In the Joplin Globe today there was an article that a Missouri sex offender is challenging the law that requires him to live 1,000 feet from schools and child care centers, saying it is unconstitutional. His attorney told the Supreme Court that the law should be “struck down” for two reasons. One being the 1,000 foot buffer is too vague, and two being the law imposes restrictions on the offenders that were not in place when they were convicted. The Supreme Court is faced with how to implement the new sex offender policies for people that were convicted of prior sex offenses. In previous cases the court has held the buffer zone could not be enforced against offenders that were already living near schools because Missouri’s constitution bars the “retroactive” laws.
Missouri first enforced the law in 2004 barring the sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of any school, public or private, as well as, any child-care facility. This ban applied to any location that the sex offender would sleep as well. If they violate this law then they can face up to 15 years in prison for repeat offenses.
The sex offender in question was only identified by his initials “F.R” was convicted of 5 felony sex crimes in 1999. He informed the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Department that he wanted to move in with his fiancé, who lives in the St. Louis suburb of O’Fallon. The police approved the move at first, but then several days later was told he had to move in two days because of neighbors complaints or he would be arrested.
After reading this article, I read the comments that were posted by other readers and there is definitely mixed emotions about this. Some people say he deserves to be buried alive. I am not real sure I agree with something that extreme but I most definitely agree that he shouldn’t be allowed around children at all. However, the article doesn’t say what sex crime he was convicted of but I did look up the St. Charles County sex offender list on page 18 and there is only one person on there with the initials “F.R”. This man was convicted of rape and sodomy of a 12 year old. One comment on the article was that he should be able to live close if he was convicted of raping or sodomizing a grown adult but I don’t agree. Before looking up his initials my thought was even if he did rape an adult or sodomize them he still shouldn’t be allowed to be around schools and such because it’s only a matter of time that he takes on someone who cannot fight him off as well.
I also looked at the sex offender registry for my county and was amazed by how many offenders there are, and that is only the ones that have registered. My biggest fear is my daughter or son being violated like this and I do not trust very well. I am always very cautious of everyone, even people I know. Statistics say that children are violated more by someone they know than a stranger.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Parenting by Lying
I recently read a story that put my parenting in check, so to speak. Kang Lee, a researcher of the University of Toronto, and his colleagues acknowledge that their work is preliminary but they’re bringing up an issue that is rarely studied. Parents usually say “honesty is the best policy,” but the study shows that mom and dad tend to stretch the truth when it comes to interacting with their own children. They are referring to this way of parenting as “parenting by lying.” The researchers suggest that tall tales could give your kids mixed messages. They also state that these “lies” can harm the parent-child bonds. This way of parenting can keep the kids from learning certain rules. If you always “lie” to your child to get them to do something, then they never learn why they need to do that something. It could prevent learning opportunities for the child. The researchers also say, however, that it is sometimes okay to be less than truthful by telling a “fib.” Like telling a child that a scribbled drawing is beautiful but urges the parents to think of alternatives to the fib.
The researchers ran two studies where parents and students commented on 9 hypothetical scenarios where a parent lied to a child to shape behavior or make the kid happy. An example of a scenario is; a parent is embarrassed by a child’s crying and says “the police will come to make sure you behave if you don’t stop crying now.” A scenario aimed at shaping the emotions of the child would be a child is told “you did a good job at cleaning the room after making things messier.” In one of the studies, there was about 130 undergraduates read each scenario as their parents and indicated on a scale of 1 to 7 whether their parents had done something similar to them. Nearly 90% of the students gave a rating of 5 or greater to at least one of the scenarios.
Parents lie for various reasons; ranging from benefiting the parent to protecting the child from scary issues. Children tend to behave in ways that are disruptive or can harm their long-term interests so the parents try out a range of strategies, including lying, to get the compliance they want. Lying is usually a spur of the moment decision and parents don’t think of how it will affect their child.
I read this article and I was surprised about how much of this article fit me. I am sure, as the study says; a lot of parents are guilty of it. We don’t think of what we are doing or the real reason behind it but we do. I was guiltier of it when my kids were younger because I didn’t want to answer a long list of “whys” as toddlers do go through that stage. My kids are older now and it is a little easier to explain why I want them to do something or not to do something. This article will definitely be in my head the next time I think I need to tell a “fib” to get my child to do what I want.
The researchers ran two studies where parents and students commented on 9 hypothetical scenarios where a parent lied to a child to shape behavior or make the kid happy. An example of a scenario is; a parent is embarrassed by a child’s crying and says “the police will come to make sure you behave if you don’t stop crying now.” A scenario aimed at shaping the emotions of the child would be a child is told “you did a good job at cleaning the room after making things messier.” In one of the studies, there was about 130 undergraduates read each scenario as their parents and indicated on a scale of 1 to 7 whether their parents had done something similar to them. Nearly 90% of the students gave a rating of 5 or greater to at least one of the scenarios.
Parents lie for various reasons; ranging from benefiting the parent to protecting the child from scary issues. Children tend to behave in ways that are disruptive or can harm their long-term interests so the parents try out a range of strategies, including lying, to get the compliance they want. Lying is usually a spur of the moment decision and parents don’t think of how it will affect their child.
