Not from SLO, but too fun not to post.
Posted on 10/09/2009 7:48:04 AM PDT by ReagansRaiders
Me and my buddies used to show up for school with shotguns, boxes of shells, and dead ducks and geese in the bed of the pickup truck.
We should have gotten in trouble for hunting before hours but then we had to get to school on time.
What reason did they have to approach him in the first place?
I'm not saying that an exceedingly sharp but small knife is not useable as a weapon, but locked in his vehicle does not make something that small readily available nor does it convey malicious intent, especially as part of a survival kit.
Crap. Even twenty years ago, every pickup at the high school here had at least one firearm in the rifle rack, whether it be a shotgun for hunting pheasant/grouse or a rifle in deer season. Never had a problem.
Now, out of sarcasm, (I have a concealed weapon permit), I carry a large pair of nail clippers (okay, and four knives and a multitool, minimum). Unfortunately, apparently the schools are using the TSA definition of weapon.
I recall getting on the plane with a 2 7/8" folder on my belt, okayed by the boarding agent back when, no biggie.
BTW, hopefully the good police chief and his officers will get a chance to apply a little “zero tolerance” to these azzh@ts. Nothing improper mind you, but if they break a law - ANY law - a little return zero tolerance may be in order. Speeding 2 mph over the limit? Reckless opp., search for drugs, take all the time needed to write the ticket. Talking on a cell phone while driving 1 foot past the edge of the school zone ? Maximum ticket. Zoning violations? Dog barking? Stepping one inch onto a neighbor’s yard without permission (the neighbor would have to help)? ANYTHING where police normally show discretion, don’t with these jerks.
What’s good for the goose and all that.
PS I’m NOT suggesting that you bring up the idea. That would be improper. I’m just hoping it happens.
I would sincerely hope that West Point doesn't deny his admission because of this. If they waiver, maybe letters from a number of townspeople (mayor, clergyman, police chief/sheriff, business leaders, etc.) could help over-come this miscarriage of justice. A letter of endorsement from the person in charge of where he went to boot camp would be good too. He had close contact with your godson, and would know his character. Would your Congressman write a letter of endorsement? That too would help.
I wish him the best of luck in his future. He sounds like a fine young man.
And I am also thinking that since they are obviously not teaching ANYTHING of value that everyone might as well answer the phone today, have the message machine full over the holiday, Tuesday... Wednesday....
Maybe someone could let Sarah Palin know what is going on.
Mind letting me know how those can be used as a lethal weapon? I haven't figured that one out yet...nor have some of my eminently more 'capable' friends.
My old grandpappy always used to say; choose your battles carefully. Sombody’s ass chose the wrong battle here.
Just a thought, but doesn’t everyone have a tire iron in their car? If given the choice of weapons in a fight, I think I’d go for the tire iron everytime over a pocket knife. Not to worry, the USMA will be happy and proud to have this young man as a cadet. They like the USNA truly understand what product they are in business to produce and what raw material is required to do the job. Just attach this article with your Congressman’s letter of recommendation and he will be standing tall at West Point this summer. Semper Fi
OMG!!! What a FARCE!! What a TRAVESTY! BUT....Matthew is the WINNER here....maybe not this moment, but in LIFE, HE IS THE WINNER!! God Bless him.
My take on this ... having already made clear his intent to apply to West Point, and completed Army basic training this past summer ... the liberal mindset that is so pervasive amongst educators is attempting to destroy this young mans career path. This is pathetic in the extreme.
And more helpful, this page has a link to an email address for the superintendent George Goodwin:
http://www.lansingburgh.org/alumni/index.php
BTW, while a tire iron is a good counter example, check into scissors. Does the school permit scissors on school grounds? A good pair of scissors is a FAR more dangerous weapon than a 1.5” pen knife. Frankly, a screwdriver, a good pen or even a long pencil is a more dangerous weapon than the pen knife. So is a car radio antenna. Heck, even a ruler (with a metal edge) is more dangerous. And how about sports equipment such as a baseball bat?
Definitely time to lawyer up. Their position is utter cr@p. (If you and they can’t afford one, see if the police chief has a lawyer friend who would do it pro-bono.)
This SHOULD be a “teachable moment.” We have got to repeal MANY so-called laws. Too many felonies, too many crimes on the books now. It’s an old argument “mens rea” and all that. Just as the government is too big in spending, there are too many laws. This case certainly defines one.
“According to the district’s Codes of Conduct, students are not allowed to have “a weapon of any kind” on school grounds.”
Which would you rather have at a fight? A 2” knife or a tire iron? I guess they’ll ban tire irons next.
Please contact the superintendent’s office, at (518) 233-6850 or email the superintendent’s office at: ggoodwin@lansingburgh.org
And why not ban shod feet? A whole lot of people die each year from getting their heads stomped.
- a pencil
- gravity
- a shoelace
- a belt
- bricks
- a car
All of those are illegal on the school grounds in this district?
Government schools are evil.
And that is not hyperbole.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.