Posted on 10/20/2005 9:48:30 AM PDT by Crackingham
Lexington, Mass. — David and Tonia Parker are asking their neighbors in this liberal town for one consideration: Tolerance. The Parkers believe homosexuality is immoral. So they were appalled when their son brought a picture book home from kindergarten that showed families with same-sex parents. To ensure his "spiritual safety," they demanded the right to pull him out of class whenever homosexuality was discussed. To deny them that right, they say, would be intolerant of their faith.
School administrators offer a different take on tolerance. They say it's their job to expose children to the world's diversity. Supt. Paul B. Ash refuses to whisk the Parkers' son away if a classmate with same-sex parents brings a family photo for show-and-tell, or a lesbian couple volunteers at the Halloween party.
Similar debates have roiled communities across the nation as conservative parents challenge classes, books and after-school activities that they say promote a one-sided view of homosexuality as normal. They have notched victories in several states. But the dispute here has gone further than most.
David Parker has been banned from school property. Ash has been flooded with hate mail from across the country. There have been protests and counter-protests; the local newspaper received so many letters, many condemning the Parkers as bigots that the editor stopped printing them. Ash talks of the school's obligation "to be more than tolerant" to children and parents of all backgrounds. Parker asks: Where's the tolerance for him?
"Real respect, real tolerance, is not pushing your beliefs on other people," Parker said. "What people do in their bedroom, that's their business. What they tell my children in school about these subjects — that's my business."
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
There is an awful lot of selective bible quoting going on. People will focus on the verse about homosexuality and then pretend the rest of the book isn't relevent.
Well it appears we are in agreement that parents should be the ones who decide what and when regarding the sexual though...
We may disagree on just what constitutes exposure to the topic of sexuality. I am of the opinion, objectively, since the only differentiating attribute between heterosexual and homosexual (not gay -nothing gay about it!) is the sexual activity that an individual is predisposed to or engages in --that one can not broach homosexuality in any way it is manifested without at minimum broaching the topic of sexuality...
Yes, this broaching of innocence may happen accidentally at an inappropriate age and parents would of course choose to deal with it on an individual basis; however, the fact that an innocent child may accidentally be exposed to information does not warrant intentional broaching of a subject that parents choose not to expose their children to.
The Trojan horse methodology that homosexual activists employ as part of the homosexualization of society methodology is in attempting to distance themselves from the activity that they define themselves by and that defines them -sex -abnormal, unnatural unhealthy and depraved. This methodology is of course propaganda plain and simple... No less shell game than that the abortionists employ -happy shiny people in happy shiny clinics (who just happen to slice and dice innocent babies for a living)
One can not discuss two mommies or two daddies without discussing at the same time the disorder that is basis for the illegitimate relationships they comprise. In essence broaching the topic inappropriately and against the wishes of parents is further compounded by omission of that which the parents would teach had the subject been broached legitimately or responded to legitimately by the parents...
Just because it is the school system that is indoctrinating, desensitizing, and psychologically raping the innocent rather than the local pedophile does not make this 'tolerance' stuff any less illegitimate and inappropriate...
"I am of the opinion, objectively, since the only differentiating attribute between heterosexual and homosexual (not gay -nothing gay about it!) is the sexual activity that an individual is predisposed to or engages in"
Growing up I would have agreed with you. But when my wife and I moved into midtown Atlanta and leased a townhouse in waht turned out to be an overwhelmingly gay neighborhood, I changed my mind. There are behavior characteristics in gay men and lesbians that are just simply different. Maybe some people have a choice but I can tell you there are some be who are gay through and through. And I never actually saw gay sexual behavior.
For example they all have small dogs. They gayer the man, the smaller the dog. They dressed better or sleazier than anyone I know. They listen to disco and show tunes at the pools.
I could go on and on... if you see a group of lesbians out at dinner together they will likely all pull out calculators and divide the check down to the penny.
I know these are stereotypes but I observed them often enough to believe they are true. I got so pick a gay person out of a crowd even if everyone was dressed exactly the same.
"One can not discuss two mommies or two daddies without discussing at the same time the disorder that is basis for the illegitimate relationships they comprise"
Doesn't it depend on how deeply you discuss the issue?
I still object to diversity training in public schools but it's not as bad if it is limited tosaying "some people have different skin colors" "Sometimes two men live together and sometimes two women live together" but when children from the families are in class with us we should treat everyone like we want to be treated ourselves.