I read this article and I was surprised about how much of this article fit me. I am sure, as the study says; a lot of parents are guilty of it. We don’t think of what we are doing or the real reason behind it but we do. I was guiltier of it when my kids were younger because I didn’t want to answer a long list of “whys” as toddlers do go through that stage. My kids are older now and it is a little easier to explain why I want them to do something or not to do something. This article will definitely be in my head the next time I think I need to tell a “fib” to get my child to do what I want.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Yet again another mother hurts her child.
In Kansas City, Mo two people are facing prison who “pimped” out a girl since the age of 12. The two people are Todd Barkau age 37 and the girl’s mother, who will remain anonymous to preserve the girl’s identity, is age 45. The girl first was forced to sleep with Barkau so he could train her in sexual bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism. When she was 14 her mother created a website and offered her to anyone who would pay for sadomasochistic fantasies. She was, at this time, known as “Mistress Alisha” a name her mother used while working as a stripper. She was offered on this website for two years.
Barkau and the mother plead guilty to commercial sex trafficking of a minor on Thursday. Barkau will spend 25 years in prison and her mother was sentenced to 15 years because of a plea agreement. This sentence was ordered only after asking the victim if she thought that was sufficient. Prosecutors say she is the first person in the COUNTRY to be charged under federal trafficking law in a case involving her own child. The two were also ordered to forfeit $80,000, the amount they collected from the girl’s customers.
The victim is now 22 and she did attend the hearing on Thursday so she could witness their pleas first hand. She states that she hope the sentence of 25 years for Barkau serves as a life sentence since he has a history of heart attacks and strokes. This was also considered in the sentencing process and a longer sentence was not sought.
I read this story and I became angry. How could anyone put their daughter through such a horrible experience? If they were so bad off and broke then why didn’t she prostitute herself? It’s still illegal but at least a 12 year old little girl isn’t being victimized. Your parents are suppose to protect you. But this mother was advertising her daughter like she was this week’s special at meat shop.
My heart goes out to the victim in this story. I am sure this has truly left her scared. I truly hope that this woman will be able to move on and have a normal life. I know there are victims of sexual assault that are traumatized for a very long time and must seek counseling. Sometimes they are able to live normal lives and some it affects them very deeply and they have relationship problems. Plus, this girl was victimized by her mother. So she may not be able to have a normal relationship with her. I know that I would never be able to forgive her and talk to her again.
Barkau and the mother plead guilty to commercial sex trafficking of a minor on Thursday. Barkau will spend 25 years in prison and her mother was sentenced to 15 years because of a plea agreement. This sentence was ordered only after asking the victim if she thought that was sufficient. Prosecutors say she is the first person in the COUNTRY to be charged under federal trafficking law in a case involving her own child. The two were also ordered to forfeit $80,000, the amount they collected from the girl’s customers.
The victim is now 22 and she did attend the hearing on Thursday so she could witness their pleas first hand. She states that she hope the sentence of 25 years for Barkau serves as a life sentence since he has a history of heart attacks and strokes. This was also considered in the sentencing process and a longer sentence was not sought.
I read this story and I became angry. How could anyone put their daughter through such a horrible experience? If they were so bad off and broke then why didn’t she prostitute herself? It’s still illegal but at least a 12 year old little girl isn’t being victimized. Your parents are suppose to protect you. But this mother was advertising her daughter like she was this week’s special at meat shop.
My heart goes out to the victim in this story. I am sure this has truly left her scared. I truly hope that this woman will be able to move on and have a normal life. I know there are victims of sexual assault that are traumatized for a very long time and must seek counseling. Sometimes they are able to live normal lives and some it affects them very deeply and they have relationship problems. Plus, this girl was victimized by her mother. So she may not be able to have a normal relationship with her. I know that I would never be able to forgive her and talk to her again.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
High school is just that....High school.
The Milburn High School in New Jersey is well known for being on the Newsweek’s list of the top 200 schools in the nation. But it is rapidly becoming known for its “slut list”.
Every year, there is a group of senior girls that create the “slut list” of the incoming freshman. This has been going on for about 10 to 15 years where popular senior girls create the list and then hand it out as if it was a worksheet for class.
This year the list was started at a party, fueled by alcohol and according to one current senior it “was worse than ever”. There are more than 300 students in the freshman class and there are 21 names on this list. Each name is accompanied by vulgar descriptions. One description is “I am so desperate and hairy that I’ll give you drugs for free if you get with me.” And another was talking about keeping up the family tradition and getting pregnant at a young age.
Students claim that this is just something that happens on the first day of school and seniors also blow loud whistles at the freshman, as well as shoving them in their lockers and slapping vulgar stickers on their backs.
The superintendent of the school, Richard Brodow, has sent out an e-mail to the students last week stating that “any so called ‘ritual’ which in any way threatens, degrades, or makes any youngster feel intimidated or less than whole is a violation of school policy and just plain wrong.”
When I read this story, I just wanted to cry. I felt so bad for these girls who I am sure are just trying to fit in but instead get made fun of. I was always made fun of in school. Not as much in high school because I tried to stay under the radar of the “mean girls.”
I dropped out of school at the age of fourteen because I was pregnant and I did not want to have to face any one calling me all the names that the girls at the New Jersey High School are being called. I eventually went back only to drop out again later.
I have a couple of nieces that are in high school or close to it and I would be devastated if one of them had to go through this. I truly hope that they know who to hang out with and who not too. I would not wish this kind of “torture” on any one.
