Archive for 2013

YA THINK? Gun play: ‘Zero tolerance’ toward schoolkids could backfire, says expert.

“These zero-tolerance policies are psychotic, in the strict sense of the word: psychotic means ‘out of touch with reality,’” Dr. Leonard Sax, a Pennsylvania psychologist and family physician, and author of “Boys Adrift,” told FoxNews.com.

In recent months, there have been several examples of children being disciplined for what was once seen as innocent role play.

A group of students was suspended this month from a Washington state elementary school for using Nerf dart guns as part of a math lesson, despite having permission from their teacher. . . .

“Out-of-touch policies such as these, which criminalize behaviors which have always been common among young kids, are contributing to the growing proportion of American kids, especially boys, who regard school as a stupid waste of time and who can’t wait to get out of school so that they can get back to playing their video games,” Sax said.

Worse, their perception is increasingly correct. Of course, now when kids are persecuted over toy guns, they can just say they’re emulating President Obama.

obamasquirt

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Also, Coupons Galore in Grocery & Gourmet Foods.

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FRANK J.: Why The Government Hates Conservatives. “How did we think they’d react when we threatened to tear down all they know over some concept they’ve never even heard of — math?”

WITH ALL THIS SNOOPING, let’s be glad that the early-Obama-Administration idea for a GPS-enforced mileage tax never took off.

By the way, if you voluntarily use a tracking device like Progressive Insurance’s snapshot, do you feel like your information is safe?

WELL, YES: “Is there anybody more vilified today than the American father?” But it’s true that dads don’t get a lot of respect in the popular culture. Plus: “Revealingly, the federal government spends $5 billion a year to enforce child support (usually from fathers) but just $10 million to enforce visitation rights (generally on behalf of fathers).”

IN THE MAIL: From Eric Flint and Ryk E. Spoor, Portal.