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Show Upinon vesday. Api 2y, 199/ ISA VIEWPOINTS BY GARRY TRUDEAU By Bruce Tinsley Mallard Fillmore C00” Oy King Fences Syuicee PK Went ge eaerer COLUMNS | No drugsin the schools meansjust that - no drugs of any kind (Over-the-counter pills should be no exception to the rules and values By ROBERTA BLAIN Guest Commentary A recent Standard-Examinerarticle reporting that some parents in Sandy were disputing the sus- pension oftheir children from middle school for taking over-the-counter caffeine pills to school taised myire. Oneparent was quoted as saying, “I am for drug-free schools, but this is a legal substance that did not hurt anyone.” This sameparent,referring to her daughter’s suspension,said, “the schoolsells caffeine in vending machines. Why should they kick her out for somethingsotrivial?” _ Well, I hate to tell that mother but, with herattitude, she may have something muchlesstrivial to worry about concerning her daughter in the future. Whatvalues are being taught here? Whereis the concern for accountability for these actions? It is hard for me to comprehend whythese parents are upset with the schoolinstead oftheir children. In this case, where is the responsible, cooperative, respect-for-rules, support-the-system concept that most people still believe is fundamentally important fora civilized society? Our children need no support to buck the system. They already are exposed enough to supposed role models whoblatantly disregard rules that are seemingly meant only for other people. If the rules say that a safe school means no drugs in school, then there should be none — period. Students and parents are notified of school rules at the beginning of each schoolyear. The parents have a duty to provide an example of respect for the system by supporting those rules. Asto the schools “selling caffeine in vending machines,”last time I looked, pop machines with caffeine drinks didn’t look like drug-vending machines. Chocolate candy has not been labeled as a dangerousdrug, noris it located in the drug section of the grocery store. I know caffeine has not been on the highly dangerouslist, though it does carry health risks and is addicting (with aut symptomsthat most people have experienced). Still, caffeine pills are considered a drug with a concentrated dosage designed for medical purposes. So whatif it is a non-prescription, legal drug? Cigarettes, alcohol, motion sicknesspills, dietpills and the like are legal drugs. What doesit matter what kind of drug these students had at school, anyway? Maybe the students plannedto take the pills (or give them to others) to stay awakeat school. Does the intended purpose ortype of drugs have anything to do with the fact a law was broken? These parents have missed the red flag warning them that their children are operating in a fashion that is not an indicator of social compliance or in line with making healthy choices. The fact that the parents failed to see the issue in this case is sad for them andfortheir children. As a worker within the educational system. I am thankful for the partnerships that have been formed in our communities, which include businesses, families, organizations, agencies and schools, to help young people reach their best potentials. Any one institution byitself cannot, in these modern times, teach the values to which every person must adhere in order to maintain a moral society. We need one anotherto set the proper examples and to reinforce societal expectations consistently so our young people are not being confused with mixed messages. I'm sorry if it soundslike I've been picking on someparents over a seeminglypettyincident, but this small article brought to mind the larger problems weface in our world today. The lines of what is right and what is wrong are becoming increasingly blurred as more people (manyin leadership or high-profile positions) model behavior that indicates disregard for accepted moral behavior and are of the opinion that rules are meant for others. We have to somehow counter the damaging effects these types of people have onall of us. We cannot operate solely as independentindividuals who think our actions affect no one else. We simplyhave to become community oriented and become moreuni- Basic values do not come naturally, they must be instilled over time. We must act in ways that show that we believe in showing respect for others and being responsible for our actions. We have to demonstrate howto be a cooperative memberof the various systems within our society. We have to lead the wayin caring for the world and everyonein it. These values, along with others, initially formed our democratic society and have the power to maintainit. fied by supporting one anotherin theeffort to bring up a strong generation of children in the face of negative influences. We need to understand and support those things that help our young people learn values. Our own Gov.Leavitt has led efforts to encourage people to focus on teaching values. Still, it is amazing how manyresist the teaching of values within the school system. Why wouldthis be so whenthereis clear evidence that manychildren have received no values education? Even new recruits in the military have to receive intensive values education because ofthe lack ofit in their formative years. Did students taking caffeine pills to school hurt anyone? Did suspendingthe students for violating the safe-schools policy injure anybody? Did the parents disputing the suspension action andtrivializing