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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Speak Out 8/16/08

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Jefferson's excellence

WE HAVE two children in the Cape Girardeau School District. I couldn't tell you what the MAP scores are for either of them. We don't care. We do care about what grades they are making individually. I couldn't pass a MAP test. My children went to Jefferson Elementary School, and we loved the teachers. They did an excellent job. Once the kids get to fifth grade, they are all in one school. The hoopla over Jefferson makes it look like the kids cannot walk and chew gum at the same time.

Traffic hazard

YOU HEAR a lot of complaints about traffic and phones and driving. My complaint is about a mailbox that blocks your view of oncoming traffic.

Good example

THERE'S A reason all the cars overseas are so minuscule. It's because gas is $7 plus a gallon. People overseas also know how to walk, bicycle or ride scooters or mules. They've done this for a long time. Instead of bullheadedly clinging to our SUVs and pickups, driving our nation into an obscure, debt-ridden eyesore, let's take a few lessons from our neighbors overseas. They've survived that way for hundreds of years.

Possible landslide

DAVID LIMBAUGH knows quite well that national polls concerning presidential wannabes are not nearly so significant as state-by-state polls and the resulting electoral vote each candidate receives. Though Limbaugh focuses on the closeness of the national popular vote (something that will with little doubt turn out to be true), he fails to tell you that in the current electoral vote projections Barack Obama leads John McCain by about a 2-1 ratio. This could mean that Obama will end up with around 300 electoral votes to McCain's 230-something. Though there's a long way to go and a lot can and will happen, that would be a landslide.

Dropping prices

SINCE THE price of a barrel of oil has dropped to around $115, why have we not seen the same percentage drop in local gasoline prices?

Possible sanctions

MORLEY SWINGLE, Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney, represents the county. Two employees of the county had sexual-harassment claims against the county. Swingle does not represent these employees. Nevertheless, Swingle sent these persons a letter saying they did not have a valid claim and that no action would be taken. Swingle is not a judge and does not have the authority to make that decision. Furthermore, he should not have used his position to give these employees the false impression that they cannot make a claim against the county. It seems to me that Swingle made three huge mistakes that could cost him his career. First, he gave these employees the impression that he was representing them and not the county. Second, he gave them the impression that he had the authority to decide the matter, which he does not. Finally, he abused his power as prosecuting attorney to gain a favorable outcome for the county. Shouldn't local judges look into this matter for possible sanctions?

Good day for Post 3838

PETE RHODES is back in action at our post, and we could not be happier. We would like to thank him for his many years of service. Great job, Pete, we have been behind you all the way. We know your heart, soul, guidance and great business sense have always been there for our post, our veterans and families as well as our community. Cape Girardeau has the largest VFW post in the state and is ranked as one of the top posts in the nation. Thanks to all those at the VFW for making the right moves. Good always prevails.


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good morning folks

Traffic hazard : which mailbox is blocking what view ?

this is the second day in a row someone is complaining

about something obscure .

Cardinals 3 , Reds 0

-- Posted by ..Rick on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 3:14 AM

The barrell of oil is down right now, but it sure does not show it at the pumps in Cape. Are getting gouge now at the local level?

-- Posted by swampeastmissouri on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 8:20 AM

I think that the caller on the price of fuel forgets that oil and gas are sold on the futures market. Just because the future prices are down doesn't mean that today's prices should reflect that. The fuel that you purchase today may have been refined from oil that sold at its peak price, I'm guessing.

-- Posted by BCStoned on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:00 AM

Hilleco,

I think the local stations are enjoying a nice margin

the last several weeks.The wholesale fuel cost is down considerably in this area and the stations are taking advantage.However,I don't think they are getting rich!

If you look at copper wire as an example.The price locally rises week to week depending on the current

per pound market.This wire in many cases was produced

as much as three years ago when copper was MUCH lower.

The wholesalers and manufacture are enjoying WINDFALLS that are excessive.Every company has a right to a profit.However,When companies do this its bad for the economy.

-- Posted by GREYWOLF on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:14 AM

Awww, Instructor...What are you trying to say? Should I be insulted, or honored? ;-)

Hey, Herr...Top form yesterday, weren't you? Always a great day when I can begin it laughing with--or is it at?--you. BTW: It's been maybe 10 years since I've have my most-favorite treat--At least I'm now over Twinkie-withdrawal.