I completely agree with the superintendent when he sent the e-mail but I think there should be very severe consequences for the ones who disregard it. I also think that there should be some sort of way the girls being terrorized can remain anonymous. You know that if the freshman “snitch” there will be even more and even worse terrorizing.
I intend to always know what is going on with my children to hopefully prevent some of the torture that can and does go on in high school. Hopefully, my kids are comfortable enough to tell me when something is going on.
Every year, there is a group of senior girls that create the “slut list” of the incoming freshman. This has been going on for about 10 to 15 years where popular senior girls create the list and then hand it out as if it was a worksheet for class.
This year the list was started at a party, fueled by alcohol and according to one current senior it “was worse than ever”. There are more than 300 students in the freshman class and there are 21 names on this list. Each name is accompanied by vulgar descriptions. One description is “I am so desperate and hairy that I’ll give you drugs for free if you get with me.” And another was talking about keeping up the family tradition and getting pregnant at a young age.
Students claim that this is just something that happens on the first day of school and seniors also blow loud whistles at the freshman, as well as shoving them in their lockers and slapping vulgar stickers on their backs.
The superintendent of the school, Richard Brodow, has sent out an e-mail to the students last week stating that “any so called ‘ritual’ which in any way threatens, degrades, or makes any youngster feel intimidated or less than whole is a violation of school policy and just plain wrong.”
When I read this story, I just wanted to cry. I felt so bad for these girls who I am sure are just trying to fit in but instead get made fun of. I was always made fun of in school. Not as much in high school because I tried to stay under the radar of the “mean girls.”
I dropped out of school at the age of fourteen because I was pregnant and I did not want to have to face any one calling me all the names that the girls at the New Jersey High School are being called. I eventually went back only to drop out again later.
I have a couple of nieces that are in high school or close to it and I would be devastated if one of them had to go through this. I truly hope that they know who to hang out with and who not too. I would not wish this kind of “torture” on any one.
I completely agree with the superintendent when he sent the e-mail but I think there should be very severe consequences for the ones who disregard it. I also think that there should be some sort of way the girls being terrorized can remain anonymous. You know that if the freshman “snitch” there will be even more and even worse terrorizing.
I intend to always know what is going on with my children to hopefully prevent some of the torture that can and does go on in high school. Hopefully, my kids are comfortable enough to tell me when something is going on.
People would die to get into this country.
On Tuesday, four people were injured in San Diego and the busiest border crossing was closed to the northbound traffic for hours do to a shoot out from federal agents. Federal agents took into custody seventy four people that were crammed into three vans trying to make it into the United States illegally. A San Diego spokesman, Lt. Kevin Rooney stated that the exact details of the situation are still unclear. He also stated that the drivers of the vans tried to storm past the inspectors at the San Ysidro port of entry that connects San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. The drivers were trying to make their way in without stopping.
There were three vans and they all got in the same lane. The driver of the first van gave his license to the agent. As the agent leaned back in the booth to check his license, all three of the vans quickly drove into the United States side. They then got stuck in traffic where the encountered three agents that were firing from all different directions. Three of the four people were injured by gunfire while the fourth person was injured because the lead van crashed into their vehicle. Only one shooting victim was still in critical condition where as the others were expected to recover fine.
The shooting commenced over nine of the twenty four northbound traffic lanes. The entire northbound lanes were closed after the shooting at 3:30 p.m. This created a massive traffic jam since there are about 40,000 vehicles that enter the U.S. using this border crossing. Motorists were told to go through Tijuana’s crowded streets to the only other border crossing leading to San Diego at Otay Mesa that is about 5 miles to the east of the bigger crossing. Eight of the lanes were allowed to reopen around 7:30 p.m. One motorist stated that he took his driver about an hour to travel the 5 miles before he was allowed to cross at a pedestrian crossing.
I read this story and all I could think about was “man what people will do to get into this country”. I understand that our country is great and all but risk getting killed is not the way. They are ways to get into this country legally. I feel some people just don’t want to take the time and do it the right way. If they would do it the right way they would be here free and clear. They wouldn’t have to worry about getting deported or getting caught trying to sneak into this country. They have to know since 9/11 that the government has stepped up security at the borders as well as airports. I just wonder what was going through these peoples’ minds; did they honestly think they would get away with it. And even if they made it into the country they would have eventually been caught and sent back. I understand why people want to come to this country but at least put forth the effort and do it the legal way and get to stay.
There were three vans and they all got in the same lane. The driver of the first van gave his license to the agent. As the agent leaned back in the booth to check his license, all three of the vans quickly drove into the United States side. They then got stuck in traffic where the encountered three agents that were firing from all different directions. Three of the four people were injured by gunfire while the fourth person was injured because the lead van crashed into their vehicle. Only one shooting victim was still in critical condition where as the others were expected to recover fine.
The shooting commenced over nine of the twenty four northbound traffic lanes. The entire northbound lanes were closed after the shooting at 3:30 p.m. This created a massive traffic jam since there are about 40,000 vehicles that enter the U.S. using this border crossing. Motorists were told to go through Tijuana’s crowded streets to the only other border crossing leading to San Diego at Otay Mesa that is about 5 miles to the east of the bigger crossing. Eight of the lanes were allowed to reopen around 7:30 p.m. One motorist stated that he took his driver about an hour to travel the 5 miles before he was allowed to cross at a pedestrian crossing.
