11-year-old suspended for anti-Obama shirt

By Michelle Malkin  •  September 23, 2008 10:20 AM

It “interrupted the learning environment:”

An 11-year-old in Aurora says his first amendment rights are being trampled after he was suspended for wearing a homemade shirt that reads “Obama is a terrorist’s best friend.”

The fifth grader at Aurora Frontier K-8 School wore it on a day when students were asked to wear red, white and blue to show their patriotism.

The boy’s father Dann Dalton describes himself as a “proud conservative” who has taken part in some controversial anti-abortion protests. Dalton says the school made a major mistake by suspending his son for wearing the shirt.

“It’s the public school system,” Dalton says. “Let’s be honest, it’s full of liberal loons.”

…Aurora Public Schools would not talk about the case but said the district “Respects a student’s right to free speech, such as the right to wear specific clothing,” but administrators say they review any situation that interrupts the learning environment.

Paperwork submitted by the school district says Daxx Dalton was not suspended for wearing the shirt, but for willful disobedience and defiance.

Hat tip: Weasel Zippers

***

Allahpundit says: Sue!

Posted in: Barack Obama, Education

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Comments


  1. #464953
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:23 am, Goldwater Knight said:

    I guess that whacko who did an art project by inducing abortions on herself is more acceptable in a “learning” atmosphere.

  2. #464955
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:24 am, DaveC said:

    The Link to Weasel Zippers isn’t working..

  3. #464956
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 am, b-cat said:

    The fifth grader at Aurora Frontier K-8 School wore it on a day when students were asked to wear red, white and blue to show their patriotism.

    Red, white and blue patriotism in school? Must be flyover country.

  4. #464957
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 am, mojoe said:

    Same shirt, replace “Obama” with “McCain” and today the kids getting an award at an assembly.

  5. #464959
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    You know what “interrupts the learning environment”? Teachers Unions.

  6. #464960
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 am, Flyoverman said:

    Paperwork submitted by the school district says Daxx Dalton was not suspended for wearing the shirt, but for willful disobedience and defiance.

    TRANSLATION: When told to take his t-shirt off or cover it up, the student probably replied he had the right to free speech and did not have to.

    WHAM, willful disobedience!! Courtesy of the local NEA union steward.

  7. #464961
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 am, Straight_Talk_Luigi said:

    Paperwork submitted by the school district says Daxx Dalton was not suspended for wearing the shirt, but for willful disobedience and defiance.

    In other words, he was suspended for wearing the shirt.

  8. #464962
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 am, b-cat said:

    The boy’s father Dann Dalton describes himself as a “proud conservative” who has taken part in some controversial anti-abortion protests. Dalton says the school made a major mistake by suspending his son for wearing the shirt.

    The link isn’t working for me, so I’m left wondering what is a “controversial anti’abortion protest”. I’m assuming it isn’t anything criminal as he’s presumably not in jail.

  9. #464963
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 am, beachmom said:

    “willful disobedience and defiance.”
    This is the same thing the high school said about my kids as an excuse to suspend them when they took part in un-politically correct activities.
    They must give out these terms at the annual teachers’ unions meetings.
    In the late 60’s or early 70’s the Supreme Court said that this kind of thing is free speech and that students do not lose that freedom upon entering the school building. It was regarding a case where anti-Vietnam protesters wore black arm bands.

  10. #464965
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:31 am, b-cat said:

    Paperwork submitted by the school district says Daxx Dalton was not suspended for wearing the shirt, but for willful disobedience and defiance.

    According to the leftists I know, that is patriotism.

  11. #464966
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:32 am, bansharia said:

    I would like to know if the wee child had a full comprehension of what her shirt meant, I Pray not.
    Am against using children by anyone for political expediancy….
    strapping on bombs
    endorsing gay sex in berkley
    or this..
    let the kids be kids

  12. #464967
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 am, Jvette said:

    If it had said McCain=4 more years of Bush, I imagine there would have been a parade for him.

    This morning, my daughter sent me a text to tell me that her Comp/Lit AP teacher was campaigning for Obama in class. She said he read a list of books and said that Sarah Palin wanted to ban those books from the library.

    I told her it was a lie, but she said she doesn’t think it’s a good idea to challenge him. I think this teacher will be getting an email from me today.

  13. #464968
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 am, Salt said:

    I dunno about this one, Michelle. I don’t like it when the liberals involve their young children either. 11 is a bit young for politics.

    Had he been wearing an American flag and gotten in trouble as we have seen in the past, I would be irritated. However, I’m not thrilled about the idea of our liberal vs. conservative battles being played out in junior high.

    If the punishment is uneven and kids wearing anti-McCain shirts are not receiving similar treatment, let’s find out. As it stands now, it seems like the father has the agenda that he’s playing out through the son.

  14. #464969
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 am, WarEagle82 said:

    What a crock! Well, at least they didn’t find his stash of Bibles in his locker. Otherwise, they would have executed the poor boy!

  15. #464970
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Funny that… one school gives their approval of wearing red, white and blue. And other forces a student to remove his patriotic tshirt.

  16. #464971
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 am, bansharia said:

    Salt
    ^10

  17. #464972
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:36 am, fourstringfuror said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 am, On-my-soap-box said:
    You know what “interrupts the learning environment”? Teachers Unions.

