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Way back when the elephant started annoying people in places both high and low, I used snail mail. Below is one of my favorite and more disturbing letters:
September 22, 1997
President Bill Clinton The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Mr. President,
Your pro-child stance is commendable, but it is meaningless to a child who cannot ride the school bus or visit the bathroom without receiving a legal, adult sanctioned beating. Such a child, upon reaching early adulthood, has little reason to place any faith in social institutions or any value on human life. Is this a problem worth solving?
Regards,
The Elephant
Actually I signed the letter with my real name, address, and telephone number. I'm certain someone who matters received and read the letter because I came home from work to find a telephone message from a woman claiming to be calling from the White House. She thanked me for writing, assured me that the letter had been "passed on" and promised a written response "in a week or two."
It's been a long two weeks and I'm truly impressed by the power of denial. Apparently, this is not a problem worth solving.
When the New Bedford City Council holds their meeting, expect them to follow the usual pattern. They will talk a lot. Someone may propose assembling a committee of experts and concerned local citizens to study the problem. There may even be a proposal to seek state or federal funds so they can study the problem in a more financially inefficient manner.
Expect politics as usual. When all is said and done, there will be a lot said and little done.
Pass this on to ABC6 and the city council. They seem like people who enjoy reading disturbing letters.
Dear Elephant, What happens if we give up??? Perhaps if this president sweeps the issue under the rug ... Maybe the next one or one of the many who follow won't ... Don't underestimate the power of hope and faith...kids are definitely worth it!!! That is part of the reason whynmany of the teachers here in NB will not walk out on their students ... Despite all the BS and political posturing, education is and always be about PEOPLE ...and as people with hope and faith we are very empowered. Call me an optimist ... I'll take it as a compliment! Stay safe in the blizzard!
As one can see from the date on the letter, I've been doing this a long time and I won't be giving up anytime soon. I also have no idealistic or romantic notions about the welfare of children. I simply look upon them as tomorrow's adults...adults like Timothy McVeigh, Eric Harris, Adam Lanza, Richard Ramirez, George Sodini, and Jeffrey Dahmer. One could include a very long list of serial killers, bombers, arsonists, mass murderers, and domestic terrorists as well.
Those who spend their adolescence being subjected to cruelty at the hands of their peers often become very interesting and media worthy adults, an obvious waste of their lives as well as those of their victims.
I hope the city council is brave enough to violate our culture's taboo against admitting the obvious connection between bullying and bad parents...but I don't really expect them too.
I've been doing this too long to expect otherwise.
I heard on WBSM that Pia Durkin was to be invited to this event. I hope that this will not be the case, as many people may not feel comfortable coming forward with her in the room.
11 comments:
Keep shining light in dark places-thanks to the NB city council.
The elephant advises blaming anyone but the parents of violent students. It's less embarrassing that way.
Fire the teachers!! Woo! Hoo!!
It's an open session not a private meeting.
You mean the public has a chance to watch everyone tip-toe around the elephant?
Break out the confetti and noise makers.
Way back when the elephant started annoying people in places both high and low, I used snail mail. Below is one of my favorite and more disturbing letters:
September 22, 1997
President Bill Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Mr. President,
Your pro-child stance is commendable, but it is meaningless to a child who cannot ride the school bus or visit the bathroom without receiving a legal, adult sanctioned beating. Such a child, upon reaching early adulthood, has little reason to place any faith in social institutions or any value on human life. Is this a problem worth solving?
Regards,
The Elephant
Actually I signed the letter with my real name, address, and telephone number. I'm certain someone who matters received and read the letter because I came home from work to find a telephone message from a woman claiming to be calling from the White House. She thanked me for writing, assured me that the letter had been "passed on" and promised a written response "in a week or two."
It's been a long two weeks and I'm truly impressed by the power of denial. Apparently, this is not a problem worth solving.
When the New Bedford City Council holds their meeting, expect them to follow the usual pattern. They will talk a lot. Someone may propose assembling a committee of experts and concerned local citizens to study the problem. There may even be a proposal to seek state or federal funds so they can study the problem in a more financially inefficient manner.
Expect politics as usual. When all is said and done, there will be a lot said and little done.
Pass this on to ABC6 and the city council. They seem like people who enjoy reading disturbing letters.
Tally Ho folks!!
Dear Elephant,
What happens if we give up??? Perhaps if this president sweeps the issue under the rug ... Maybe the next one or one of the many who follow won't ... Don't underestimate the power of hope and faith...kids are definitely worth it!!! That is part of the reason whynmany of the teachers here in NB will not walk out on their students ... Despite all the BS and political posturing, education is and always be about PEOPLE ...and as people with hope and faith we are very empowered. Call me an optimist ... I'll take it as a compliment! Stay safe in the blizzard!
The elephant does not recommend "giving up."
As one can see from the date on the letter, I've been doing this a long time and I won't be giving up anytime soon. I also have no idealistic or romantic notions about the welfare of children. I simply look upon them as tomorrow's adults...adults like Timothy McVeigh, Eric Harris, Adam Lanza, Richard Ramirez, George Sodini, and Jeffrey Dahmer. One could include a very long list of serial killers, bombers, arsonists, mass murderers, and domestic terrorists as well.
Those who spend their adolescence being subjected to cruelty at the hands of their peers often become very interesting and media worthy adults, an obvious waste of their lives as well as those of their victims.
I hope the city council is brave enough to violate our culture's taboo against admitting the obvious connection between bullying and bad parents...but I don't really expect them too.
I've been doing this too long to expect otherwise.
I heard on WBSM that Pia Durkin was to be invited to this event. I hope that this will not be the case, as many people may not feel comfortable coming forward with her in the room.
Obviously, if Dr. D. and/or any member of the SC or administration go, who would speak freely? I certainly will not go if that is the case.
We know Durkin is revengeful and elephants never forget.
She is not a nice woman....and neither are her followers..
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