I read this story and all I could think about was “man what people will do to get into this country”. I understand that our country is great and all but risk getting killed is not the way. They are ways to get into this country legally. I feel some people just don’t want to take the time and do it the right way. If they would do it the right way they would be here free and clear. They wouldn’t have to worry about getting deported or getting caught trying to sneak into this country. They have to know since 9/11 that the government has stepped up security at the borders as well as airports. I just wonder what was going through these peoples’ minds; did they honestly think they would get away with it. And even if they made it into the country they would have eventually been caught and sent back. I understand why people want to come to this country but at least put forth the effort and do it the legal way and get to stay.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Children being taken due to obesity.
In Dundee, Scotland a family has been torn apart because their children are overweight. This has caused a big controversy. The couple is expecting their seventh child and is at risk of getting the child taken after having their fifth and sixth children taken by social services. The family was given warnings that their family needed to slim down. Their children range in age from 3 to 13 and range in weight from 56 pounds to 220 pounds.
These parents do not drink or do drugs. They just happen to be a big family, that can be noisy and is prone to being overweight says the couple’s attorney Kathleen Price. In Dundee and other areas in the U.K. treat obesity as abuse. Tam Fry, a member of the National Obesity Forum, states that more council are viewing obesity as abuse, but should not be on the same scale as sexual or physical abuse. She also states that she believes that authorities and social services should be helping this family by placing the children in the hospital and getting their weight down where it should be.
The couple first contacted social services to get help managing their children. That is when they were ordered to send their kids to dance and soccer lessons. Social services also provided paid supervisors that monitored the family and provided a healthy direction to go in. The mother states she doesn’t own a deep-fryer, all her food is home-cooked, and the kids aren’t given junk food. She also states that children can carry some “puppy fat” but can lose it as they grow. She believes that her kids are not being given a chance to lose this “puppy fat”.
I am a little split on this story. I completely agree that kids need to exercise and be healthy. But I am not sure I agree that they should have been taken away from their parents. There isn’t a whole lot of detail in the story about how much help these parents did actually received. I believe that a health advisor or dietitian could’ve came into their home and “taught” them how to eat healthier. I honestly believe that kids are a reflection of how they are raised and what they go through as children. I am bigger girl and I believe that if I was taught as a child how to eat right it wouldn’t be so hard for me now. I know what I am supposed to eat but I am just not used to it so it makes it harder for me. I do try to help my children make healthier decisions. I do not fry a lot of food, hardly ever actually.
My children are very active. Granted, I am not always financially able to put them in soccer or dance but they do play outside a lot and we do visit the park when the weather allows us to. They ride their bikes almost every day again as the weather permits. I truly hope that my kids continue to make healthy decisions as they get older. Our family does have a long list of health problems, a lot of which can be prevented by healthy eating and exercise. I wish someone would have been there for me when I was younger so I would have had the knowledge to make better decisions about food.
These parents do not drink or do drugs. They just happen to be a big family, that can be noisy and is prone to being overweight says the couple’s attorney Kathleen Price. In Dundee and other areas in the U.K. treat obesity as abuse. Tam Fry, a member of the National Obesity Forum, states that more council are viewing obesity as abuse, but should not be on the same scale as sexual or physical abuse. She also states that she believes that authorities and social services should be helping this family by placing the children in the hospital and getting their weight down where it should be.
The couple first contacted social services to get help managing their children. That is when they were ordered to send their kids to dance and soccer lessons. Social services also provided paid supervisors that monitored the family and provided a healthy direction to go in. The mother states she doesn’t own a deep-fryer, all her food is home-cooked, and the kids aren’t given junk food. She also states that children can carry some “puppy fat” but can lose it as they grow. She believes that her kids are not being given a chance to lose this “puppy fat”.
I am a little split on this story. I completely agree that kids need to exercise and be healthy. But I am not sure I agree that they should have been taken away from their parents. There isn’t a whole lot of detail in the story about how much help these parents did actually received. I believe that a health advisor or dietitian could’ve came into their home and “taught” them how to eat healthier. I honestly believe that kids are a reflection of how they are raised and what they go through as children. I am bigger girl and I believe that if I was taught as a child how to eat right it wouldn’t be so hard for me now. I know what I am supposed to eat but I am just not used to it so it makes it harder for me. I do try to help my children make healthier decisions. I do not fry a lot of food, hardly ever actually.
My children are very active. Granted, I am not always financially able to put them in soccer or dance but they do play outside a lot and we do visit the park when the weather allows us to. They ride their bikes almost every day again as the weather permits. I truly hope that my kids continue to make healthy decisions as they get older. Our family does have a long list of health problems, a lot of which can be prevented by healthy eating and exercise. I wish someone would have been there for me when I was younger so I would have had the knowledge to make better decisions about food.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
An 8-year is hanged....by herself?
I recently read a story in the Times Online about an eight year old that was fund hanged in her bedroom. The girl, Charlotte Avenall, was found around 9:15 am on Saturday. She has a younger brother, Alex, which is 5 and is currently under the supervision of the children and young people’s services at Nottinghamshire County Council. Charlotte’s parents, 24 year old Susan and 32 year old Simon, were interviewed but not arrested. They were again visited by police last night. Authorities are saying that the investigation as at an early stage and they feel they have nothing else to comment on at the moment. A neighbor of the family stated he”heard the mother screaming and crying her eyes out”. He could also see the dads’ eyes were all watery. The ambulance and police cars were at the residence for hours stated the neighbors. Other neighbors and shop worker noted that the girl was always happy when they seen her and that this is such a tragedy.