    Yep. Ask the students up here in Seattle who have to make up 10 days they missed this month because the teachers were pissing and moaning about money.

  18. #464974
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:38 am, bansharia said:

    Salt,
    lest we forget the nit “father” who uses his daughter ( he provided the seed ) for excuse to ban God from $ etc…
    let kids be kids..

  19. #464975
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 am, DBNinKY said:

    On the one hand, it is undeniably wrong to use one’s kids to make a political statement; but on the other, I fully support the Dad’s assertion that the school violated his son’s free speech rights, because clearly they did, even though they skirted with that old stand-by “it interrupts the learning process” people in my profession use all the time to suppress their students’ individualism.

  20. #464976
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 am, JT said:

    I was a politically savvy 11 year old. I hated Carter. I had anti-Carter stuff in school. This kid should sue.

  21. #464977
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 am, jencab said:

    I could see the problem with the shirt. However, that can not be said of McCain, so the kid has a point. The school should say where the kid is wrong in his statement to suspend him.

  22. #464978
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 am, malkin_fan said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 am, On-my-soap-box said:
    You know what “interrupts the learning environment”? Teachers Unions.

    NOTHING COULD BE MORE TRUE. GREAT ANSWER!!!

  23. #464979
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am, SPCOlympics said:

    Maybe he could have gotten away with it by being a little more subtle and wrote:

    Obama is Bill Ayers’ best friend

    or

    Obama is Ahmadinejad’s preferred choice

  24. #464980
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am, 7thson said:

    This is today’s lead story? Eleven year olds wearing anti-Obama t-shirts?

    Aren’t there weightier matters to discuss?

  25. #464981
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am, Cosmo said:

    This morning, my daughter sent me a text to tell me that her Comp/Lit AP teacher was campaigning for Obama in class. She said he read a list of books and said that Sarah Palin wanted to ban those books from the library.

    I told her it was a lie, but she said she doesn’t think it’s a good idea to challenge him. I think this teacher will be getting an email from me today.

    Text your daughter that Obama is actively trying to remove the Bible from public schools and see what the teacher says.

    Unfortunately this sort of crap exists at all levels of academia. I can only assume that in an AP Literature class–a class I have taught at the HS level–that this also constitutes “interfering with the learning environment” or at least “off curriculum” and that the teacher should be disciplined if such a statute exists in your district.

    The AP Literature curriculum is too aggressive to waste time politicking during instructional hours. This teacher should be suspended until after the election, as their priorities are obviously grossly out of order.

    If you post the teacher’s email, I’ll gladly send a note, you know, “teacher to teacher.”

    Just have your daughter ask “how does this tie into the curriculum and preparing us for the AP exam in May?” That should help.

  26. #464983
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:43 am, b-cat said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 am, DBNinKY said:
    On the one hand, it is undeniably wrong to use one’s kids to make a political statement; but on the other, I fully support the Dad’s assertion that the school violated his son’s free speech rights, because clearly they did, even though they skirted with that old stand-by “it interrupts the learning process” people in my profession use all the time to suppress their students’ individualism.

    Agreed. They should either have a well defined dress code, or allow tastelessness.

  27. #464987
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 am, Salt said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am, 7thson said:

    This is today’s lead story? Eleven year olds wearing anti-Obama t-shirts?

    Aren’t there weightier matters to discuss?

    It’s not the lead story, it’s on the side bar.

  28. #464988
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 am, guitarplayer said:

    I’m curious to know if the same treatment would apply to an anti-McCain or anti-Palin shirt.

  29. #464989
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:44 am, CO2 Producer said:

    STL (#6): Exactamundo.

    I think the shirt was probably out of place. I know that’s stifling an 11 year-old’s free speech, but then again, I’m not a liberal.

    Wait. You said they did what again?

  30. #464992
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 am, bansharia said:

    um you would be suing your neighbors aka the TAXPAYERS as far as the wee child’s free speeeech as I said from get go does he ( I said she, DOINK ) know what his shirt means? if he does
    put him on board of education and fire one of the commies, don’t sue for $.

  31. #464994
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 am, ajmontana said:

    Ha! The kid has more gumballs than the MSM. 8)

    It’s Killin em and
    I Love it!!!

    McCain/Palin 08′
    Image: thats one smart kid!
    Best McCain ad yet, if it makes the news.

  32. #464998
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:47 am, theoldpath said:

    By patriotism, the school district no doubt meant “proud to be a world citizen”. Anything that detracts from the consumate world citizen, B. Hussein Obama, must be some kind of political heresy. On top of that, all of the MSNBC social engineering talking heads would agree with the shirt’s message, just not in those words. The world wants Obama to be the next President of the United States, is what they would say. Translation – Iran, Afghanistan,
    Cuba, and Venezuela are all pulling for Obama. Of course they are, these nations do not want a strong American patriot as president, they want the World citizen (we are the world, Teach the world to sing) candidate so terrorism can go unchecked.

    Hoping that Dad and Son have made a real strong pointed message with this once act of free speech.