Now I think we can do that without naming the diversity. We could says "treat everybody nice."
But I do think there are levels of discussion and we can say that there are different groups of people who live together without going into sex.
"Lunacy" wasn't too big of a word.
I understand that one quite well, thank you since it fits me so well:).
Again well put. You must be a pretty good parent. My parents taught us how to deal with things too (as I've said before). A few times things came up, but my parents didn't have to worry about us too much as they had given us the tools to succeed. I often say that we weren't homeschooled, but we were schooled at home.
Let me say, as a grandmother of 4 I thank you both for caring. I'm sure that is why the childrens parents work so well with you. I know your job can be difficult, but again, Thanks for you efforts.
Thank YOU too. I appreciate the comment. You must be a "great" grandmother.
Good points to think about. Thanks littlejeremiah for the post.
That is why they use teachers and judges to promote their agenda.
Yes, we have inservices with the Democratic party every week. They are most informative.
Are you trying to tell me that the NEA and most state teachers unions do not actively promote values that are antithetical to the vast majority of Americans? Hell, they hold workshops to tell teachers how to do it behind the parents' backs!
Don't urinate on my shoes and then expect me to believe that it is just rain.
Don't urinate on my shoes and then expect me to believe that it is just rain.
Thanks for falling into my trap. I knew I would get that reaction. I don't know in other areas--they probably do. In my area they don't, but I've said enough on this thread already--which you probably haven't read.
I love your witty sayings. Sorry about peeing on your shoe. I couldn't hold it. But, but they might make them a better color. :)
"Don't urinate on my shoes and then expect me to believe that it is just rain."
You know, I did think about becoming a weatherman at one time. I actually like this saying. I'll have to use it sometime.
Wise words.
And we should leave the children out of it.
I assume that was a typo.
I've read the same thimg, that the unions are in bed with GLSEN. I don't understand why, unless there are a lot of high-placed homosexuals in the organizations. The stated objective of GLSEN is to indoctrinate schoolchildren from kindergarten up.
From the article:
"We're here," said Meg Soens, Estabrook PTA vice president. "Our kids are here. And we deserve to be treated in a way that's respectful and inclusive." Her kitchen is decorated with her children's artwork, including a crayon drawing of the family: Two boys, two girls, two moms.
Most assuredly her work in the PTA is agenda-driven.
The 2000 US Census said there were 600,000 homosexual couples in the US. 1/4 of them have chlidren. With miniscule numbers like that, when is a kid going to encounter such a family?
BS!! Their job is to educate children... unfortunately though the public school system is largely guilty of malpractice.
"I hope to goodness they are even teaching sex to kindergardeners.
---
I assume that was a typo."
Absolutely.
I hope to goodness they are NOT even teaching sex to kindergardeners.
Well, don't hold us DAD's too harshly, we bust our butts so that those moms can stay at home. I'd gladly help at my childs school, but do not have the time, between work, cub scouts, assistant coaching, a second business, and the few hours a week I find for exercise myself.
However because of that my wife, is a home room mother, lunch lady helper, recess monitor, member of the Parent Teachers Group, in charge of Teacher Appreciation, knows every teacher by name, as well as administrator, etc etc etc.
However because of that my wife, is a home room mother, lunch lady helper, recess monitor, member of the Parent Teachers Group, in charge of Teacher Appreciation, knows every teacher by name, as well as administrator, etc etc etc.
Whoa there bucko! You're EXACTLY the kind of dad I REALLY praise the most. I am not trying to judge dads harshly at all. When I say "time with kids," I mean quality time and support. My father too, worked long hours most of the time so that my mom could stay home. Somehow he still found time to go to our ballgames and events, serve extensively in our congregation, be heavily involved in Boy Scouts (all six of us boys are Eagle Scouts), have daily Bible study and family prayer with us, get stuff done around the house, spend time with his wife, and make sure that we got our lessons done not to mention much, much more.
I wasn't saying that all dads should be able to help at school--such is impossible--I've only had the ONE dad this year in 10 years of teaching that was able to. I was talking more along the lines of being involved with their kids in the mode of spending quality time with them and supporting them. There are MANY, MANY different circumstances. I admire the father who busts his butt to support his family MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH more than I would some deadbeat dad who didn't get a job and was always around.