When I read the story, I felt tears welling up. I could not imagine what these parents are going through. I have an eight year old daughter myself and I would hope that she is happy with her life. My daughters’ day consists of going to school, coming home, doing homework, doing chores, and playing before bath and bed. I am not sure what this little girl was going through but at eight years there shouldn’t be a whole lot more expected of her other than what I mentioned my daughter does. I understand that there are kids in homes that are expected to do it all. I have seen a few children in my life that are expected to do it all. But for a child to feel their life is so hard or bad that they feel there is no other way out. Most kids act out such as in school or even at home to give some clue that they are unhappy. I still sit here fighting away tears because would die if my daughter hung herself. Rather she is eight or 58. She is still my baby and anytime your child dies before you it is hard. I personally have never heard of a “child” hanging themselves. I have heard of adults hanging themselves and even with adults there are other options. There usually are signs that let people know that something is wrong.
I am most definitely going to follow this story until there is an outcome. I would really love to know why this little girl hung herself. My sympathies go out to the parents and their families. Right now they need all the support they can get. My nephew almost died last year at the age of two and that was very hard on my sister and my entire family. The thing that got us through was prayer and support. You can never have enough support in a situation like this. I truly hope they are able to get to the bottom of this so the family can have some sort of peace and closure.
When I read the story, I felt tears welling up. I could not imagine what these parents are going through. I have an eight year old daughter myself and I would hope that she is happy with her life. My daughters’ day consists of going to school, coming home, doing homework, doing chores, and playing before bath and bed. I am not sure what this little girl was going through but at eight years there shouldn’t be a whole lot more expected of her other than what I mentioned my daughter does. I understand that there are kids in homes that are expected to do it all. I have seen a few children in my life that are expected to do it all. But for a child to feel their life is so hard or bad that they feel there is no other way out. Most kids act out such as in school or even at home to give some clue that they are unhappy. I still sit here fighting away tears because would die if my daughter hung herself. Rather she is eight or 58. She is still my baby and anytime your child dies before you it is hard. I personally have never heard of a “child” hanging themselves. I have heard of adults hanging themselves and even with adults there are other options. There usually are signs that let people know that something is wrong.
I am most definitely going to follow this story until there is an outcome. I would really love to know why this little girl hung herself. My sympathies go out to the parents and their families. Right now they need all the support they can get. My nephew almost died last year at the age of two and that was very hard on my sister and my entire family. The thing that got us through was prayer and support. You can never have enough support in a situation like this. I truly hope they are able to get to the bottom of this so the family can have some sort of peace and closure.
Monday, September 14, 2009
"The right to remain silent" from the Pledge of Allegiance?
I recently read a story pertaining to the Pledge of Allegiance. The courts have always or almost always ruled that students of public school do not have to recite the pledge. But now teachers and administrators around the country are trying to decide if they should tell students up front that they do not have to recite the pledge in public schools. Some First Amendment advocates are arguing that the law requires them to inform kids at the beginning of school that they do have that choice. They are pushing a “Miranda warning” for the Pledge of Allegiance. Rev. Barry Lynn states “the Pledge of Allegiance creates a constitutional problem; you have to tell them they can opt out.” In Florida, they have a policy that children do not have to participate if they have a parent from their mom or dad. In New Mexico last month they dealt with this question as well. The education secretary upheld the current policy that students can opt-out but rejected the amendment that would allow or require teachers and administrators to inform parents and students of the option. A recent poll has shown that 90% of Americans approve the pledge. The other 10% consist of 7% saying they would change the language of it and 3% were undecided.
When I read the headline of this story, I could feel my blood pressure rise. But then I read that it wasn’t about rather to recite it or not, it is rather to tell students that can opt-out of reciting. Which I guess is a little better than trying to kick it out completely. I understand keeping religion out of school to an extent. Everyone has their own faith. But I believe “under God” in the pledge is just like “In God we Trust” on our money. Is that the next thing to be put on the chopping block? I am not completely sure I agree with letting students opt-out, but I do understand the constitution and why they do have that option. So if they have that option, why not tell them they do? What is the point of having the right to do something if you do not know about it?
I know that my kids will always be permitted to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Many of our ancestors fought hard for what the flag stands for and saying the pledge is one way of honoring them. Not to mention all of our men and women overseas fighting still for what it stands for. Not everyone gives thanks where it is due and the pledge is a good way of thanking them. The pledge doesn’t say anything about soldiers or fighting but it does say words like “indivisible”, “liberty”, and “justice”, these are the things our soldiers are fighting for. All these words and many more are reasons why America is the “free” country and everyone wants to live here. I feel saying something as harmless as the pledge is a lot less excruciating as some of the things going on in other countries.
When I read the headline of this story, I could feel my blood pressure rise. But then I read that it wasn’t about rather to recite it or not, it is rather to tell students that can opt-out of reciting. Which I guess is a little better than trying to kick it out completely. I understand keeping religion out of school to an extent. Everyone has their own faith. But I believe “under God” in the pledge is just like “In God we Trust” on our money. Is that the next thing to be put on the chopping block? I am not completely sure I agree with letting students opt-out, but I do understand the constitution and why they do have that option. So if they have that option, why not tell them they do? What is the point of having the right to do something if you do not know about it?