Another BTW: Why do I always learn about the re-enactments AFTER they are over?

-- Posted by gurusmom on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:29 AM

Hey Caps Queen, you're in fine form today!

-- Posted by Hawker on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:44 AM

Traffic Hazard - I'd kill to have the mailboxes my biggest problem. Hit (no pun intended) up the intersection at New Madrid and Perry roads during the drive in or out of work, it's GREAT! You can't see on-coming traffic due to the parked cars and the parents dropping off their kids at the daycare can pull directly out into traffic (and you) right at the stop sign. I just keep waiting for someone to get creamed there.

-- Posted by Kllrfsh on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:57 AM

Sometimes I wonder how I ever survived School without taking a MAP test!If I recall and thats difficult,we

had several must take and pass test while I attended

school.I think one of the most important was the test on the Constitution.The ACT and SAT test were also very important as colleges required these test for addmission.Frankly,I think the Government should concern itself with what it needs to do rather than get in the buisness of educating our children.I say

get rid of the MAP test and grade on achievment using the standards that have been in place for years and worked very well.Discipline is in the Wolf's oppinion the most important thing that needs to be solved in our schools and in our homes.Parents need to get back in the buisness of being a Mom or Dad and put Family first above all else!

-- Posted by GREYWOLF on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:23 AM

I respectfully disagree with you Greywolf....I think that the MAP test, or another standardized test is a more accurate way of assessing student knowledge than grades. If you were to go by grades, every teacher across the USA would have to teach, lecture, grade and present information in the same format for it to be accurate. I know students who have graduated Valedictorian from their H.S. who cannot score a 22 on the ACT. And....I know students who have perfect SATs and poor GPAs in High School. I think it is more important to put weight on a standardized assessment of knowledge than GPAs which are always going to be influenced by other factors.

-- Posted by Theorist on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:35 AM

G-Mom:

Gee...Maw, I didn't even know about the Fort D/Delta Queen thing until I got a call the night before the event...and the call wasn't even from the White House, which should be SOP for a reenactor of my stature and rank; er, that be a lowly private for me right now...but hey, I can just have fun without all that responsibility and paperwork! Just leave that nonsense to the officers and NCOs. The downside of such short notice, however, is that I didn't even have time to hit up Pups to recruit some of his Lib friends to be cannonball catchers, not to mention live bayonet demonstration dummies!!

Regarding the "TWINKIE CONSPIRACY" again, I just may have to admonish you once again, but this time for not invoking the "T" word in an effort to sabotage my swimming agenda for yesterday. Now see here, had I dithered awhile longer at the barn before departing for Cape to swim and do Mule's mandated grocery shopping (or if you had dropped the Twinkie bomb on me!), perhaps I would've seen the posting traffic talking about the farewell dinner for Aggie & Twiggs. I just may have contemplated blowing my not-so-effective DES cover by stopping by and meeting/farewellin' that nice couple, despite possible protests from DES.

What the hey, DES kinda considers me somewhat of a loose-cannon anyway (gee, I wonder why?!) so, heck, they could have terminated me if they couldn't take a joke...wait, not too wise to use that particular "T" word with them, if ya value an extended longevity! But anyway, since it turned out per later posts when I got home (rather late), it looked as though you (& Pops?) and Pups where there too. Geeze, I coulda got myself a nice, smothering hug and/or a stout paddling from you, plus maybe given Pups a little jazz...maybe even tossed him a puppy treat and watch him drool!! So, now I have to type out a little apology to Aggie & Twiggs (if they're still around the bog) and, with your permission of course, blame my failure to show all on YOU, donchaknow?!!!

As things stand now, Mule ambushed me with a little surprise yesterday that she snuck in a vacation day; howsumever, she just grabbed her son & daughter in law and took off to that giant flea market up at Pevely, and kinda left me sittin' here with a list of chores. Well, the heck with that noise. I hate flea markets, but I may just bug outta here and take a 2nd "suicide sanity run" up that way myself...so there. Therefore I gotta get this huge bloviation done in one shot, and git to gittin! Better not rain on my parade! Have a nice, TWINKIE weekend...perhaps an attempt to blow your 10-year abstinence program from them nasty T things, heh, heh!!!

