Using loophole to violate Constitutional rights

Since we are approaching the one year anniversary of “random” drug testing in Crivitz Penitentiary–aka Crivitz High, I thought it was time to revisit this most unpopular policy. An article on line said that the policy was voted in unanimously, which many seem to be here locally. I had recently seen a poll where 81% were not in favor of this policy. It’s hard to fathom a board that just does not seem to listen to their own district constituents. The 4th  Amendment to the Constitution is being ignored here in Crivitz. In the 4th it allows: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things … This was passed in 1789, but apparently the good folks on the board, the administrator, and the Athletic Director don’t need the Constitution.

As I read the hundreds of comments on the internet, I could not find one in support of the policy. Even other administrators of schools chimed in. An interview in the Marshfield News Herald had this comment: “I don’t think this drug use surprises anyone,” Blair said. “There are students taking drugs. In the schools, we’re trying to educate, enlighten students, but the bottom line is we aren’t the parents. The key to this is the involvement of parents.” Michael Blair, athletic director at the Stevens Point Area Public School District. Another viewpoint: “Before we would go to something like (random testing), we would need to have a very valid reason for it,” said Thom Hahn, director of secondary education in the Wausau School District. Not the parents? Having a valid reason to do something? Are you listening Crivitz School officials?

Even is you are someone in favor of this policy the Washington Post had this to say: A 2013 study looked at 14 years of data on student drug use and found that school drug testing was associated with “moderately lower marijuana use,” but increased use of other, more dangerous illicit drugs.
A 2014 study concluded that drug testing was “was not associated with changes in substance use.”
A 2013 study comparing drug use rates among schools with and without drug testing programs found some short-term deterrent effect among students who were tested, but no effects among students who weren’t tested, and no long-term effects on either drug use or intention to use drugs in the future. Hmm, no long-term effects on drug use?? Since the Constitution, public opinion, and their own policies don’t seem to have an impact on school policy in Crivitz, I wonder what other loopholes they are utilizing. Stay tuned.

I’m Your Huckleberry

While there is always a new topic to focus on, like gun control, politics, gender association, etc., I live with daily the troubles caused by the Crivitz School, its Administrator, and the Dama family. I have expressed much happiness for my youngest daughter, who recently graduated, and is having her party to celebrate this weekend, but at the same time am upset over my daughter who continues to have issues from the aforementioned situation. When you wrongly accuse someone of something, and go about your life as if nothing happened, the problems do not just stop for that person. When you use the phone in the locker room, and accuse your classmate of doing the same, you are a hypocrite. When you purposely try to get someone in trouble to advance yourself, you are cruel. When you are a teacher, and utilize the internet to skewer young kids,  you are a vicious person. When you use your authority as an administrator or school board member to hurt kids it is wrong. When you call someone and leave a disgusting, hurtful message on their voicemail it is equally wrong and repulsive.

By the beginning of July the girls will have a brief submitted on their behalf regarding all of the above. The appeal process is moving along. As I write this, I want the readers to know that the kids are still working to right the wrongs, and set things straight. At the same time, they are all trying to move forward with their lives. While this happens, I wonder whether the school board ever realizes what they have allowed to take place. I wonder whether they will ever see the error of their ways. I doubt it, as they are told what to believe instead of discovering the truth for themselves. Some change has taken place on the board in the past 2 elections. Hopefully more will take place next spring. I have been told by multiple people that the school board president will only run for office again if I do. That is a laughable comment, and gives the reader some insight into that train of thought. Run for school board if you want. Don’t run. It doesn’t matter. I’m your Huckleberry. Stay tuned.

Please see http://www.crivitzschooldistrict.com for other thoughts on local topics.

The Greatest

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!” I will never forget that line. I realize that Muhammad Ali had, and still has his detractors, but to me he was The Greatest. I have a friend who did two tours in Vietnam. He is on the Agent Orange list. I’m certain he lost friends there. He doesn’t like to speak much about it. In my opinion, we had no business there. Ali knew that fact before most. He stuck up for what he believed in, and that is a quality that I admire. Those three years that he missed in the ring were at the pinnacle of his career. It cost him millions of dollars and many more wins. At that time he was virtually untouchable. 

My dad spent time in the Army, and disliked Ali’s stance.. He thereafter rooted for the Norton’s, Foreman’s, and Frazier’s. To me, Ali had something special. He was eloquent. He said what he felt, no matter what others thought. He would make bold predictions, and then back them up. And it all unfolded on free television. The man lived almost half his life with Parkinson’s, and was a hero and inspiration to many. He stood up to bullies. That is how he got into boxing to begin with. George Foreman, who was beaten by Ali in the famous Rumble in the Jungle has referred to Ali as the greatest man he has ever known. George may know a few people! I continue to see Ali as a hero, and an inspiration, and I believe the world lost a great man and Champ.”I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.” Muhammad Ali. Muhammad, you are now free, but you will sorely be missed. Stay tuned.