[David Koresh]

Originally Posted by JSN

they need to be shown how free they are by not having the freedom to remain seated?

Yes precisely.

[Sanin]

Originally Posted by JSN

they need to be shown how free they are by not having the freedom to remain seated?

Exactly, that way they might learn to appreciate it

[White Spats]

America is about as far from "freedom" as you can get.

[axecutioner]

Originally Posted by White Spats

America is about as far from "freedom" as you can get.

I know. I could name at least a hundred barriers to real freedom on my drive to work. There's stoplights, speed limits,fucking laws that would punish me if I ran over pedestrians whose faces I didn't like. What a facist oppressive system.

[White Spats]

Originally Posted by axecutioner

I know. I could name at least a hundred barriers to real freedom on my drive to work. There's stoplights, speed limits,fucking laws that would punish me if I ran over pedestrians whose faces I didn't like. What a facist oppressive system.

Shouldn't you be seceding from the union or something?

[Ashton]

I love how some of you are freaking out and making sweeping statements concerning something that happened in the midwest boonies. Crazy hicks aren't the norm, my god.

[WrestlingNerd]

Originally Posted by DaRuckus337

Standing is in the rules, not reciting, and I don't think that's unreasonable. Standing is a sign of respect, not allegiance (that's what pledging would be). Disrespectful conduct of many kinds are against the rules in schools that would fall under the umbrella of 'protected free speech' for adults in life outside of the school. You don't have to listen to people in the real world when they lecture you, but ignoring the teacher in class is both disrespectful and against the rules. That's the way it is. School is about teaching professional conduct, and part of professional conduct is respecting other people and beliefs and following the rules. These kids failed on both counts, and were rightfully punished. Cry me a river for the school not respecting - on it's own grounds - the free speech of some punk kids who think they can act snotty and disrespectfully whenever and wherever they please. Consider this an important educational experience for the students, because such behavior WILL cost them in the real world.

Could never have said it better myself. Those kids probably have or will have chats with each other during the moments of silence they have for dead students and facility members etc.

[Chthon]

I have been told by some foreign friends of mine that the United States in the only country in which children ritually recite the pledge just about every day at the start of school. Is this accurate?

[White Spats]

Originally Posted by Chthon

I have been told by some foreign friends of mine that the United States in the only country in which children ritually recite the pledge just about every day at the start of school. Is this accurate?

Very.

[Toujourpret]

I think it is more a matter of respect than idolizing the state. Suspension has always been a retarded penalty but i think the school is doing the right thing.