly construed. Thus, I hold out little hope for the habeas petition, although courts will sometimes do ’strange’ things to reach a desired result. Perhaps his counsel should go to the governor for relief.
Tracy,I love that Keynes quote! It’s going in my favorite quotes file. Thanks! The Zappa quote ain’t bad either.
I read your blogs every day. I enjoy your debate and you bring out points I hadn’t thought about. I’m a middle of the road liberal, leaning one way or the other depending on the subject matter. I prefer to separate myself from either party although a registered democrat. There I confessed.
About kids and computers, tv, music, etc. I have custody of two grandkids, 12 and 6. The 6 yo is easy so far but he has a little boy in his kindergarten who says the “F” word regularly and “uses his middle finger” as he shares with me about his day at school. He will say, “C said the “F” word again today.”
The 12 yo, female, God help me, hears rap at school, has a friend who wrecked her parent’s suv sneaking out after they were in bed to meet her boyfriend and have “sex,” and thinks I’m entirely too strict with the “need to know” where she is and who’s she with, when she will be home, who’s bringing her home, etc.
It’s definitely a balancing act 24/7 with kids. I do monitor closely the computer use, sites she visits, prohibit her using MySpace, visiting MySpace (I’ve checked it out), and a few other like sites.
I follow her history on the computer every other day. What else is a grandparent to do?!
Anyway, thanks. I find myself laughing, hooting, shaking my head, frowning, rolling on the floor….you do make my day sometimes.
Vaughn,Somehow the law needs to make a distinction between molesting, which is all about power and coercion, and consentual teen sex, which is merely stupid.
Beck, there’s no reason to just lurk.COME ON IN!I can’t speak for others,but I’ll try to be nice.
RM -Your comments about age-appropriate….
….unfortunately I find that sites that kids do view and seem innocent enough, are sneaky with links. Leading to inappropriate viewing for 10, 11, 12 yo’s etc to view and read. So the site leads from age-appropriate to not age appropriate in a click.
What’s the answer? Right now and sugar-deprived I don’t have the answer. But it is still troubling.
Jed, I agree; the distinction must be made by the legislature, however, when the law is passed; if the legislature does not so do, and if the distinction (as here) is rational, it is then up to the governor to veto the darned thing and send it back to the legislature with a veto message, outlining his/her concerns. I think you get the picture.
Referencing the statute at issue in the Wilson matter, it is my thought that it was: a) an old statute, enacted at a time that oral sex was considered so aberrant a behavior that harsh punishment was indicated, or b) a statute passed “in a hurry” due to something that happened in a court case involving, e.g., a molester who was acquitted because the molestation statute did not make oral sex with a minor criminal molestation; my bet, by the way, is on the former.
I hear ya’ Beck.If you take off any filters and do an image search for cartoons….well, see for yourself.Not good.
Beck, welcome; and I hear your problem. My only suggestion, as a definite non-geek, is to obtain the best filtering software possible, and be aggressive on setting up the filters, together with updates to the software itself.
Good luck.
Sol, as a former Detroiter, I have to take GREAT offense to your comments about the Detroit Lions.
The Lions DID win a game earlier this year against Royal Oak Kimball High School, 16 – 14 on a field goal by Jason Hanson as time expired.
The Knights swore that they would beat the Lions next year when they play at Royal Oak.
Truthiness,Yes, I occasionally use a profane or obscene word. There are times on here when “Oh shucksie-poo” just fails to express my feelings about some of the posts and/or subjects covered.You don’t want me to cuss? Then use the brains god gave you, and I won’t need to!
Posted by: Jed | December 21, 2006 at 01:52 PM
I guess you missed the civility part?
The story in today’s Eagle concerning the “two sets” of data being reported for the results of the State Assessments was of interest to me.
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/16288353.htm
While I can understand the need to have a set of data, computed under the rules for NCLB to show AYP, I wonder if when these data are provided parents, the discussion concerning whose scores are included in these data is also provided. What is also unclear to me is whether both sets of data are provided. Much as was reportedly stated by the State DOE person, the non-AYP data would seem to be of more use to parents.
As regulars know, I am no fan of NCLB. I am also not a big fan of the State Assessments. However, is it not better to provide the all student data to parents, and leave the AYP data for the reporting purposes for which it is gathered?