-- Posted by Herr_Hauptmann_DES on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 11:22 AM

Theorist,

I don't completely disagree with you at all!

My main point which was not exactly clear,was this statement,"Frankly,I think the Government should concern itself with what it needs to do rather than get in the buisness of educating our children"!

However,achievment test can indeed be a good thing

if properly administered.

-- Posted by GREYWOLF on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 11:33 AM

I can not believe a parent doesn't know what their childs scores on the MAP test was. When school starts back every year we are sent a copy of the test scores from our kids that took it, letting us know what range they were in, areas where they are strong and weak. Does this parent not look at the papers sent home with their kids?

Aggie/Twiggy

I really wanted to make it to your send off last night but had some things come up. I hope the move will be all you hope for and the trip is a safe one. Keep in touch.

-- Posted by semoangel70 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 11:36 AM

Theorist

I graduated 20 years ago. Never took a MAP test, however when was in elementary and JR high we had the achievment test, in high school it was the ACT. Most of my class of 192 has a decent life now, either college degree or vocational training of some sort, we lost three kids out of class that dropped out so what was wrong with the way it was back then. We had parents who were interested and involved in our education, teachers that actually cared about the students and made learning fun instead of something that had to be done, and their was discipline in the school as well as at home. Now we have all the fancy test, more kids dropping out, parents that are less involved, teachers that have to teach a certain way and soon get burned out and no discipline at school or home. I agree with Greywolf the government needs to stay out of it.

-- Posted by semoangel70 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 11:42 AM

Aggie & Twiggs:

I hope you're still peeking into the bog today. To avoid another extended bloviation, please refer to my goofy diatribe to G-Maw for my explanation/excuse (JUST BLAME HER!) for missing your farewell event yesterday. I've enjoyed both of your posts over the months. You seem like nice folks, and certainly well mannered...even when rightfully disagreeing with some of us savages here in the bog! Believe it or not, there are several good folks here, like you guys, that I'd actually like to meet sometime; however, I guess I blew it with you two. But hey, it's not like you're disappearing down some dark hole or something. So, like others who have left before you, I trust you'll keep in touch with us bottom-feeders once in awhile.

May I be so bold as to suggest an idea for keeping in touch with us? I hear tell folks in TX actually have sophisticated goodies like indoor plumbing now! Therefore, maybe each time y'all flush, ya could just think of us floaters in the bog up here, and get on line and give us a "what for" now and then, huh?!!!

Seriously, no Burma Shave here. I wish you both God's Speed, in whatever GEAR you're engaged in, and best wishes for your new home and endeavors...just don't let the B.O. & company mess it all up for ya. OK, ok. Had to get a little Burma Shave in, if nothing else, just to say farewell. God Bless. Herr out.

-- Posted by Herr_Hauptmann_DES on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 11:51 AM

Re: Good example

Assuming that the caller was talking about Europe, then it is agreed that fuel prices are significantly higher and the average-size of cars is significantly smaller than the U.S. averages.

However, must consider that the population density there is generally higher also - making for closer people, closer towns, and shorter distances to-and-from whereever. Heck, if one isn't careful driving around, one could find themselves not only in the next town, but in the next country. Also, the culture is somewhat different - many areas still have the local markets and stores which are easily within walking or biking distance, as opposed to the mega-centers across town. And the population density makes for tight spaces that no SUV or pickup could dream of fitting in, even the small cars are a challenge to get parked.

Also, must consider that a very significant portion of the fuel cost at the pump is taxes. During my time in Italy a few years back, it was shared that 2/3 of the price was tax - which went a long way towards explaining the $5 per gallon there versus the buck-something here.

Then, how are the unlimited speed Autobahns explained, as well as the many highways whose speed limits are 130KPH (about 80 miles-per-hour)?

So, if we are to take lessons - suppose the message would be to bring back the generally higher-priced smaller, local stores and to raise taxes? :-)~

*****

Re: Dropping prices - and the previous comment about copper wire

It would be interesting to understand how inventory practices affect the vendor selling price versus their purchase price.

