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The price of being prepared

Thomas Linton

Thomas Linton

Joined
Jun 16, 2003
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LANSINGBURGH, N.Y., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- A 17-year-old Eagle Scout in Lansingburgh, N.Y., says he was suspended from school for a knife he kept in his car for emergency situations.

Lansingburgh Senior High School student Matthew Whalen said he was suspended for 20 days under the school district's Codes of Conduct when school officials learned of the 2-inch pocket knife in his car, WTEN-TV in Albany, N.Y., reported Thursday.

"My car is designed in a way that if I ever broke down, I'd be OK," Whalen said.

The school suspension last month is a rare negative mark against Whalen, who has completed Army basic training as part of his goal of attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Whalen is also on the honor roll and was recognized by the Boy Scouts of America and the city of Troy for saving a woman's life last summer.

Whalen's father, Bryan, told WTEN he was upset to learn of his son's punishment.

"I want him to have fair treatment based on his character," the elder Whalen said. "It just totally baffles me that they would go after this when they have much bigger fish to fry."

© 2009 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 
"America"?

We know school systems have been beset by "progressive" causes and thinking, including "zero tolerance" as a way of avoiding personal responsibility for adult decisions.

But "America"? Our attitude to the contrary here is proof that there is a lot more to America than these occasional travesties.

Perhaps someone could find an address or email address to which we could write to help convince that particular school system how unreal their behavior may seem to real grown-ups.
 
It's not just America, guys. There was a case in Toronto, Ontario of a boy suspended from school because his mother included a butter knife with his lunch to spread peanut butter, or some such.

A very sad state of affairs!

Doc
 
Esav Benyamin said:
"America"?

We know school systems have been beset by "progressive" causes and thinking, including "zero tolerance" as a way of avoiding personal responsibility for adult decisions.

But "America"? Our attitude to the contrary here is proof that there is a lot more to America than these occasional travesties.

Perhaps someone could find an address or email address to which we could write to help convince that particular school system how unreal their behavior may seem to real grown-ups.
Click to expand...

Your point is well taken, Esav. Perhaps I'm one of the dinosaurs some people refer to (you know, the ones who believe in America), but this kind of thing simply didn't occur when I was growing up in the '50's. It saddens me greatly to see this kind of attitude become the norm. I certainly don't want to be dinged for expressing a political view, so I'll just leave it at this: this is a country that I fought and bled for, and now I am watching it turn into... France? I am disgusted.
 
Lets keep the political arguments out of the W&SS forum gents.

On a side note, how many 2000 lb. plus weapons are trusted to students in high schools and none are suspended for "accidents" when they are used improperly?
 
The price of liberty has always been eternal vigilance. :)
Even in the '50's there were problems that needed taking care of.

This isn't really a political problem, it's a social problem, and that means we all do need to speak out, but also to accept that every part of our society has to be part of the conversation, to be sure that everyone gets the message.
 
Sorry I agree, this isn't a political problem it's a social one. Over the past several months when I was serving as the commander I had to conduct several "Article 15" UCMJ punishments for all sorts of misconduct or stupid actions that some Soldiers did. What our school systems lack with the "zero tolerance" is common sense. Every case needs to be addressed individually and the yes, the character of the student should have some merit. It's too easy just to put the blinders on and let the legal hammer fall.

The kid sounds like a good kid and I agree with his father...such a petty issue compared to all the bigger fish out there. You almost need a degree in Law just to go on a date to McDonalds now days...our society as a whole has lost the ability to use common sense and our school systems can't think for themselves when it comes to issues such as these (of course hands are tied behind backs with legal red tape and lawsuit threats).

I truly hope this school gets hounded by the public to recant and admit their mistake in punishment.

ROCK6
 
This is absolutely absurd. Considering that the knife was kept in his locked car, did he legally have to take it out when asked by school officials or even police?
Matthew says school officials approached him on Sept. 21, asking if he had a weapon on him. When Matthew answered he did not, he says the officials asked if he had a knife in his car. Matthew said it was a pocket knife, and took officials to his car when asked. He also turned over the pocket knife when asked.
Click to expand...

Here's another article with better details
http://www.wten.com/global/story.asp?s=11283345
 
We had a kid suspended by a school in the area for bringing PLASTIC scissors to school. They were, after all, pointed -- somewhat. (Good grief!!! Pencills!!!!! :eek:)

Not so much political - it goes on in red and blue territory. More a commentary on society's acceptance of arbitrary rules favored by those unwilling or unfit (both?) to exercise judgment. The number of "regulatory" offenses where no wrongful intent need be shown just keeps growing and growing.
 
Man, I just want to have a nice long chat with the people who make these rules.

Honestly, I want to actually try to reason with them.

I'm an optimist :D
 
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