The article states that the AYP data are for students who were enrolled at the assessed site September 20 (the official date to count enrollment for school finance purposes, BTW), and also excludes certain other students. All this says to me is that the AYP data reflect the success of the site in preparing the students there on September 20 for the assessments, as there has been more time to expend on the effort, not how well the AYP data reflect the progress in educating the students there as a whole.
Any thoughts?
Beck,As a parent and grandparent, I learned a long time ago that you can’t build a wall between your children and the world. The best you can do is teach them early and often to deal with it sensibly.My kids were never forbidden to read or view anything, but they knew that whatever they did see, they’d have to talk about with us. It made for some intense discussions about some pretty gritty subjects, but they came away with a much better idea of why something was harmful than if they were simply banned from it.My grandkids are all on MySpace, and I sometimes sit and watch when they go there, as an interested observer, and I learn as much about them as I do about the kids they talk to. Fascinating stuff! Gives me a chance to ask “What the expletive deleted does that mean?,” and they can look all condescending while they explain it to their poor benighted grandpa, and it opens up a discussion.So far, they seem to be fairly adept (better than me) at picking out and excluding the phonies and dangerous posters, and having a good time with the kids they meet there, although the angst can sometimes get painfully soppy to adult ears.Teaching your grandkids good judgement and then trusting them will get you a lot farther than dictating a bunch of strict rules and spying on them. If they feel trusted, and trust you, they’ll tell you more than you can find out by distrusting them and spying, and if you discuss it rationally and thoughtfully, listening as much as talking, you’ll influence them far more than by simply forbidding things. They really do want an adult to be like, and being a good example gets you there better than any lecture.
Charges preferred in the Haditha matter; 4 enlisted with unpremeditated murder; 4 officers with dereliction of duty.
http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/16288864.htm
Truthiness,”I guess you missed the civility part?”
No, I simply follow Bertrand Russell’s advice; “When speaking the truth, leave tact to the tailor.”Civility, for the most part is a process of hiding what needs to be said in a string of nice-sounding phrases. To-the-point may offend your delicate sensibilities, but it’s also an unmistakably honest expression.
I knew we had readers.
hello beck and truthi.
It is interesting to hear the take of folks not normally in the fray.
I don’t use alot of profanity myself. The wingers aint capable of getting me that hot.
I wouldn’t want deprive anyone the use of it though. There are some posters who are absolute artists with it!
Most are pretty good about warning if links are not for family eyes.
Thanks Jed for the input. We do talk…a lot. And I find when I ask questions, discuss rather than dictating we do a lot better. We can’t build a wall between them and the world. Nope, that never works. Didn’t for me and my parents either.
And the computer use is good too. Last night for example studying for her Civics final, we ended up googling, Ask Jeeves, etc. Shoot, it was interesting for me and a good review.
I’ll have to look into filters…I just have her computer set on “high” security.If that does any good.
The good news is that she is so busy with school, plays basketball, is a cheerleader, has lots of friends that her time on computer is limited somewhat.
The biggest or scariest thing with kids this age is that they have no fear….think they are invincible. What happened to someone else is never going to happen to them.
But they ARE fun to be around. That’s for sure. ;-)
Beck, and all others similarly situated, the link below is to a site which has a short synopsis of the more popular internet content filtering software, if you wish.
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/bpatel/Internet%20Paper/software_filters.htm
As always, no warranty, express or implied.
Beck,Glad to hear she’s too busy to be in line all day. The thing that worries me about MySpace is that my grandkids spend more time there than face-to-face with their friends here. They need people skills they can’t get from a computer screen. They are, with some urging, getting better about that. All is not lost yet!
That was “on line.” sorry!
Joe and everyone else: MERRY CHRISTMAS! Of course, being partly from up north I do miss the snow. Well, I’ll cross my fingers …
Why would anyone ban spongebob from their kids? I love spongebob!
My daughter is almost 17 now, so I don’t check her computer as often as I used to. I used to be very strict about what she was allowed to do. Yesterday she asked if she could post a pic as long as she made the site private to friends only, and I said that was fine. I think kids’ computer activity should absolutely be monitored.
music and tv, dependent on age. I blocked many channels from the tv like MTV. I wouldn’t let her watch ren and stimpy when that was popular. I never refused to let her read books.