One method of inventory control is to sell the product using the current replacement cost as a base before profit, overhead, and other expenses are added in. This method better ensures that the company will have enough cash on hand to replenish the inventory.

Another method is to sell the product using the actual purchase price as the base. This method presents cash-flow risks in a rapidly rising market, as the company may not have the cash on hand for the next purchase of inventory, and may have to resort to financing or other measures such as going belly-up.

IIRC, it doesn't matter which method is used, but cannot legally flip-flop between methods to gain an advantage or a windfall. In an ongoing business concern, things should balance out through market increases and decreases. Suggest that any gouging investigations will look at these inventory methods and accounting practices.

-- Posted by fxpwt on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 12:35 PM

fx

Touche'

-- Posted by BABE on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 1:59 PM

School district in Texas allows teachers to bring their firearm to class....

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/fron...

-- Posted by BABE on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 3:23 PM

I see nothing unique to the school environment that would lead to the preclusion of individuals carrying firearms by CCW licensees in the first place. The way the Texas law is written, the onus is now placed on the school to “allow” such carry thus possibly opening them up to civil suit if ANYTHING happens. This makes them responsible for setting up standards, rules and regulations further extending their liability exposure. I would much prefer to see statutes that treat schools the same as any other location as I do not see the school setting any more or less prone to random attack, more or less dangerous. But I guess you have to work with the way things are and not the way they should be. I guess only time will tell how significant this really is.

-- Posted by Red_Rhino on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 3:45 PM

Red

I guess that is what we have to do. Remember when the fed commerce department dictated 'gun free' zones around schools?

-- Posted by BABE on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 4:02 PM

Semoangel,

I do not know where you graduated from, so I cannot address you specifically. But, it is of paramount importance that we have some sort of mandated evaluations which hold students, teachers, parents et.al. to certain standards. If the students are not going to be tested on a chapter, do you think they will do the homework just to better themselves? A few will, but most will not. Proficiency tests, assessment evaluations etc. are motivational tools to keep instructors and students alike, focused and on task.

I don't agree with "No Child Left Behind" because where as the premise is good, it was implicated without addressing the practicality of the program.

-- Posted by Theorist on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 4:20 PM

I don't know much about today's schools, but I can offer my opinion on why there is so much ill feelings about today's schools. I won't even bring up Leapold's school and their acheivements in the argument.

My first two years of school was spent in one room schoolhouses. Young kids were subjected to older students and their education. These schools were pretty much ran by the community in which they existed. Competition in acheivement was replaced by sports in larger schools. Parents expected their children to learn, they did not force them to learn. The community expected them to learn.

Of the sixteen children in school, one started an insurance investigating firm and retired at 39, another was an engineer with Northrop, yet another received a doctorate from UCLA and teaches college on the West Coast. Most of the children excelled throughout their lives, at least in the areas which captured their interests.

Since 1963, college entrance exam scores and standards have fallen. We didn't have Harvard Graduates using government force on schools back then, we had the small community. Public schools were little different from private schools. Teachers are not to blame for today's problems, nor parents. The blame should go to lack of community and too much government oversight.

-- Posted by BCStoned on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 5:06 PM

Greywolf: I agree parents need to get back involved with their children and that all starts at home at the kitchen table. One of the problems we have today is we have so many of our kids with out father's that can spend time with them throughout the year. When this happens that just leaves the mother to provide so she is out working two to three jobs a week and the kid's are left home, without proper adult supervision. Public schools should be brought back to the local level and we need to get back to teaching the basics in our schools. Discipline and responsibilty which starts at home with kids is the parents job, and many parents are lacking this these days. When I was in school if you acted up in the classroom you were taken out in the hallway and your "butt" was busted and then when you got home you got it again by one of your parents. Teachers can not even do this any more with out fear of being sued by a parent. You have to have a good solid relationship between the parents and the school. Finally, no student should be allowed to bring a cell phone inside the school while class is going on this is becoming a problem many teachers are addressing.

-- Posted by swampeastmissouri on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 5:17 PM

Do the Cape Public Schools still allow for personal aides for their children with learning disabilities? I was an aide in a smaller school district for one child who was having academic and socialization difficulties. She and I did "one on one" all during her school day and the teachers all told me how much this helped her to have encouragement and my assistance in the classroom. Sometimes a little attention can go a long way.

