American Flag Offensive?

[john doe]

Student: Teacher Called Flag Pic Offensive - Central Coast News Story - KSBW The Central Coast

[pam]

What the ????? What the heck is offensive about the picture drawn?

[BenRaines]

This is just down from where I am living. It was an over reaction by a teacher. Teacher will be held accountable.

Ben Raines

[rameumptom]

Ben,

I think the term "overreaction" is a bit off for this. The teacher grew up in the United States, and felt that a drawing of Obama was terrific, but one of the American flag was unacceptable?

Isn't it time we declared the Teacher's Union an illegal monopoly, broke it up/destroy it, and then give the parents control over their schools? This teacher had the moxie to think free speech/expression could be limited and guided towards an anti-American viewpoint.

[Hemidakota]

Why is California a magnet of STUPID PEOPLE and extremist?

[mliff]

This is just sad, freedom of speech is slowly being taken away from us.

[FunkyTown]

Ben, apparently, lives close to where this is happening. Maybe we should listen to his take on it, since he's there.

[talisyn]

Removed original post because talking about the pros and cons of the teacher's union is off topic.

The teacher was an idiot. But then again that individual is in a room filled with paint fumes all day so allowances perhaps can be made.

[NeuroTypical]

Artists always suffer.

[john doe]

Removed original post because talking about the pros and cons of the teacher's union is off topic.

The teacher was an idiot. But then again that individual is in a room filled with paint fumes all day so allowances perhaps can be made.

Well, he did approve of the Obama picture, so you may have a valid point there.

[Mahone]

This teacher had the moxie to think free speech/expression could be limited

Do you think free speech shouldn't have any limits?

[rameumptom]

I think free speech should be limited only in cases of safety: no "fire!" in a theater, no "bomb" in an airplane.

I do not consider advertising a form of free speech. Nor do I believe that entertainment is necessarily a form of free speech, either. There's nothing wrong with some limited to the airwaves, to ensure we are not pushing pornography or bad language as "free speech."

[ADoyle90815]

It sounds like that teacher is one of those militant atheists who want to remove all traces of "God" in society.

[Jbs2763]

i bet that 'atheist' teacher would start beliveling in God when if he's ever put in a extremely stressful situation where life and limb is at risk

[Bini]

Wow. I just have to laugh at this because I'm speechless.

What an idiot. The teacher is probably better off not returning to work for her own sake.

[Jbs2763]

Wow. I just have to laugh at this because I'm speechless.

What an idiot. The teacher is probably better off not returning to work for her own sake.

Bini...its the People's Republic....she'll be a folk hero

[mightynancy]

Isn't it time we declared the Teacher's Union an illegal monopoly, broke it up/destroy it, and then give the parents control over their schools? This teacher had the moxie to think free speech/expression could be limited and guided towards an anti-American viewpoint.

Baby? Bathwater?

[James_Fryman]

[annamaureen]

It's hard to understand why the teacher was so offended by a child's drawing!

[Blackmarch]

deleted

Edited May 17, 2010 by Blackmarch

[Traveler]

I feel very strongly about this - a community should have complete power over its teachers and subject matter taught in their public schools supported by their taxes. Teachers (or teacher unions) should not dictate to community what goes on in schools. I do not think it is up to me or you to determine what goes on in schools outside our communities. Things should be open and free. Teachers should have every opportunity to work at schools where they are comfortable and communities should have teachers that likewise reflect the community.

The Traveler

[prisonchaplain]

IMHO the teacher has some personal opinion that is likely motivated by politics. However, after the initial foolish reaction to a student, she immediately realized she'd "stepped in it," and refused further comment. My guess is that like the last flag issue, this one too shall blow over. Also, since the student was simply talked to, not dismissed from school, not down-graded, etc., I doubt the teacher will face any disciplinary action.

[James_Fryman]

I feel very strongly about this - a community should have complete power over its teachers and subject matter taught in their public schools supported by their taxes. Teachers (or teacher unions) should not dictate to community what goes on in schools. I do not think it is up to me or you to determine what goes on in schools outside our communities. Things should be open and free. Teachers should have every opportunity to work at schools where they are comfortable and communities should have teachers that likewise reflect the community.

The Traveler

yeah but in a town like mine (farminig is the main source of income for most people) that would mean most of the parents would want farming and mechanics taught over math and music (my best and fav subjects) in fact my entire grade would be left out because only about 10% of my grade is intrested in stuff like farming and mechanics, and all the other grades are as well. In fact I expect to see at least 10 people in my grade become famous or have some sort of major impact on the world, if they try. If the parents decided what was taught then we would be left out. However the school should be a place for students to develop their own opinions and skills insted of having it forced onto them, like most liberals want in my opinion and what is happening here. But my town is messed up anyways, the sheriff is on drugs, known fact im not joking, and he still gets reelected

Edited May 17, 2010 by James_Fryman

[prisonchaplain]

UPDATE: Flag rift caught Gavilan View Middle School principal off guard | thecalifornian.com | The Salinas Californian

The teacher says she does not recall saying that the students flag was offensive, but admits she doesn't remember the incident that well, and believes the student is obviously offended by what she did tell her three weeks ago. In other words, the teacher does not now, nor does she believe she ever called the U.S. flag drawing offensive. She's willing to apologize for causing the child offense, though without admitting the exact content of the comment.

It's also fair to note that neither the Principal nor the School District Superintendent were contacted by the parents or student about the matter. FOX News got it first. So, they were both caught a bit flat-footed. IMHO, this fact does weaken the cause of the student and parent. If all that's wanted is clarification, and perhaps an apology for an overreaching comment, then why go to the media first?

This whole thing will likely blow over faster than the t-shirt incident did.