The problem with video games is that unless you’re locking them in the house, they’re going to play them. I was furious to learn that she was going over to a friend’s house and playing those violent games. I was more disappointed in the other parents that allowed their kids to play them, and watch horror movies with no consideration that other parents might not approve.
This is definitely not something I am looking forward to having to deal with.
(\__/)(=’.'=) <<<< Cute Bunny.(”)_(”)
For anyone considering monitoring software, I would like to share some experience with 2 teenage boys. I had a highly rated monitoring software on their computers. 2 problems. They tend to filter out not only the bad stuff, but most of what they needed for school papers. These do NOT do very good with limiting photos/videos accessed through Peer to Peer software like NAPSTER. Also, kids are smart.. they figure ways around it eventually.Finally, when the software failed to perform as we hoped, I purchased a package called pctattletale. Now this does not filter, but it DOES monitor and even capture screen pictures as often as you want. Now the boys know they can go to any website they want…. but they don’t dare because good ol’ dad can see exactly what they see! It will also capture IM, chat, and e-mails if you so choose!Good luck with whatever you use, and if you don’t monitor your kids, they will see and experience it all long before their age should allow! You can count on it…
I disagree, Jed. My kids weren’t allowed to watch violent or sexually explicit TV, movies, or listen to that kind of music in my house. I wanted them to have a strong sense about my values and what I won’t tolerate in my home. I know they could go to other people’s houses and see and listen to the crap, but they knew where I stood and respected that. To allow kids to be exposed to anything with the idea that if you “talk about it”, it’s OK….I don’t get that at all. I believed that my job as a parent was to model good morals and demand the same of them as long as they were living at home. They grew up with a strong sense of right and wrong, and the way they live their lives today, I know that it was the right thing to do. I wasn’t my kid’s friend as they were growing up, I was their parent.None of that hurt my communication with them, they can talk to me about anything, and they do. The cool part is that they are raising their kids the same way, only they they take it a step further. None of them even own a TV. They never rebelled against me or went wild after they left home, they were used to living with a certain standard, and they still embrace it today.It’s true that children learn what they live, and if they grow up with the idea that anything goes, they often carry the same attitude with them into adulthood.I just want to scream everytime I go into someone’s house and they’re letting their kids watch trash like R rated movies or Jerry Springer. To me it’s so irresponsible because young minds are like sponges, and if you feed them trash, that’s often what they’ll mirror back to you.
Mary – you make a real good point about Springer. And all the other garbage on daytime that becomes the “one-eyed baby sitter”.
As a parent/grandparent I wany to be both the source of love and also the strong hand of discipline. My grandkids know that all too well. And their teachers know that they, too, have the right to discipline – and to also show love. It’s a balancing act but not, IMO, all that difficult.
I think “Benevolent dictator”, is the proper term, Ben.
Just be careful about going too far. Shielding them from everything only creates resentment and keeps them from growing and learning how to monitor their own behavior.
So it’s a balance. I wouldn’t call it a dictatorship, but rules and limits within reason.
That’s also where you see the college kid phenomenon about acting like idiots for awhile- doing everything they weren’t allowed to do as kids.
I have determined the best thing to do with my kids is to talk to them about what is right and wrong… They watch the same things as me, they watch the news, they watch the semi violent tv shows and some movies, but the point is we discuss what happens in them… We have already started how to handle guns and what to do and not to do when in a car or what ever.
Some may think im not doing them right, showing them the right “morals” or what ever, but i know one thing. My kids are some of the best behaved kids for everyone (except for me) almost where every they go. People are amazed at the type of conversations I have with them. They are very enjoyable children but like Ben said, i have a heavy hand when it comes to discipline, but i also am a sucker for good behavior and they know it.
Tonight my youngest spit at someone. He got his face slapped, he got a spanking and got sent to his room… He cried for about 15 min when he got up and came downstairs. I sent him back until he asked if he could get up. I told him that he could get up if he went and apologized, which he did. Than he came right over to me, gave me a hug and kiss and went on playing…
I think it is perfectly justified and i know he still respects and loves me.
You’re talking about how well behaved your kid is, but he didn’t know it was wrong to spit?
