The News, Issue 6: Kids and Japanese Leaves
I think my mind exploded when I read this one particular story in the Washington Post yesterday about an 11-year-old child who was suspended for a year for a leaf that wasn’t marijuana. I bet you’re scratching your head over this one. This poor kid was “caught” with a leaf in his backpack that isn’t a pot leaf and was suspended over it. This leaf was tested three times and found to NOT be marijuana. He has been evaluated by a psychiatrist and put through quite an ordeal that he now has “become withdrawn, depressed, and he suffers from panic attacks.” This 11-year-old is worried he’s not going to get into college. Something is SERIOUSLY wrong here. Check out the story and if you have kids, be very, very, very aware of all the rules and policies at the places they attend during the day (daycare, school, etc.). Maybe some of those rules and policies need to be changed.
According to a recent study by Pew, about a third of Americans hide information online. Since Edward Snowden came out with information about the NSA gathering all sorts of bits and pieces on our lives (which, to be completely honest, was of exactly zero surprise to me), some Americans have taken steps to shield their information online such as credit cards, Facebook privacy settings, and so on. Certain unknown or rather non-marketed tools are being used such as DuckDuckGo and Abine Blur by some people so that they can hide their information from potential online attackers or even the government. Pretty interesting study.
You have all probably heard more than enough about Hillary Clinton’s emails (I for one have). The Atlantic this week took a slightly different turn and used the story as an example on how small corruptions in DC by political surrogates are so common that the press doesn’t even bother with it anymore. Essentially, people or rather politicians and those who support them are given talking points on a variety of topics. In regards to Clinton, however, her supporters in Congress went on TV to defend her without knowing the facts or what her defense was. They were just waiting for the talking points (which apparently didn’t come).
“That this stuff goes on is surprising to no one, and is not at all unique to Democrats. What I find striking is that small corruptions like these are now so accepted that political insiders openly admit their participation to newspaper reporters. And the reaction of those reporters, having gotten explicit confirmation that various national political figures were prepared to advance arguments sight unseen about a major story, is not to expose the culture of political surrogates, but to go on with the show.”
Lastly, if you’re ever wondering what news sources I tend to look at on an almost daily basis, I figured I would share my top five:
- NPR
- The New Yorker
- The Guardian
- The Atlantic
- The Washington Post (this is more for local news to know what’s happening around the DC metro region)
Always remember, trust no one source or media implicitly.
Marie's Café 
Can we just dismantle both political parties and start over?
Yes. Although, something tells me we’d end up in the same spot all over again….maybe have more than just the two parties.
So sad about the kid who got suspended. Thanks for reminding me to know the rules of my school in-and-out and try to change them when needed.
Isn’t it nuts? However, this did happen in Virginia and well let’s just say I’m not surprised. But I wonder if this no tolerance rule holds for most states. It’s definitely good to know what are the in and outs of an institution.
Sometimes there’s a time and place for zero tolerance. But, if that’s the case, then the people in charge of administering the policy better damn well be sure they’re doing the right thing. Might just be why the death penalty is no more in Illinois. So, yeah, a kid who probably has no other offenses and is otherwise a good kid gets suspended for bringing nature to school? I think that principal or whomever made the decision to suspend should be fired.
BTW, I’ve always followed the NY Times, but I’ve also been following the Washington Post – and not just to stalk the stories local to your area. 😉
I really do think the principal should be fired (or as you said whomever made the decision but I’m pretty sure it’s the principal). So terrible what they’ve done to this kid.
I used to follow the NY Times, but they barely let me read many articles before the limit kicks in! So I got annoyed with them (I sort of basically still refuse to pay). But I do still read some of their articles. They also have some very good stuff. The WaPo has an article limit, but I *think* some of the local stuff is still ok to look at if you don’t pay. Not entirely sure. Haven’t had an issue with it yet (i.e., metro delays, crazy weather stuff, street blockages, events, etc.).
Zero Tolerance has good intentions but is fucking up the lives of good kids. I don’t advocate litigation but only a good lawsuit will end this.
Yes it is. I’m with you on litigation, and I really do hope the parents/family of this kid do sue this school. Ridiculous.