the incident harm anyone? You can answerthatfor yourself, depending on the values you hold. Roberta Blain is a Weber School District elementary school counselor. COMMUNITY SAYS THANKS Three ‘Good Samaritans’ help womanin Roy old son started crying and throwing a tantrum. I was so embarragsed that when the cashier gave me my change, I hurried out the door andfell, injuring my ankle. I absolutely could not walk. The first woman to come by immediately took off her coat and put it under my head and stayed by me until help arrived. A.second woman took off her coat and laid it on top of me. She also stayed with me. A third woman offered to take my 2-year-old son inside the store until a family member could come and get him. She took him in the store and bought him a book. Bether number15 ofthe International Order of Job’s Daughters had a very successful fundraiser recently. Part of the money was designated for charity and one of the charities was ge Alzheimer’s Association. I did not get their names, butI want them to know how deeply I appreciated their help! It’s really sort ofironic, but in a way I really did find myself traveling the road to Jericho; but interestingly enough, not one person passed me by. God bless those women who were my personal “Good Samaritans.” Diane Read Roy Four of the girls, Ashley Sniggs, Alishia Chase, Amber Chase and Jessica Roby, presented the check at the Ogden Alzheimer’s support group meeting. We doappreciate their coming to the meeting. Our sincere thanks to all the girls, their leaders and everyone who supported the fund-raiser. Youare great girls! Ludean Morrison dog from drowning On April 20, my boyfriend and I decided to get some exercise by walking along the canal above Harrison Boulevard. Westarted at Ninth Street and were about a mile into our walk when our golden retriever decided to do a swan dive into the canal. Running along the bank trying to coax him out was proving futile and a fast approaching culvert meant death for our dog. all three of the juveniles. Thanks, especially to deputies Doug and Jim! Bob and Alta Thayer Bothwell Wingsstrives to abolish domestic violence ‘*On March 21, there was a wonderful event entitled “Wings of Freedom: Beyond Abuse.” It featured Brandy Farmerof the attorney general's office. She shared the heart-wrenching story of the abuse she suffered and how she was able to break free and climb to the prestigious position she holds today. », Also featured was the story of Valerie Mecham and her escape from abuse to become a successful businesswoman. Poetry and music flowed together to create a public education program that was very well received. This event was sponsored by Wings, a group whose members are interested in abolishing do- mestic violence. The message the group wished to give is that there is hope for victims to get beyond abuse. Wings wishes to thank Brandy Farmer, Valerie Mecham and Mike Bowman and his great staff. Thanks also to Sally Beasley, Sydney Starley, Peter O'Neil, T.J. Powell, Pat Blackwell and Anna Waters and her associates. A heartfelt thank you to all the local businesses that supported us so generously. Most of all, thanks to all of you who came out to our event! If there is any person who desires to become a member of Wings or would like to find out more about it, you may attend our next meeting May 5. Weinvite anyone who wants to come with a hearty welcome. For further information, contact Janet at 392-2409. It’s time to speak up and tell ful and compassionate people in Ogden who help senior citizens like myself. I would like to thank Mike Fisher, Dr. Wilford Geddes, Jer- * A Pineview Water Systems’ worker driving by saw what was about to happen, stopped his truck, ran and jumped in the canal to save our dog. Stan Anderson was that employee and I would like to say thank you, Stan, from all in our family who have cometo love that dog named Clyde. Kathy Cox Ogden Re " “Graf/X” sport sandal with Velcro® closure changes color with temperature. White/pink/purple and white in Girls’ So nd sizes 9-3M. Also available In black neon and black in Boys’ sizes 9-3M. Your choice, 30.00. Vielt our Web Site: itp /www dillards.com Annette Tittensor Ogden Individuals thanked for help and kindness everyone about the kind, wonder- |-3M. Boys’ fisherman also Pineview worker saves gent police work by the deputy sheriffs elicited confessions from 16) who broke into and burglarOur security devices and dili- band. Black in Boys’ sizes Roy County juveniles (ages 14, 15 and ized our property in Howell. and contrastlogo on toe Co-leader, Ogden support group Thanks to deputies for a job well done ‘Thanks to the Box Elder County Sheriff's Department for a job well done in quickly apprehending the three Box Elder L.A. Lights® “Sundevil” sport ‘sandal with Velcro®closu ie HS¥ ee There are “Good Samaritans” whoare alive and well right here in, the area! On March 14 I went to an LDS bookstore in Roy to obtain a picture for mylittle girl’s primary talk. The picture was of the “Good Samaritan.” While making my purchase, my 2-year- Fund-raiserfor Alzheimer’s disease successful ry and Jeff and Bishop Robert and Lois Deru for all their help and thoughtfulness. Ogden is a great place tolive! Renae Bailey Ogden Shop Monday-Saturday 10-9 and Sunday 12-6 at all Dillard's locations. We welcomeyourDillard's Credit Card, The American Express” Card, Diners Club International, Mastercard” Visa® and The Discover Card EVERY CLASSROOM NEEDSIT! FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 625-4557 |