And a face slapping? How old is the kid?
He knows its wrong to spit.. He did it anyway, don’t know why, he just did…
Hes 3, i didn’t flat out rear back and slap him, i use my fingers to get him on the cheek, its enough to startle him.
Its the effect more than anything.
Heck, my 5 year olds know its wrong, but Ive caught them in the past doing it and trying to get away with it.
BREAKING NEWS
KLINE in a last ditch effort to bring charges against Tiller.
Kline was in ICT today delivering paperwork to attorneys and judges today…
Seen on KAKE 10 now…
I think Kline is blowing smoke. But isn’t it interesting that the media knows this BIG SECRET TRIP lol. I trust Kline is just posturing.
The other story, a teacher’s assistant accused of molesting kids at the school…another reason why parents need full access to their kids in the classroom at anytime. Someone help me get this law passed!
pmom,
I guess im not sure what ur talking about full access to the classroom anytime.
My kids teacher says we can come when ever we want. She asked that if we were goin to stay long that she would plan extra activities but other than that, we are free to come and go…
Please elaborate…
Interesting strategic move. It will be interesting to find out what is in the documents and filings. Guess Mr. Kline didn’t think he could trust Mr. Morrison to file them.(He would be right) Now, with whatever it is being public record, Mr. Morrison will have to explain why, if he fails to prosecute against his sugar daddy.
“Guess Mr. Kline didn’t think he could trust Mr. Morrison to file them.(He would be right)”
File what? the only one doing anything illegal is Kline… Using state resources for his reflection and invading private medical records and leaking them…
So far, not seeing anything…
Schools do not have any requirements to allow access to our kids while in the classroom. They can regulate the policies as to when we can come, and how we can access our kids.
The supreme court has almost made this a set up for someone to bring it. It stems from handicapped kids being denied their education, and parents not being able to prove that the curriculum and IEP were being followed.
We shouldn’t need a lawsuit to make this happen. We should just pass a law. We already have them in place for daycare centers and nursing homes, so why can’t we have them for schools too.
If it’s true that Kline filed because of the late term abortion reasons based on mental health, he’ll lose. And it’ll also prove that he had no intention of ‘protecting children from child molestors’ but rather demonize women for their choices. It’ll also prove he’s the one who leaked to O’Reilly what was in those documents.
pmom,
I guess i just ASSUMED that those rules applied to schools… I have never seen a parent denied the right to see their kid at school… Granted, most parents dont just “stop by” the schools, they usually have a reason for going, but still… It may just be our school… Im going to ask though once the break is over just find out what their policy is.
as for Kline, i hope the first thing Morrison does is bring charges against Kline. That would be fun.
While I’d personally love to see Morrison file charges against Kline, I also don’t want Morrison playing Kline’s reindeer games. I want him to do the job he was hired to do.
I have complete access at all of my kids’ schools (3 kids – 3 different schools. I can come and go as I please – and I think any parent can, too.
Although, I have excellent rapport with my kids’ teachers. I don’t criticize what they do, and I don’t threaten a lawsuit everytime a child needs discipline.
You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about testicles, stay out of this one.
Pee,It’s well-known that you’re a troublemaker. You’ve said countless times on this very blog that you’d sue for this and sue for that. You’re a school’s worst nightmare. People like you are the reason we have so many BS rules at school that keep teachers from teaching.
Oh yeah, you have a ’special needs’ kid so the rules don’t apply to you. heh.
I’ve never sued anyone. The only time I attempted to sue someone was the school I attended.
And you’re wrong about the rules, the schools regularly try to get out of the rules, and we parents are left at their mercy.
There are even books written about this whole special ed fight with the schools.
See Schaffer vs Weast.
It’s much easier to develop a partnership with the school. Your abbrasive demeanor is the source of your problems.
It’s really not. I tried that route, and I got walked over.
So again, you’re wrong. Try reading wrightslaw site, it’s a real eye opener for the crap kids with disabilities have to deal with.
I see your attitude, Pee. And I’m confident you’re no different in person.
I know people. I know how to manage interpersonal relationships. It’s not difficult, but you can’t be overly demanding nor a know-it-all.