  33. #465001
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 am, NJ-Aviator said:

    My son was laughing when he saw a No-Bama t-shirt this weekend. When I asked if he wanted one to wear to school he said if anyone wears an anti Obama shirt, they’ll be sent home. But he said Pro Obama and Anti McCain shirts were ok.

    Now… whether or not he knows the “policy” is irrelevant… the fact that a 6th grader has this expectation of his school administration is what I find remarkable.

    If he decides to wear a shirt with a political statement on it for election day, I’ll allow it. As long as its not profain.

    So a No-Bama or the Palin t-shirt…”This is what Gun Control looks like” would be ok with me.

    The school is actually holding a mock presidential election on Nov 4th, so I don’t see why shirts supporting your views would be a problem.

  34. #465002
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 am, DBNinKY said:

    They should either have a well defined dress code, or allow tastelessness.

    Absolutely – either spell it out in the student handbook, given at the first of the year in most school districts, as to what is and is not allowed as “message” clothing (political or goofy logos on tees, caps, bandannas, etc.) and familiarize the students with it at least once in class, or let it slide.

  35. #465005
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 am, bansharia said:

    disclosure: I was rabid GOP kid at 11. lived in Nixon’s home town and RR was gov hm I would have prob gotten expelled for kicking “shins” of any teacher that had a problem with shirt.
    that said my class mates were not as
    passionate nor are some of my neighbors as an adult!!
    we just don’t know enuff on this issue
    MM posted.. see ya will stop back and yammer later perhaps. enjoy this day He has created ;)

  36. #465009
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:54 am, bansharia said:

    AJ!!!
    did you see 50 McCain offices opened in CA yesterday? keep your eyes peeled might get you to a rally yet!
    enjoy this day,,B

  37. #465018
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:57 am, ajmontana said:

    theres one in Palm Desert and Palm Springs and I just got an invite to Palm Springs to watch the debate. 8)

  38. #465019
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:58 am, denver republican said:

    “It’s the public school system,” Dalton says. “Let’s be honest, it’s full of liberal loons.”

    ‘Nuf said.

  39. #465020
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:58 am, karnold said:

    “interrupts the learning environment”?

    An eleven-year-old kid teaching his peers the truth about BHO is probably the best learning experience his classmates have had in weeks. Months, maybe.

  40. #465029
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:02 am, MDH3 said:

    she doesn’t think it’s a good idea to challenge him. I think this teacher will be getting an email from me today.

    Copy the principal, superintendent, and your school board rep, too.

  41. #465031
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:02 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 am, 7thson said:

    This is today’s lead story? Eleven year olds wearing anti-Obama t-shirts?

    Aren’t there weightier matters to discuss?

    I don’t know 7thson, see any story anywhere about a student suspended for supporting Obama? Any teachers or chaplains giving credit for supporting McCain/Palin?
    I would that these issues be kept out of the lower grades–but that would have to be all encompassing.

    And the shirt was red, white and blue.

  42. #465032
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:02 am, Paul Revere said:

    Heresy!

  43. #465037
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:06 am, Irish Rose said:

    I’m sure that my comment might be unpopular here, but I’m going to make it anyway.

    This is just… wrong.

    I don’t agree with a conservative parent using their own child to spread political propoganda, any more than I disagree with a leftist parent doing it. Children should be OFF LIMITS. A fifth grader in a situation like this really doesn’t have a full understanding of what he or she is doing, and is doing it to please the parent more than anything else.

    This “concientious conservative father” clearly has some need to make a statement about his political beliefs and stir up trouble for the “liberal loons” in the educational system. Fine and dandy.

    What is NOT fine and dandy, is using his own child as a tool. He is the one who pushed his son into this situation and his son was the one who had to deal with the face-to-face vitriol of others, not the father. His 11 year old son is the one who is now going to be belittled, bullied and ostracized at a developmentally critical time in his life.

    Shame on this dad, I say. Shame on him. No father or mother who truly cares about the wellbeing of their child is going to exploit their child in this way and excuse their behavior by saying that their child “understands”.

    Some people here might think that this “caring conservative dad” was providing his child with an educational experience. Far too many conservatives loudly criticize this kind of thing from the left but have no problem justifying it when it comes from the right because it’s done on what they perceive to be “moral” grounds.

    This is nothing less than child exploitation. It’s bad enough that we have to deal with political conditioning on the high school level, we don’t need parents thrusting their political beliefs onto the backs of middle schoolers, for heavens’ sake.

    I refuse to defend bad behavior simply because it comes from a conservative Christian, and neither should anyone else here. This father seriously needs to rethink his behavior.

    My two cents.

  44. #465041
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:07 am, mholland1 said:

    Somebody needs to get the kid to market those shirts. Profits can go towards private school tuition.

  45. #465044
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:09 am, Jvette said:

    theoldpath said:

    By patriotism, the school district no doubt meant “proud to be a world citizen”.

    Ha Ha, that’s true, lots of other countries use red, white and blue in their flags.

  46. #465045
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 am, TxSkirt said:

    My kidlets are 10 and 8 and are both well versed on the differences in the candidates in this race. I want to raise conservative adults. I am not of the “let the kids decide for themselves” school of thought. I also don’t allow them that all sugar diet they’ve been asking about. I’m all mean like that.

