Re: Way Overboard........
Well again one of the problems with sorting this out is our very different definitions of "harsh punishments". You're analogies are all extreme and as such are impossible to apply. I just don't see the schools reaction as harsh by any means. Stern - yes, but stern is good. We'll just end up respectfully disagreeing on that...
Now what I can tell you is that when I was in high school, I was a member of student government for 3 years and was President of my senior class. One of the stipulations of being a class officer was strict adherence to school policies. A single transgression would result in you losing your office. Class Officers were held to higher standards than everybody else (in general) as we were expected to set the example. While it's not clear in this case, I would find it easy to believe that that kid's school had a similar policy. I just have a hard time buying in to your "babysitting" mentality. The sooner we teach our children that there are consequences to their actions the better.
Assuming suspension to be the maximum punishment as you do, who do you propose will mete out your progressive discipline? School court?
1)
If you were to knowingly use your company's property and resources for non-company pruposes (like posting to this forum), should *you* be suspended for a day?
If the company I worked for had a policy stating that use of "company's property and resources for non-company purposes" would result in suspension for a day and I violated it and was suspended for a day and I would see that as a no-brainer. (Fortunately as an owner I can cruise iboats whenever I want
)
2)
If you knowingly break the law... like going more than 10 mph over the limit .. should you do prison time?
Again, you're really reaching with this. Answer: Of course not, but should you expect the punishment that the law describes (like a fine)? Absolutely!
3)
What are your feelings regarding Islamic Sharia Law? Do you feel it proper to cut off someone's hand for first-time petty theft? Do you feel execution is appropriate for a divorcee to sleep with a man other than her former husband?
My feelings about it are irrelevant. It's not about feelings. This is completely objective. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for violating it. Those people know their laws and to violate them and not expect the prescribed punishment is absurd.
Here's an extreme analogy like the ones you've been presenting:
Have you ever used a wood chipper? Ever seen the sign that says not to put your hand in the feed chute? Have you ever known one person that got slapped by the machine the first time they put their hand in the chute, lost only the tip of a finger the second time, etc.?
Let's pretend that you were the principal. Your rules state that violation of the candy policy results in a one-day suspension from school and any associated events and your Class Officers are subject to removal for violating
any school policy. All of your students have been repeatedly informed and are aware of the rules. This same incident happens. What would you do?
BTW, although we're still working on getting you to see it my way
, I can't tell you how great it is to have this kind of conversation on this board again. We've been talking about butterflies for a long time. I appreciate the dialogue!