I know that my kids will always be permitted to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Many of our ancestors fought hard for what the flag stands for and saying the pledge is one way of honoring them. Not to mention all of our men and women overseas fighting still for what it stands for. Not everyone gives thanks where it is due and the pledge is a good way of thanking them. The pledge doesn’t say anything about soldiers or fighting but it does say words like “indivisible”, “liberty”, and “justice”, these are the things our soldiers are fighting for. All these words and many more are reasons why America is the “free” country and everyone wants to live here. I feel saying something as harmless as the pledge is a lot less excruciating as some of the things going on in other countries.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Mothers are suppose to protect you, right?
On foxnews.com there is an article about a woman, Aimee Louise Sword, who looked up her son on the internet, which she put up for adoption 10 years ago, and then allegedly raped him. The boy is ten years old and he won’t disclose whether he knew the lady was his mother. Mental health experts are horrified and calling the case “an abomination.” Dr. Gerald Shiner, the chief of Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry at the Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit says he doesn’t think he has ever heard of another case like that in his career. Aimee surrendered to the Waterford Township police on April 24th and then was freed on bond Wednesday following the arraignment. The house that she has as her home address is abandoned. Aimee’s attorney, Kenneth Burch, says his client “maintains her presumption of innocence.” He also states that that it is very difficult for her to accept the accusations of incest. Sword has written on her Myspace page that she’s inspired by Lil’ Kim because “she rises during the worst of obstacles.” She also stated that it reminds her of herself. Sword is confident that she will recover from the charges. The psychiatric doctor is worried that the damage to the boy could have long lasting effects, if the allegations are proven to be true.
I read this story and my first reaction was you have got to be kidding me. A woman puts her child up for adoption and then finds him. Then she allegedly rapes him. I thought that if a child is adopted then they have to be 18 or have the new parents’ permission to meet up with the biological parents. But I could be wrong. Plus I could not imagine finding my child just to horrify him by raping him. My kids are my life and I couldn’t imagine hurting them.
This poor boy, if the allegations are true, will have to live with this his entire life. The harm that is done by total strangers is bad, it’s even worse when it is a family member. Your family is supposed to protect you no matter what, not hurt you. I try to protect my kids from people who would harm them; rather it is sexually, mentally, or physically. Sometimes, God forbid, we fail but we can at least not be the one to inflict that hurt and pain on them. I really don’t know what goes through peoples’ minds that do this type of stuff. Maybe someday we can figure it out and get to the bottom of why pedophiles do what they do and “fix” them.
I read this story and my first reaction was you have got to be kidding me. A woman puts her child up for adoption and then finds him. Then she allegedly rapes him. I thought that if a child is adopted then they have to be 18 or have the new parents’ permission to meet up with the biological parents. But I could be wrong. Plus I could not imagine finding my child just to horrify him by raping him. My kids are my life and I couldn’t imagine hurting them.
This poor boy, if the allegations are true, will have to live with this his entire life. The harm that is done by total strangers is bad, it’s even worse when it is a family member. Your family is supposed to protect you no matter what, not hurt you. I try to protect my kids from people who would harm them; rather it is sexually, mentally, or physically. Sometimes, God forbid, we fail but we can at least not be the one to inflict that hurt and pain on them. I really don’t know what goes through peoples’ minds that do this type of stuff. Maybe someday we can figure it out and get to the bottom of why pedophiles do what they do and “fix” them.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Responsibility of School Officials.
I recently read a story about a 15-year old boy who collapsed in Louisville, KY after football practice. The coach, David Jason Stinson, is being charged with reckless homicide as well as wanton endangerment. The coach allegedly made the players practice rigorously without a break for at least 40 minutes. Douglas Casa, an associate professor of heat and hydration issues at the University of Connecticut, stated that 15-year old, Max Gilpin's temperature was very high for more than an hour. His temperature was 107 even an hour after he collapsed. Anytime your body temperature is over 105 degrees for an extended period of time it can be fatal. It this case it was fatal. Max died three days after being admitted to the hospital for having a heat stroke. Max was not the only one showing signs of heat stroke. Casa told the jurors during the trial of Coach Stinson that 8 to 10 other players showed signs of heat stroke as well.
My kids are not quite old enough yet to be doing football practice but they are kids and they do play; play hard in fact. I know during the summer I make sure my kids take breaks all the time from playing. They get mad at me and think I am being mean but one day they will realize that I was protecting them. As well as taking breaks they drink nothing but water when they are playing outside. Again they think that I am punishing them for some reason but they will realize that it is for their health. My kids aren’t the only one that I look out for. I always make sure I have a couple of cases of bottled water around during the summer for the other kids in the neighborhood. I am always passing out water for them when they are playing outside or I will let them come inside my house with the air conditioner on to cool off. They come inside and sit for 15 or 20 minutes and then they are allowed to go back outside.
My kids are my life. I could not imagine what the parents of the football player is going through. I completely understand why they are suing the coach. Not only should he face criminal charges but I feel that he should face a civil suit as well. He should be responsible for paying some or the entire funeral. I mean these parents, I’m sure, thought they had more time with their child and he would be planning their funeral not the other way around. Money is not going to bring their boy back but it will help with expenses they should not have to endure but are because of the coaches’ neglect and irresponsibility. I truly hope I never have to go through what these parents are going through.