    My kids have been to the republican headquarters and watched the convention. Of course, we home school so I don’t have to worry about a dress code. But if they were in public school, I would work extra hard to make sure they have the critical thinking skills it takes to question this tripe and not swallow it whole.

  47. #465052
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 am, Omu said:

    This is absurd! People are complaining that he was punished for wearing such a distasteful and provocative t-shirt to school. You’re all complaining that an 11-year-old wasn’t allowed to bring the topic of terrorism into his class, and associate it with a presidential candidate?!

    Wow, neo-conservatives are much worse than I ever imagined. And believe me, I knew you guys were pretty bad.

    I mean, for crying out loud, get some sense!

  48. #465056
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:12 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 10:40 am, malkin_fan said:
    NOTHING COULD BE MORE TRUE. GREAT ANSWER!!!

    Thanks. Speaking from personal experience. The easiest “A” I ever got was my English teacher who was entrenched and didn’t care. I raised 4 girls and one wanted to go to public school for ROTC. Worst mistake we ever made was letting her into a public high school. I would never suggest putting a child in public high school.

  49. #465060
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 am, Omu said:

    My kidlets are 10 and 8 and are both well versed on the differences in the candidates in this race. I want to raise conservative adults. I am not of the “let the kids decide for themselves” school of thought. I also don’t allow them that all sugar diet they’ve been asking about. I’m all mean like that.

    My kids have been to the republican headquarters and watched the convention. Of course, we home school so I don’t have to worry about a dress code. But if they were in public school, I would work extra hard to make sure they have the critical thinking skills it takes to question this tripe and not swallow it whole.

    Hah, typical conservative. You know that if your children are given a chance to meet people that are different to themselves, and to actually experience society, they’ll realise that being a selfish, intolerant conservative is just insane and where would your movement go?

  50. #465063
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:14 am, sambo said:

    SPCOlympics said:
    Maybe he could have gotten away with it by being a little more subtle and wrote:

    Obama is Bill Ayers’ best friend

    How bout:
    The closest Obama has come to combating terrorism was fighting Bill Ayers over the check for lunch.

    Who said that…Rudy?

  51. #465068
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:17 am, Lucifer Jones said:

    Another day in another “little red schoolhouse”.

  52. #465070
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:18 am, DBNinKY said:

    Children should be OFF LIMITS.

    True! But no school should be in the habit of waiting until an infraction to then inform students – and their parents – on codes of dress and conduct.

  53. #465071
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:18 am, Marauder said:

    Omu said:

    Hah, typical conservative. You know that if your children are given a chance to meet people that are different to themselves, and to actually experience society, they’ll realise that being a selfish, intolerant conservative is just insane and where would your movement go?

    Oh, please, as if conservatism is only the viewpoint of the ignorant. I went halfway across the country, spent four years at Smith College, graduated, and I’m still a conservative.

  54. #465072
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:19 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 am, Omu said:
    This is absurd! People are complaining that he was punished for wearing such a distasteful and provocative t-shirt to school. You’re all complaining that an 11-year-old wasn’t allowed to bring the topic of terrorism into his class, and associate it with a presidential candidate?!

    Which fact disturbs you more? The fact he brought up terrorism in school or the fact that terrorists would prefer an Obama win?

  55. #465075
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:20 am, Cosmo said:

    MDH3 said:

    Copy the principal, superintendent, and your school board rep, too.

    Yes, the more liberals that know what you’re doing, the better.

  56. #465076
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:20 am, ctmom said:

    My son made a binder insert using anti-Obama clipart. It caused a bit of a disruption and his teacher asked him to remove it. Now his binder insert is just McCain/Palin clipart. No problem with the teacher. I think a good rule of thumb as parents is for us to encourage our kids to support their candidate without disparaging the opponent – in school at least. I have a NOBAMA bumpersticker on my car, but I wouldn’t wear a NOBAMA T-shirt to a PTA meeting. A little common sense and consideration goes a long way.

  57. #465077
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:21 am, sambo said:

    Irish Rose said:

    I agree somewhat of what you said…don’t use kids bla bla, but your argument goes way too far.
    Last year in 3 rd grade my daughter wrote a paper on what she wished for. The teacher change some of her sentences. She wrote:
    I want the killing in Iraq to stop and hopefully the war will do that.
    The teacher changed it to something like: I want the war in Iraq to stop.

    It was a little slicker in that she just crossed out a couple words and added some…But my daughter was pissed saying “those weren’t my words or thoughts”.

  58. #465079
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:24 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Omu bleched:
    Hah, typical conservative. You know that if your children are given a chance to meet people that are different to themselves, and to actually experience society, they’ll realise that being a selfish, intolerant conservative is just insane and where would your movement go?

    I guess the irony of your posts goes right over you head? Here I’ll help. Above is your comment as written. Below is the newly more appropriate comment:

    Hah, typical liberal. You know that if you didn’t support abortion your children would be given a chance at life and would meet people that are different to themselves, and to actually experience society. which means you are a self-centered, intolerant liberal who is insane (but I repeat myself) and where is your movement going when you are killing them all off?

