I did use a lower-case 'p' in 'puritan'. And I already own the OED, so spare me the etymology.
Okay, with that out of the way, I'll answer your queries:
1. Yes.
2. Won't fly under current circumstances - too insulting.
3. No, because they invite me.
4. Hahahaha! You're joking, right? The obvious answer is YES! The real question is, do we want the kind of society the public schools are conditioning youngsters to be 'productive' and 'functional' in. Soviet schools accomplished that.
5. Why are adults obsessing about controlling, in detail, where children sit at lunch-time? What an un-American attitude!
6. To answer a question you didn't ask, the public schools are at war with America's children, and with American ideals, and I hope the kids give the system all the respect it deserves.
So you honestly think this guy has case? He can't even get a lawyer to take the case because his argument is a farce. Where does it stop with your logic? If the students can make their own rules you will see the end of public education my friend. What it they want to "peacefully assemble" during the middle of Algebra class? Is that ok? There is nothing "un-American" about requiring a child to take a particular seat at lunch. I think you are the utopian. That comment is just plain ludicrous and without merit.
The issue is not about "when" students must follow the rules. Its about the concept of rules being enforced period.
Your argument is so misguided. The major problem with public education now is that the school staff can't enforce existing rules that are conducive to a proper learning environment because everytime they try to enforce one, some idiot like this guy causes a big fuss. Teachers don't get paid enough to deal with crap like media attention. We are lucky there are many left who work in the environment they have to work in now.
The threat is not order and discipline... it is teaching all this PC bullcrap that leads to this kind of nonesense. Thats why this idiot thinks his daughters "rights" have been infringed. Your stance is illogical and undefendable. You say the adults are "obsessing" on control of children. If this is obsessing, then adults have been "obsessing" on the control of children since the first parents existed.
If these kids wan't to talk or socialize, they can do that outside of school hours. If her father is so concerned about where she sits at lunch, why doesen't he find a private school that fits his and his daughters tastes. No, he, like you, thinks that school is a place to practice your own beliefs with complete disregard for other students. I don't recall any mass uprising by the parents in this school district because of this policy. No, most rational people understand the need for order and discipline in learning institutions.
If this kid makes it out of public school, she can eat with whomever she wants at work or in college. I have a hard time believing you believe your arguments. You sound like a student. Probably not a parent for sure.
The "war"? The "war on American school" children? You aren't serious are you. Where are you coming up with this garbage. You must just be a rabblrowser. The only "war" in our schools is the war against the PC crap and revisionist history being crammed into our next generations maleable brains that produces people who think like you. I'm sorry. I don't mean to be personal. It just shocks me that someone who is educated well enought to know the word etymology could sincerely believe what you typed in your keyboard. If you want to reply go right ahead but I just can't waste any more time conversing with a person who honestly believes what you are saying.
One big problem is schools have turned into some kind of social event --- kids aren't going to learn, they're going to be cool, make friends, go to dances. I think we should maybe consider dumping schools as they're known and replace them with learning centers which would have no social function -- strictly for learning.
LOL, it's all a control thing. I can't image some idiot telling me were I have to sit to eat lunch. Except the military or prison. What joke.