-- Posted by sosassy on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 6:23 PM

Me'Lange,

Not going to get involved in a school debate, but corporal punishment by an authorized individual such as a parent, legal caretaker or teacher do not constitute assault. Also an assault such as you describe would at most be a misdemeanor; might want to do a little more research. No offense as I know you like to be well informed.

-- Posted by Alt Ctrl Del on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 7:47 PM

Isn't this parental involvement a faily new concept? I attended parochial school (two grades in one room) and also public school. At both it was the same in expected parental involvement. My mother was not expected to help me with my homework nor take responsibility for me not completing it correctly. She did, though, receive unacceptable papers that the teacher sent which she signed and returned. Needless to say that I was in a world of hurt when that happened.

My own children started out at Hawthorn (now Clippard). Little did I know they touted the fact that they were a 'progressive' school that had 'new' teaching methods. We parents were told that we should never try to help them as it would confuse them as we did 'old math' vs the 'new math'. Remember the new math, folks? So my children went on not even learning the basics because the administrators were trendy and the teachers could not teach.

So now the teachers are blaming their incompetence on the parents instead of doing the job that they are paid to do.

-- Posted by BABE on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 8:16 PM

I spent my first 2 years of school standing in the corner or bent over a desk. Those positions alow you a lot of time to think. Corporal punishment in those days would have been called major punishment today, but not quite capital. A paddle was designed with my younger brother and me in mind. There was holes drilled to cut down wind resistment.

I see nothing wrong with corporal punishment if that is what is needed to conduct a class.

A follow up; I was a mental retard and hated school. I made good grades but was still mentally retarded.

-- Posted by BCStoned on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 8:19 PM

Me'Lange,

I didn't know that there are schools where every child is allowed an aide? is that local?

-- Posted by sosassy on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 8:22 PM

Hilleco

Your post made me giggle out loud. I don't find anything wrong with corporal punishment as it has its place in disipline. But the principle of my high school saved it for severe misbehavior. Instead he had the boys picking up rocks on the football field. He gave them a big cardboard box with "kotex" on all four sides after the machines had been filled. They were mortified and we, the pep squad, made it worse by laughing at them during practice.

-- Posted by BABE on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 8:37 PM

Babe: Whatever works. Schooling should be seen as a privilege, but not prison time. I admire any teacher that put up with the likes of me. I was a very uncool student.

-- Posted by BCStoned on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 8:47 PM

Babe: I believe that the reason I respect the mean teachers more than I respected the teachers who treated me as a friend, was because they actually taught me what I needed to know. They reminded me of a nunn who sat directly behind me in first communion class, I usually went home with redness behind the ears. One little wiggle was rewarded with a thump. I could identify with Twain's Tom Sawyer.

-- Posted by BCStoned on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:14 PM

Children today need for the 'politically correct" to get out the way and let the schools do there job. Teach children and discipline them if they need it! They think they had it bad, I walked 3 miles to school and three miles back home,uphill both ways and ate dirt for lunch and loved it!!!! Now, they ride 2 blocks to school and the city spent all the money to put sidewalks in the neighborhood surrounding the school, and will never see them using them.

-- Posted by mohacker on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:29 PM

Yep, yep, yep - suggest that many are in agreement that educational issues need to be kicked up a notch or so - the only variable is how-to?

Just loosely WAGging the numbers - each student costs taxpayers about $40 per school day, each teacher is valued on the order of $225 per school day plus benefits - perhaps not entirely accurate, but it gives a relative magnitude of bucks involved.

My goal is to get a positive return-on-investment - graduates that are able to go out in the world and be an asset to society rather than a scum-sucking, welfare-drawing, entitlement-leeching, greenhouse-gas generating waste of skin.

If the kid has no intention of contributing to the cause - why are taxpayers forwarding this knuckle-dragging, Neanderthal idiot $100K worth of education? If one is not going to pay it forward, then at least make 'em pay it back!

Pain and discomfort are powerful motivators.

Scars heal, bruises fade, but emotional impressions endure for long periods.

One thing many people tend to fear more than God and the law - and that's what others think of them.