You hippie-parents are funny! Chastising your kids for doing things that aren’t even half as bad as the stupid shit you pulled when you were their age!
LOL!
MOM & NUT.Ya’ll oughta take this show on the road.College campuses and stuff.Big Liddy vs. Leary debate/slugfest kinda’ meme.
This would be really popular in today’s pol climate.Probably better than BillO vs Franken.
Whadya’ think?Could be good money!We all like money.
tony, p-mom – when I showed up unannounced to see my kid (and now my grandkids) all they asked for was enough ID to show that I am who I say I am. I never found the school trying to deny me access.
Nowm if you REALLY want to make sure of access – volunteer to help. I have NEVER seen a school turn down free labor!
Tony, don’t ever let me see you slapping your kid..I’d be in your face. That’s what their butts are for, and only rarely should you hit them there.I’ll never regret how I raised my kids, of course there are things I’d do differently, but hind sight is 20/20. They are wonderful adults…loving, caring, and responsible. There ain’t a thing wrong with a loving, firm hand to cement a stong and good foundation for them to tackle life with.Parents need to shelter their kids more nowadays, it’s not easy the way things are today, but that’s what being a good parent is all about. They have lots of time to learn about “the real world”, I think it’s best that they have a little maturity and a solid base when they encounter it.
After the first few pops on the butt, usually just the threat of one will suffice. They may need a reminder every once in a while when they continue to push.
That’s why God gave ‘em a little extra padding back there.
Yeah I could schedule to come volunteer, but that is just it, it has to be scheduled. If you wanna just drop in and see how things are going, no way jose.
This is the thing about special ed kids. They don’t necessarily follow the rest of the kid’s curriculum. They have special needs that are supposed to be attended to.
When I pop in, there are things that are supposed to be happening that arent. Ask any parent with a special needs kid, it’s truly insanity. It’s like they resent having to do extra for our kids (some do, some are fabulous). They’re thrilled to get that extra funding for our kids but they don’t want to do anything with it.
there were schools here in kansas that were locking our kids in boxes! IN BOXES.
I could tell horror stories from other parents. I just wanna walk in and see when he’s having speech, that they’re doing it according to his iep. that’s all. I don’t think that is too much to ask.
Mary,”I wasn’t my kid’s friend as they were growing up, I was their parent.”That’s a narrow line to have to walk. You certainly don’t want to end up as their enemy!The secret is communication; you can’t deal with a problem you don’t know about. Kids’ll talk with friends, maybe parents, but certainly not with enemies.
Mom, with reference to your last post, especially the final paragraph, I agree; it isn’t too much to ask. However, what is the effect on the others (I assume your student isn’t one-on-one) of anyone “just dropping in”?
And, who is to assure the IEP is being followed if the parent cannot make an unscheduled visit?
Fortunately for me, I’ve had no personal experience with Special Ed in your area; one of our girls was in the Gifted Program, so my perspective is from there. We had to become ‘more involved’ her eighth grade year to assure the IEP was being followed on her going to East High from Robinson for Geometry; in fact, my wife had to personally go to East to straighten out a scheduling problem, and we further ruffled more than a few feathers by direct contact with the Transportation Office to ensure her travel between Robinson and East. I realize this is a relatively trivial example, but is offered to demonstrate the degree that parents often have to pick up the trail to get things that are required done.
I haven’t known very many people who’ve had kids with IEPs who HAVEN”T had issues trying to get them implemented.
I’ll tell of my friend from Colorado. His son had to be sent to a special school, 60 miles one way. With the meds he takes, the heat makes him beligerent, it’s a frequent side effect of the medications. The school was busing him in 100+ degree heat with no AC, because running the AC cost gas.
This kid would literally get off the bus drenched, then spend the rest of the evening sick and since he was non-verbal, very difficult to control. He had won the fight to get the AC turned on. But the bus driver, being the nice guy he was, told the parent that he was told to only turn it on 10 miles away from their home, the rest of the way he was to leave it turned off. But the parent couldn’t then rat out the driver for telling him the truth, so he had to ‘catch’ the driver with the AC off when his son was hot. The school said that the AC was broken that particular day.
Schools lie to you. You may not want to believe that, but they do it and smile right in your face when they do. And you may have the best meaning teacher in the world, but she has to answer to someone else.