  59. #465080
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:25 am, bilgerat said:

    We don’t know for sure if the father is forcing his political views on the child.
    The reason I’m saying this is one of my 14 yr old daughter’s best friends is a political junkie. She always has been, since she was a small child. She watches CSPAN, pays attention to our local politics, and is active in community service.
    So I don’t think it’s unreasonable that an 11 year old could have their own political views.
    May be unlikely, but not unheard of….

  60. #465081
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:26 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Hah, typical liberal. You know that if you didn’t support abortion your children would be given a chance at life and would meet people that are different to themselves, and to actually experience society. They can’t because you’ve killed them which means you are a self-centered, intolerant liberal who is insane (but I repeat myself) and where is your movement going when you are killing them all off?

    There that’s better.

  61. #465085
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:29 am, brad_sk said:

    Obama is only one who at least talks tough on terrorist Pakistan while Bush is still cozying up with that administration…So how is Obama a friend of terrorists?

  62. #465086
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:30 am, SpeakEasy said:

    There are a lot of people leaping to conclusions here. Some of my nieces and nephews are/were quite knowledgeable about politics at that age so the ASSUMPTIONS this child was being used are stupid. I can not see how his expression of his opinion harms anyone else. If you don’t like it or agree with it, ignore it. I do it every day when I meet liberals.

    OMU, well, you’re just a liberal tool.
    B Bye.

  63. #465088
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am, pdv said:

    I suggest if anybody else wants to do this, that they do it in tandem with another person. One could wear the anti-Obama shirt, and the other would wear the anti-McCain shirt. Instruct the kids to refrain from mentioning the other kids name. The test would be to see if both kids are treated equally. A person would then have the knowledge to evaluate the discrimination of the faculty.

  64. #465092
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:34 am, emjem24 said:

    Free speech rights for thee but not for me, I see. This kid definitely learned that there is no open discourse in America’s public schools when they’re controlled by liberals who are too busy introducing groupthink and feel good ideas that do nothing to prepare our kids for actual careers or life.

    I’m glad this kid stood up. Many adults twice his age have no idea what their role is in a republic and what their actual “rights” are.

    Pretty sad school administrators have to take out their PC thought control on a kid though. :sad:

  65. #465095
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am, brad_sk said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:20 am, ctmom said: at 56

    I have a NOBAMA bumpersticker on my car, but I wouldn’t wear a NOBAMA T-shirt to a PTA meeting. A little common sense and consideration goes a long way.

    Very well said…

    Atleast on terrorism case, I am not against Obama though…He is the only one looking tough against islamic terrorist Pakistan.

  66. #465097
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am, Irish Rose said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 am, TxSkirt said:

    My kidlets are 10 and 8 and are both well versed on the differences in the candidates in this race. I want to raise conservative adults.

    Raising children in the Christian faith, very important.

    Introducing your children to conservative ideolism is also important… but when should that process actually begin?

    And do you acknowledge that their are other political ideologies out there with merit besides your own, or do you demonize everything that isn’t “conservative”?

    Do you teach them the basics and allow them to choose their own direction in life, or are you heavily invested in raising a political clone who thinks exactly like you do?

    A real education about politics must be a rounded education, so that our children who are developing into thinking adults can make their own choices. When we demonize the ideologies of others and discourage freedom of thought and freedom of choice, we do our children a great disservice.

    Please believe me when I tell you that I’m not trying to be disrespectful here, but I encourage you to think about what you are really doing.

    At this age (I’m talking developmentally here), your children are more interested in pleasing you the parent, than they are anything else. You are the parent… of course they’re going to believe everything that you tell them, tell you what you want to hear and parrot whatever you say to their friends. They do it because they want to please you, not because they understand what you are trying to teach them about politics or have an interest in conservative activism.

    Most of the young people who talk about these ideas at school got those ideas from their parents and home, and they are simply parroting what they hear around the dinner table. They’re not doing it because they actually understand the issues. That kind of thinking can only come with maturity.

    I remember one poster here at MM (that I won’t name), telling me that he sits his young grandchildren down in front of the computer to dig up dirt on his political opponents and he pays them some kind of monetary allowance to do so. He was full of certainty that his grandchildren understood what they were doing and he was full of pride that he was giving his grandchildren some kind of conservative Christian educational experience.

    It made me want to puke, to be honest.

    My daughter at age 18 is a first-time voter this year. She knows how I think politically, but I’ve never pushed her to embrace conservatism. Over the years I’ve encouraged her to look at all sides of political issues and to think these issues through for herself.

    I’m happy to say that she’s embraced conservatism, based on her own observations and research. Had she chosen liberalism, though, I wouldn’t love her any less. We’d just have a lot more to discuss as two intelligent, thinking adults ;) .

  67. #465098
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am, whoozit said:

    The day was supposed to be wear red white and blue day. My kids go to public school and they also have this every year. There is no policy in the handbook to prohibit political statements because it isn’t necessary. The kids show their patriotism for the U.S.A., not support for a candidate. I’m not voting for Obama, but I don’t want my kid sitting next to the kid wearing, “Obama is a terrorist’s best friend”
    The kid’s dad can teach him whatever he wants, but he doesn’t need to disrupt the learning environment by posting “terrorist” on his shirt.