So - it would appear that an uncomfortable, embarrassing societal belittlement is the ticket here. Since paddling the fire out of one's behind is no longer acceptable, perhaps a lime-green leisure 'thinking' suit would be appropriate to don as one picks up trash and pulls weeds in the school lawn in full view of the remainder of the students. A poster-board or dunce cap with "who needs an education when I've got all this?" or the like would be a bonus.

If a kid is costing money or creating problems - the teacher should be able to boot the student out of the classroom, no questions asked - don't let the bad apples spoil nor distract the majority of the barrel that may actually be trying to learn something. One study from a source I can't recall from way back once cited that a significant portion (from 30-70%, depending on grade level) of a teacher's time was spent on disciplinary and organizational issues, and not with TEACHING.

By spending so much attention and blowing all this love and sunshine on the below-average students - no matter whether they are bull-headed antagonists pushing limits or just simply those who can't learn, are we not short-sheeting the good students from becoming truly great?

-- Posted by fxpwt on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:33 PM

Discipline and punishment are not the same thing. Corporal punishment has no place in the school setting. However it may have a place in the home but for appropriate reasons. If you want to use corporal punishment in the classroom use it on the parents of the children who misbehave.

BTW prayer has no place in public schools either.

-- Posted by shortwhitebaldguy on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:43 PM

Me'Lange,

Whether it is "OK" or not is a whole different subject and opinions do differ as to means of effective discipline. My only point was that it is considered "legal" by statute and not an "assault". Whatever my personal opinions are, I try to refrain from telling other people how to raise their own children, even my own.

-- Posted by Alt Ctrl Del on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:44 PM

Ahhhhh, don't hate me because I'm beautiful :-)~

-- Posted by fxpwt on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:49 PM

Me'Lange,

So am I to assume you place more value on the welfare of children than I?

-- Posted by Alt Ctrl Del on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 9:52 PM

Theorist

By the way I attended school in Dexter from k-12

Sorry folks but when was in school paddeling was the norm. You acted out you got a swat and a note sent home for your parents which with my parents meant a few more swats from them. It only took once and we figured out we better sit down, shut up and listen. amazing what you could learn when you did those three things.

Last year when my son was being a brat at school and not doing what he should be I told the teacher to escort him to the office and have the principle give him a swat. With permission schools can use corporal punishment. My son got his swat and the teacher had his attention and he didn't push her that far again.

What it boils down to is no matter what the issue is the teachers and parents need to work together and communicate. If the parents can't be bothered to attend a parent teacher conference or to request a meeting if they see their child's performance slipping then the teachers assume they don't care and quit trying to communicate. The child thinks the low grades and poor performance are acceptable because mom and dad dont say anything so they continue what they are doing.

Now as far as the cell phone thing. My daughter will be driving to school so she will have her phone on her but it better stay locked up in her car during school hours no exceptions. she knows the first time she breaks the rule and I find out the phone is gone and probably the car until she learns to listen. Cell phones do not belong in school period BUT that rule also needs to go for the teachers who sit on their's chatting during school hours as well.

-- Posted by semoangel70 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:18 PM

Hello all, didn't make it on the road today. We finally finished loading the rental truck then cleaned and shampooed the carpets. With Twiggs gimping around it was heck loading by myself. But we got er done.WE are spending the night at the in-laws and leaving around sun-up. we have to drive 800 miles tomorrow.

Herr, thanks for the kind words. I too would have ecjoyed visiting with you. We would like to think we are good people. Just have differant views as others. That is what makes this country so great. The right to have and voice your own opinion.

Melange,Pups and Guru: May God watch over you and yours.

Oh, one more thing. All of you please keep Sheriff Walters' son in your prayers. He is in Afgan and was shot yesterday I think. Not sure of his condition.

Aggie

-- Posted by Aggiefan/Twiggy on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:20 PM

Me'Lange,

I have dealt with true child abuse, abusers and victims on a professional basis. I refuse to characterize parents who choose to utilize corporal punishment as a means of control as child abusers. Child abuse has a legal definition and I will have to honor that. I will take whatever actions I legally can if I become aware of ANYONE who goes beyond those limits as I have done so in the past. I have not said whether or not I favor corporal punishment.