My kids are not quite old enough yet to be doing football practice but they are kids and they do play; play hard in fact. I know during the summer I make sure my kids take breaks all the time from playing. They get mad at me and think I am being mean but one day they will realize that I was protecting them. As well as taking breaks they drink nothing but water when they are playing outside. Again they think that I am punishing them for some reason but they will realize that it is for their health. My kids aren’t the only one that I look out for. I always make sure I have a couple of cases of bottled water around during the summer for the other kids in the neighborhood. I am always passing out water for them when they are playing outside or I will let them come inside my house with the air conditioner on to cool off. They come inside and sit for 15 or 20 minutes and then they are allowed to go back outside.
My kids are my life. I could not imagine what the parents of the football player is going through. I completely understand why they are suing the coach. Not only should he face criminal charges but I feel that he should face a civil suit as well. He should be responsible for paying some or the entire funeral. I mean these parents, I’m sure, thought they had more time with their child and he would be planning their funeral not the other way around. Money is not going to bring their boy back but it will help with expenses they should not have to endure but are because of the coaches’ neglect and irresponsibility. I truly hope I never have to go through what these parents are going through.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Man hits 2 year old because she won't "shut up."
In Georgia, a man takes it upon himself to discipline a 2 year old child. While shopping at an area Wal-Mart the mother stated that Roger Stephens approached her as her child was crying and told her "If you don't shut the baby up, I will shut her up for you." The mother and the child went on to another aisle and Stephens approached her again and allegedly grabbed the child and smacked her about four times in the face. Authorities were called and the man was arrested. The mother stated that all Stephens could say was "See, I told you I would shut her up."
My first reaction as I read this story was I would completely freak out. There is no way anybody is going to hit my children. I do not care if they are throwing a temper tamper in the middle of the floor, although that would be highly embarrassing, disciplining them is my responsibility.
I have been to restaurants, parks, and even the grocery stores where there have been disruptive children and I will ignore it and go on about my business or I will leave. There would be no way I would ever hit my children let alone anyone else’s children. Not to mention this child was only two years old. Children that age are just learning discipline. Maybe she was tired or hungry. No matter what the reason that child should not have been smacked, especially by a total stranger. I am sure that little girl was not sure what was going on. I am sure she did not shut up as he hoped or as he said he would do. I have been around my fair share of kids and even had a job taking care of children, and in my experience, if a child is hurt in any way, rather the child is hit, falls down, or even emotionally hurt, they are going to cry. So, honestly, what really did he accomplish by hitting this child, other than time in jail. I would like to know what was going through his head. Did he think that the mother was not going to call the police? He had to know that he would go to jail.
I do not agree with a child abused for any reason at all. I also do not agree with cruel and unusual punishment on children. Children do not ask to be brought into this world, and then they get abused. There is too many none physical, none violent, punishments that can be used instead. Plus it teaches children that it is O.K. to hit when angry and that is not the message I want my children to receive. My children write sentences, do extra chores, or take a time out when they get in trouble. They are older than 2, but there is other options than hitting, even for a toddler.
My first reaction as I read this story was I would completely freak out. There is no way anybody is going to hit my children. I do not care if they are throwing a temper tamper in the middle of the floor, although that would be highly embarrassing, disciplining them is my responsibility.
I have been to restaurants, parks, and even the grocery stores where there have been disruptive children and I will ignore it and go on about my business or I will leave. There would be no way I would ever hit my children let alone anyone else’s children. Not to mention this child was only two years old. Children that age are just learning discipline. Maybe she was tired or hungry. No matter what the reason that child should not have been smacked, especially by a total stranger. I am sure that little girl was not sure what was going on. I am sure she did not shut up as he hoped or as he said he would do. I have been around my fair share of kids and even had a job taking care of children, and in my experience, if a child is hurt in any way, rather the child is hit, falls down, or even emotionally hurt, they are going to cry. So, honestly, what really did he accomplish by hitting this child, other than time in jail. I would like to know what was going through his head. Did he think that the mother was not going to call the police? He had to know that he would go to jail.
I do not agree with a child abused for any reason at all. I also do not agree with cruel and unusual punishment on children. Children do not ask to be brought into this world, and then they get abused. There is too many none physical, none violent, punishments that can be used instead. Plus it teaches children that it is O.K. to hit when angry and that is not the message I want my children to receive. My children write sentences, do extra chores, or take a time out when they get in trouble. They are older than 2, but there is other options than hitting, even for a toddler.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Since when do you not get to choose how your child is educated?
In New Hampshire, a judge ordered that a 10-year girl be forced to go to public school instead of being home schooled by her mother. How is this fair?
The mother and father of this young girl divorced shortly after she was born and custody was granted to the mother. So this gives her the right to choose how she is educated, the right to choose her religion, and it also gives her the responsibility to care for the child, feed her, clothe her, and make sure she is safe. As long as the mother is doing all these things, where is the harm in home schooling? The articles states "the girl's home-schooling consists of sitting in the corner of her mother's bedroom, where she receives her lessons on a computer screen." I understand the concern if the girl was being kept inside all the time and not allowed outside or allowed to go anywhere. My understanding of the article was the girl isn't locked away. She does her studies in her mother's room, in a corner. But how do we know that "the corner" isn't equipped with a desk and any other necessary items needed for her to study. With the "going green" economy, I would not be surprised if home schooling hasn't gone green as well and done away with paper, along with several insurance companies and banks.