  68. #465099
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:37 am, Cosmo said:

    “Obama is only one who at least talks tough on terrorist Pakistan while Bush is still cozying up with that administration…So how is Obama a friend of terrorists?”

    Pakistans has nukes. Better to be cozy and warm than dead and cooked.

    Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t it Obama who pledged to have dinner with Ahmadinejihad without preconditions?

    If you don’t think that Ahmadinnerjacket is a sponsor of terrorism–and a direct combatant against American soldiers in Iraq, then you have a position as a “journalist” waiting for you at either MSNBC or al-Reuters.

    THAT is how Obama is a “friend of terrorists.” Bush, on the other hand, understands the concepts of “politics makes for strange bedfellows” and “the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t.”

  69. #465100
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:37 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:29 am, brad_sk said:
    Obama is only one who at least talks tough on terrorist Pakistan while Bush is still cozying up with that administration…So how is Obama a friend of terrorists?

    Should we start with Ayers and work backwards or forwards? Eh, why would you care about facts anyway. Obama cares about the troops too – right? Well “a 4 star” anyway.

  70. #465103
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:39 am, SpeakEasy said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:29 am, brad_sk said:
    Obama is only one who at least talks tough on terrorist Pakistan while Bush is still cozying up with that administration…So how is Obama a friend of terrorists?

    The legitimate members of government are not (necessarily) the terrorists in Pakistan. So you can actually gain military advantages (use of airspace for Iraq) through the government while also condemning the terrorist factions. You need to try a little lateral thinking sport.

  71. #465104
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:39 am, Irish Rose said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:31 am, pdv said:

    I suggest if anybody else wants to do this, that they do it in tandem with another person. One could wear the anti-Obama shirt, and the other would wear the anti-McCain shirt. Instruct the kids to refrain from mentioning the other kids name. The test would be to see if both kids are treated equally. A person would then have the knowledge to evaluate the discrimination of the faculty.

    Don’t you think that Middle schoolers have better things to attend to? Like schoolwork and developing a social life?

    Children are NOT tools for experimentation.

    If parents want to scope out the politics of the school district they should do it on their own time, not saddle it onto the backs of their children.

  72. #465105
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:40 am, SPCOlympics said:

    Obama is only one who at least talks tough on terrorist Pakistan while Bush is still cozying up with that administration…So how is Obama a friend of terrorists?

    Because by all measure, we can expect Obama to talk tough but instead rely on the State Department and/or the UN to solve the terrorist problem.

    Bush, on the other hand, is more likely to talk softly (i.e. The Religion of Peace PC talk) but use the SEALs to conduct foreign policy.

    Odd though you brought up President Bush. President Bush is not running for election. Senator McCain is. And I think he’ll talk tough AND act tough against Islamic terrorism.

  73. #465111
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:41 am, RabbidSquirrel said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 am, Omu said:

    Wow, neo-conservatives are much worse than I ever imagined. And believe me, I knew you guys were pretty bad.

    I mean, for crying out loud, get some sense!

    Wow, someone save a copy of this post today!

    We have someone from the left side arguing for the right to retain some rational thought and not think like liberals!

  74. #465113
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:43 am, DBNinKY said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:19 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    Which fact disturbs you more? The fact he brought up terrorism in school or the fact that terrorists would prefer an Obama win?

    Right, Soap!

    Terrorists will rejoice with an Obama win on name value alone! And if he should do anything they feel is not in keeping with their perception of him as a fellow Muslim (whether he is or isn’t), such as his signing off on foreign policy that continues our support for Israel and/or a sustained presence in Iraq, they will retaliate against the U.S. as a means of chastising Obama.

  75. #465119
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:46 am, brad_sk said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:37 am, Cosmo said: at 68
    Bush, on the other hand, understands the concepts of “politics makes for strange bedfellows” and “the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t.”

    Well, you can apply the same logic to Obama’s dinner proposal with Ahmadinejihad, can you?

    Just because Pakistan has nukes doesn’t mean Bush has to agree to whatever they say…Did you even follow the news on the noise their administration made when US forces entered their area bordering with Afghanistan to rightly kill few Taliban terrorists.

    Pakistan’s statement against that action was that they would protect their territorial integrity more than anything else…So much for all the billions they received from us.

  76. #465122
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:47 am, RabbidSquirrel said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:20 am, ctmom said: at 56

    I have a NOBAMA bumpersticker on my car, but I wouldn’t wear a NOBAMA T-shirt to a PTA meeting.

    You’re right. I wore my Old Navy thermals yesterday.

    My only sign of going against the grain here where I live, is to have a rival college license plate cover that is different from the local Div-IA univeristy that is just up the street. And I am living on the edge even then.

  77. #465123
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:47 am, Jvette said:

    Irish Rose

    I agree with what you are saying in a sense. But, I think the bigger point is that other outrageous messages are allowed , when the message is liberal.

    For example, on the “Day of Silence” students wore shirts supportive of gays and gay rights. Those who wore shirts supporting Christian objections to this day and its message were told to cover them up, change or go home.

    My only problem is the age of the kid. Eleven seems a little young to be put in the line of fire.