I had a mom of a student that was one of those supermoms two years ago. I had some really good talks with her and learned a lot from her. She said her son had complained that his dad wasn't spending enough time with them. She explained that sometimes daddies have to work a little longer so that mommies can stay home and spend more time with their children. That dad and mom were fantastic.
I make every opportunity I can to praise fathers of the students in my class. At times, I will stop by a house in the evening if I am dropping off something. I know almost all the fathers of the kids. They are great people. I try to go out of my way to arrange parent-teacher conference schedules to meet the dads' schedule so that they can be there if possible too. I would go at 2 in the morning to their house if I needed to to do that (it does irk me on the 1 or 2 parents each year that refuses to meet for p/t conferences even though they know I'll do anything and meet them at any time of day). While I mostly talk to moms, I try to inform dads when I can about their child's progress.
My dad helped us with our homework at times when it was VERY uncommon for fathers of his generation to do so. He allowed NO disrespect towards our mother from ANY of us--something I finally learned after many a sore backside. I encourage the boys in my class to tell their mom that she is the most beautiful woman in the world (until they get married).
And I must not go without praising your wife too. She must be one in a million. You're both the kind of parents we need more of. And I imagine that your kids benefit too. You both sound like my parents.
Please convey my thanks as a teacher towards your wife. I'm trying to make an extra effort this year to show support to those parents (i.e. moms) who really go out of their way to help out the school. That's what my parents taught me too--to say thank you and to give compliments when they are deserved. The PTA president this year is a gem of a person. I taught her son. She is one of the kindest people I know and I will support her to the fullest. I appreciate the parents who thank me (even though many times I don't deserve it) so I try to make sure that I return the favor.
Thanks for being a GREAT dad and I salute you.
However because of that my wife, is a home room mother, lunch lady helper, recess monitor, member of the Parent Teachers Group, in charge of Teacher Appreciation, knows every teacher by name, as well as administrator, etc etc etc.
Whoa there bucko! You're EXACTLY the kind of dad I REALLY praise the most. I am not trying to judge dads harshly at all. When I say "time with kids," I mean quality time and support. My father too, worked long hours most of the time so that my mom could stay home. Somehow he still found time to go to our ballgames and events, serve extensively in our congregation, be heavily involved in Boy Scouts (all six of us boys are Eagle Scouts), have daily Bible study and family prayer with us, get stuff done around the house, spend time with his wife, and make sure that we got our lessons done not to mention much, much more.
I wasn't saying that all dads should be able to help at school--such is impossible--I've only had the ONE dad this year in 10 years of teaching that was able to. I was talking more along the lines of being involved with their kids in the mode of spending quality time with them and supporting them. There are MANY, MANY different circumstances. I admire the father who busts his butt to support his family MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH more than I would some deadbeat dad who didn't get a job and was always around.
I had a mom of a student that was one of those supermoms two years ago. I had some really good talks with her and learned a lot from her. She said her son had complained that his dad wasn't spending enough time with them. She explained that sometimes daddies have to work a little longer so that mommies can stay home and spend more time with their children. That dad and mom were fantastic.
I make every opportunity I can to praise fathers of the students in my class. At times, I will stop by a house in the evening if I am dropping off something. I know almost all the fathers of the kids. They are great people. I try to go out of my way to arrange parent-teacher conference schedules to meet the dads' schedule so that they can be there if possible too. I would go at 2 in the morning to their house if I needed to to do that (it does irk me on the 1 or 2 parents each year that refuses to meet for p/t conferences even though they know I'll do anything and meet them at any time of day). While I mostly talk to moms, I try to inform dads when I can about their child's progress.
My dad helped us with our homework at times when it was VERY uncommon for fathers of his generation to do so. He allowed NO disrespect towards our mother from ANY of us--something I finally learned after many a sore backside. I encourage the boys in my class to tell their mom that she is the most beautiful woman in the world (until they get married).
And I must not go without praising your wife too. She must be one in a million. You're both the kind of parents we need more of. And I imagine that your kids benefit too. You both sound like my parents.
Please convey my thanks as a teacher towards your wife. I'm trying to make an extra effort this year to show support to those parents (i.e. moms) who really go out of their way to help out the school. That's what my parents taught me too--to say thank you and to give compliments when they are deserved. The PTA president this year is a gem of a person. I taught her son. She is one of the kindest people I know and I will support her to the fullest. I appreciate the parents who thank me (even though many times I don't deserve it) so I try to make sure that I return the favor.
Thanks for being a GREAT dad and I salute you.
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