The article also states that the young girl is "academically promising" and interactive with her peers. So again what is the big deal with this girl being home schooled. Apperantly her mother is doing a good job of teaching her if she is "academically promising." So why not let her continue school they way she is instead of making her start a "new" school.
This article kind of hit home because I had friends growing up that were home schooled and I believe they turned out fine. They had a very social life outside of their studies. Plus, I believe that the courts are overstepping their bounds more and more every day. Why is it ok for the courts to decide what the child should be exposed to. That is the mothers job. If the child isn't in danger, and isn't being neglected or abused, then what is the harm in home schooling. I do agree that children need social interaction but again why is it up to the court to decide where she gets that social interaction from. Rather it's from talking to people in her neighborhood, in the supermarket or walking done the street, or if it's from going to a public school. As long as it is not from a pediphile or someone who is going to endanger her life.
I would feel violated or betrayed if I could not home school my children if I chose. I would defenitly make sure that they had time for study and time for play. I would not want to be cooped up in a house all day and I would not make my kids be that way.
The mother and father of this young girl divorced shortly after she was born and custody was granted to the mother. So this gives her the right to choose how she is educated, the right to choose her religion, and it also gives her the responsibility to care for the child, feed her, clothe her, and make sure she is safe. As long as the mother is doing all these things, where is the harm in home schooling? The articles states "the girl's home-schooling consists of sitting in the corner of her mother's bedroom, where she receives her lessons on a computer screen." I understand the concern if the girl was being kept inside all the time and not allowed outside or allowed to go anywhere. My understanding of the article was the girl isn't locked away. She does her studies in her mother's room, in a corner. But how do we know that "the corner" isn't equipped with a desk and any other necessary items needed for her to study. With the "going green" economy, I would not be surprised if home schooling hasn't gone green as well and done away with paper, along with several insurance companies and banks.
The article also states that the young girl is "academically promising" and interactive with her peers. So again what is the big deal with this girl being home schooled. Apperantly her mother is doing a good job of teaching her if she is "academically promising." So why not let her continue school they way she is instead of making her start a "new" school.
This article kind of hit home because I had friends growing up that were home schooled and I believe they turned out fine. They had a very social life outside of their studies. Plus, I believe that the courts are overstepping their bounds more and more every day. Why is it ok for the courts to decide what the child should be exposed to. That is the mothers job. If the child isn't in danger, and isn't being neglected or abused, then what is the harm in home schooling. I do agree that children need social interaction but again why is it up to the court to decide where she gets that social interaction from. Rather it's from talking to people in her neighborhood, in the supermarket or walking done the street, or if it's from going to a public school. As long as it is not from a pediphile or someone who is going to endanger her life.
I would feel violated or betrayed if I could not home school my children if I chose. I would defenitly make sure that they had time for study and time for play. I would not want to be cooped up in a house all day and I would not make my kids be that way.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Dangerous Drugs
I recently read a story about cocaine being laced with a dangerous veterinary drug. Honestly, is cocaine not dangerous enough already that the manufacturers of this stuff have to add yet another dangerous drug to the mix.
Apparently, drug manufacturers are feeling the effect of the down word spiral of the economy as well. The drug dealers are adding levamisole to give the drug a "more intense high." Adding this livestock de-worming drug allows the manufacturer to make more of the cocaine at a cheaper price but still sell it the same. The levamisole elevates opiate levels in various brain regions, like codeine and morphine," said Don LeGatt,a clinical toxicologist at the University of Alberta, which if you have ever had surgery, you know leaves you feeling pretty good.
The few drug addicts that have taken the laced-cocaine and have gone to the hospital to seek medical attention after experiencing rashes as well as other medical problems have left doctors confused. It is hard for doctors to test and treat something they know nothing about. There has been two reported deaths and atleast 100 more have had some symptoms from this.
I know that the economy has taken its toll on everyone around but do you really have to make a dangerous drug more dangerous, if that's possible. I know that it is the addicts choice to use cocaine and I am sure they know that non-laced cocaine can kill them. Hopefully, this will open the eyes of some of the addicts to seek treatment and get help. You never know what these manufacturers are putting in their "stuff."
Apparently, drug manufacturers are feeling the effect of the down word spiral of the economy as well. The drug dealers are adding levamisole to give the drug a "more intense high." Adding this livestock de-worming drug allows the manufacturer to make more of the cocaine at a cheaper price but still sell it the same. The levamisole elevates opiate levels in various brain regions, like codeine and morphine," said Don LeGatt,a clinical toxicologist at the University of Alberta, which if you have ever had surgery, you know leaves you feeling pretty good.
The few drug addicts that have taken the laced-cocaine and have gone to the hospital to seek medical attention after experiencing rashes as well as other medical problems have left doctors confused. It is hard for doctors to test and treat something they know nothing about. There has been two reported deaths and atleast 100 more have had some symptoms from this.
I know that the economy has taken its toll on everyone around but do you really have to make a dangerous drug more dangerous, if that's possible. I know that it is the addicts choice to use cocaine and I am sure they know that non-laced cocaine can kill them. Hopefully, this will open the eyes of some of the addicts to seek treatment and get help. You never know what these manufacturers are putting in their "stuff."
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