  78. #465128
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:48 am, Omu said:

    There are a lot of people leaping to conclusions here. Some of my nieces and nephews are/were quite knowledgeable about politics at that age so the ASSUMPTIONS this child was being used are stupid.

    Of course the child is being used. Are you honestly going to deny that?

    the fact that terrorists would prefer an Obama win?

    And why do you think these terrorists would prefer an Obama win? Do you really believe they think that Obama is going to collapse national defence and welcome terrorist attacks on the US? I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, and assume that you are not that brazenly stupid. In which, ask yourself again, why do these groups want Obama to win? They want him to win because they realise he is more open to talking with them and then they can sort these problems out.

    If you think the US is being attack because of how “free” it is, then you need to grow up. Ireland, Scandinavia and Germany are all “free” countries (probably even more “free” than the US) and terrorists are not attacking these countries. The US is being attack because of it’s deplorable behaviour in the Middle East. If Obama talks about this, he can better avert further terrorist attacks by giving Arabians and Persians less reasons to hate the US. D’uh.

  79. #465133
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 am, emjem24 said:

    Omu said:
    Hah, typical conservative. You know that if your children are given a chance to meet people that are different to themselves, and to actually experience society, they’ll realise that being a selfish, intolerant conservative is just insane and where would your movement go?

    Spoken like somebody who relies on the public education system for your kids’ babysitting. That’s all public school is anymore. As a former teacher, I’ve seen how public school shuts out kids’ individualism and doesn’t let them “think” for themselves. I see you believe the same thing.

    You know absolutely nothing about why homeschooling exists and why people homeschool their kids in the first place. Do you want kids to think for themselves or think like their teachers?

    You show no common sense to be speaking gibberish like this crap.

  80. #465135
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 am, wighttrasch said:

    aj, you devil! I wish for your proximity to Palm Springs (and your lemon trees) while you wish for pie…

    I picked apples this past weekend & made a pie. It lasted a day…gotta pick more apples.

  81. #465136
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 am, SpeakEasy said:

    IrishRose, although I think your heart and head have the best of intentions, through my experience, children are not all empty vessels waiting to be filled. We have a LOT of independent thinkers in our family and at very young ages too. Parental (as well as uncles and aunts) influence is natural and mostly what we would prefer, especially when teaching values, morality. I would not encourage disruption in school either, but when they engage in this kind of stupidity instead of sticking to the three R’s, this is what ensues. Personally I prefer school uniforms and a close adherence to classic subjects.

    I’m just sayin’………

  82. #465137
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 am, DBNinKY said:

    He is the only one looking tough against islamic terrorist Pakistan.

    So we should risk instigating a nuclear war among Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, one that would surely spread throughout the region, simply because Obama thinks bombing Pakistan would resolve more problems with that country than dialogue and earnest diplomacy?

  83. #465141
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:52 am, SpeakEasy said:

    Big assumption DBNinKY: That is thinking Obama would actually do anything he professes to get votes.

  84. #465144
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:53 am, whoozit said:

    Irish Rose Said,

    Children are NOT tools for experimentation

    I second that notion, and I am reminded of a discussion a couple days ago about children being used as guinea pigs to see if they could be properly raised by same-sex married parents.–

    What if the kid wore a shirt stating, “John McCain is a war-mongerer”?? Would that be appropriate for school?

  85. #465149
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:55 am, Old Scout said:

    If he wore a McCain shirt – YES. But oversimplified, negative campaigning has no place in school. Kids at 11 haven’t studied history in much detail. They should be learning the art of debate, not name-calling.

  86. #465150
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:56 am, Jvette said:

    Irish Rose

    I have a first time voter as well. When we voted in the primaries there were a lot of judgeships on the ballot. He said he didn’t want to vote in any of those races since he didn’t know any of the people or issues. He ended up voting only on the national and state offices.

    I laughingly said that I would be glad to tell him who to vote for in the judge ship races since I read the paper and have fairly good knowledge in those matters.

    Well, he got highly offended. It actually turned into a great learning opportunity about how in this country everyone able to vote can do so freely, privately and using his own conscience.

    I don’t know who he’ll vote for in the presidential election. He knows my strong opposition to Obama, but he is an adult with his own mind and vote. Hard as it might be, I won’t even ask him how he votes.

  87. #465151
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:56 am, DBNinKY said:

    Omu:

    And why do you think these terrorists would prefer an Obama win?

    Perception is everything – the terrorists would feel even more justified in bringing the U.S. to task if they believed one of their own was in charge of our foreign policy and refusing to yield to the religious dictates of Islam.

    Do you really believe they think that Obama is going to collapse national defense and welcome terrorist attacks on the US?

    YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES!

  88. #465154
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:57 am, nyc123me said:

    And yet on any given day you’ll see a student wearing a “F*** BUSH” t-shirt on just about any public campus in the country, not to mention numerous Che Guevara t-shirts. But one word against the Big Zero obama, and you’re out. Constitution? What Constitution?

  89. #465155
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:57 am, brad_sk said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:55 am, Old Scout said: 85

    If he wore a McCain shirt – YES. But oversimplified, negative campaigning has no place in school. Kids at 11 haven’t studied history in much detail. They should be learning the art of debate, not name-calling.