My daughter is also unable to have children and her views are the same as mine, so the ability or inability to have children may not always determine how you feel about children. I do not mean to be contentious. Out for the night.

-- Posted by Alt Ctrl Del on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:21 PM

Me'Lange

I like you and think most of your points are pretty correct but as a mom I know you can spank a child and you do not scare them for life. My brothers, sisters and I are living proof of that, we all even got them at school at some point and we turned out fine. My children have all been spanked at some point in their lives and they are pretty good kids, know to respect others and what manners are for. Now when you carry it beyond the point of punishment and leave marks, bruises etc then you are abusing a child and that is very different.

-- Posted by semoangel70 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:22 PM

Aggie

Have a safe trip, good luck with the new job and you two keep in touch.

By the way how is Nickey doing now that moving day is here

-- Posted by semoangel70 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:24 PM

Aggie,

I had not heard that, I know the family and the boy's in laws, will be praying for him. Do you know any more?

-- Posted by Red_Rhino on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:29 PM

semoangel,

If you want to spank your child that is fine. If you want to give the school that right that is up to you. However when the school makes that determination on its own there is a problem.

Does the school know if that child is a victim of abuse or not?

Children with ADHD tend to have a higher pain tolerence and corporal punishment may be detrimental. We know that some of these children can be more problematic. Throw in that they may come from less functional families and the school may be creating more problems.

For every kid the school may "fix" with a swat how many do the "mess" up with the same swat?

-- Posted by shortwhitebaldguy on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:33 PM

Rhino: no that is all I have heard. My mother-in-law was told this from someone at church. He wasn't killed just wounded as I understand. I was able to speak to Mr. Walters at Scott City's fair this year and he gave me a campaign re-election tee-shirt. On the sleeve it has his son's name on it and he told me the story. He seemed a nice man. Twiggy and I voted for him last election.

Nickey is doing fine, think it will hit hard tomorrow. She is coming over around 6am so we can say our goodbye's. I'm more worried with Twiggy. I am going to regret the next few weeks. Aggie

-- Posted by Aggiefan/Twiggy on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:37 PM

Corporal punishment or no corporal punishment should be decided by the school and not by anyone outside the district. Misbehavior should be handled at the discretion of the school.

-- Posted by BCStoned on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:38 PM

Aggie

Twiggy is a strong lady and even though leaving will be hard she will make it. Just be extra nice to her and expect high phone bills and all should be fine. Tell Nickey she knows how to reach me if she needs anything all she has to do is yell.

-- Posted by semoangel70 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:45 PM

Aggie,

Thanks, Yes, overall Rick has done a pretty good job, I will call them tomorrow. Have a good trip and hope all goes well with your new home and job.

-- Posted by Red_Rhino on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:45 PM

Me'Lange

Sorry now I think I understand what you were saying.........sorry my mind is all fuddled lately.

Controling your anger is the key. IF my kids get a spanking then the crime is a major one and not just something like they didn't clean their room and I personally will not spank them when I am maddest, instead I give myself a time out until I can be calm and go from there which is what all parents should consider. I for one do not think you not having kids affects your opinion on this, it is just how you feel.

shortwhitebaldguy

My son has ADHD and ODD and one quick swat with our hand can get his attention quicker than anything else we have tried with him. Never heard of ADHD kids having a higher tolerance to pain though I learn something new about it everyday

-- Posted by semoangel70 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 10:50 PM

so sorry to have missed talking to Aggie/Twiggyfan; pc has been acting up; just got it running again. Hope they have a safe trip and enjoy their new home. God Bless!!

-- Posted by countrygirl71 on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 11:24 PM

BTW: we wont be posting till sometime late Monday. Going to bed, goodnight all. Aggie

-- Posted by Aggiefan/Twiggy on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 11:35 PM

semoangel,

I do not consider a quick pop on the butt a spanking. That indeed can be a good attention getter. The whole ADHD or ODD thing is difficult and those who think merely a good spanking will fix those kids are mistaken as you have surely found out.

-- Posted by shortwhitebaldguy on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 11:54 PM

God bless the United States of America...Phelps won 'em all!

-- Posted by BABE on Sat, Aug 16, 2008, at 11:59 PM


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