    Good point, Sir…Even I was getting carried away in the details here and missed that these are kids having more important and fun things to do.

  90. #465160
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:58 am, Cosmo said:

    #75: Point taken. Perhaps his understanding doesn’t enjoy the benefit of perfect foresight (FDR joined with Communist Russia, correct?), nevertheless, actions are being taken, not just empty words being spoken and dinner reservations being made.

    I’d protect our borders and sovereignty as well. Of course, if I knew there were terrorist elements that had entered into our nation and had the help of the finest fighting force in the world to help track them down, I’d invite their assistance. It would seem that Pakistan’s leadership isn’t necessarily off-track, just under-informed.

    I do find it odd that Obama, who seems to have such faith in the UN, wouldn’t leverage the organization to do the negotiating, and to accept the resolutions of that body when they’re passed and not second-guess the ones he doesn’t agree with–even though his disagreement happened months too late.

    At the worst, it would save him $35 for dinner at T.G.I.Friday’s.

  91. #465163
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:59 am, mistressjustice said:

    Salt #13 and Irish Rose #43:

    DITTO that.

    That’s all. I really can’t add anything else.

  92. #465164
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:59 am, whoozit said:

    I wouldn’t have a problem with a student wearing a shirt that was pro-McCain or pro-Obama.
    Old Scout:

    negative campaigning has no place in school.

  93. #465171
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 12:01 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:48 am, Omu said:
    I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, and assume that you are not that brazenly stupid. In which, ask yourself again, why do these groups want Obama to win? They want him to win because they realise he is more open to talking with them and then they can sort these problems out.

    For “brazenly stupid” see posts 47 and 49. And if you think terrorists want to talk to us, you are beyond stupid. They want to destroy us. What better way than to lull us into believing they can talk to us while planning.

    Great Brittan had peace with Germany because Hitler signed an agreement and Churchill was beside himself warning against trusting Hitler. Six months later, Hitler broke the agreement.

    Learn some history – get back to me.

  94. #465176
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 12:02 pm, Salt said:

    On September 23rd, 2008 at 11:59 am, whoozit said:

    I wouldn’t have a problem with a student wearing a shirt that was pro-McCain or pro-Obama.
    Old Scout:

    negative campaigning has no place in school.

    Ditto. Positive support should be fine.

  95. #465186
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm, JustAThought said:

    “It’s the public school system,” Dalton says. “Let’s be honest, it’s full of liberal loons.”

    Ol’ dad hit the nail on the head with this line. Notice too the bloodthirsty little hooligan “was not suspended for wearing the shirt, but for willful disobedience and defiance”. Sure. Makes sense. Suspended for refusing to remove a shirt you said to take off, but definitely not for wearing the shirt.

    These are the idiots in chanrge of the idiots that are responsible for educating our children. Little wonder that as we were waiting in line for our puppy to get shots, the 17 or 18 year-old behind us, wearing a diamond stud in her nose and sweat pants shoved down to her hoohoo, asked her mother “How do you spell shepherd?”

  96. #465188
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm, nyc123me said:

    Yes let’s talk with the terrorists.. and the terrorist’s negotiators will come to the talks wearing bombs, and if you don’t bow to their demands they’ll blow you and themselves up. That’s their idea of talk.

    Hmm.. maybe Obama should go talk to them..

  97. #465194
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 12:06 pm, Connect the Dots said:

    I disagree with letting ‘kids be kids.’ Certainly, the left is not going to, with their liberal indoctrination from day one.

    We should be educating and involving our children in understanding some of the more important aspects of politics (without the scary stuff, like details of jihad). It’s the only way to turn the tide, to reclaim our children back from the dark abyss of LiberalThink.

  98. #465195
    On September 23rd, 2008 at 12:07 pm, SPCOlympics said:

    And why do you think these terrorists would prefer an Obama win? Do you really believe they think that Obama is going to collapse national defence [sic]…

    This was from a speech Sen. Obama gave this past summer:

    Barack Obama, “As president, I will end misguided defense policies and stand with Caucus for Priorities in fighting special interests in Washington.

    First, I’ll stop spending $9 billion a month in Iraq. I’m the only major candidate who opposed this war from the beginning — and as president, I will end it.

    Second, I will cut tens of billions of dollars in wasteful spending. I will cut investments in unproven missile defense systems. I will not weaponize space. I will slow our development of future combat systems, and I will institute an independent defense priorities board to ensure that the Quadrennial Defense Review is not used to justify unnecessary spending.

    Third, I will set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons.

    To seek that goal, I will not develop new nuclear weapons; I will seek a global ban on the production of fissile material, and I will negotiate with Russia to take our ICBMs off hair-trigger alert and to achieve deep cuts in our nuclear arsenals.

    You know where I stand.”

    So, Sen. Obama wants to retreat from Iraq (not win, just retreat). He also wants to cut our nuclear arsenal and keep weapons out of space. I assume that means we won’t have the ability to down enemy satellites. I’m sure Russia and China would agree to that unilateral policy.

    And FCS will directly affect how troops on the ground will fight in the future. Elements of it are designed to enhance our ability to fight terrorists in urban environments. You can be damn sure they’d like to see the next President kill FCS.

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