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Recruiter uses slur at high school
DHS students offended by comment
Herald Staff Writer
Lashinsky
DHS students who overheard the comment confronted the man, whose identity was not released, and notified school personnel.
Juniors and seniors were required to attend a testing session Thursday that was overseen by recruiters from the U.S. Army Denver Recruiting Battalion, or to do an alternative project as part of a career day. More than 500 students took the test.
During the military aptitude test, several students overheard the soldier use the expletive and gay slur.
Lt. Col. William Medina, a spokesman for the Army's Denver Recruiting Battalion, said Tuesday he was conducting an internal investigation into the comment.
"The information I have at this point was the soldier who made it was talking to one of his fellow soldiers in the back of the room," Medina said. "The comment was overheard by several of the students.
The comment, although inappropriate, was not directed to the students or staff there." Medina said the remark "is absolutely inappropriate and not in keeping with Army values." Medina has apologized to DHS Principal Diane Lashinsky.
"I would like to apologize for that lack of professionalism," Medina said. "It really did not reflect well on the organization, nor does it reflect the support we get from the Durango community." Medina would not identify the soldier, but said he is a noncommissioned officer in the Denver Recruiting Battalion.
The comment happened in the school's cafeteria while students were taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test, known as ASVAB. The multiple-choice test gauges students' aptitude for various careers. The test was overseen by about 10 military personnel, students said.
Lashinsky said at least 30 DHS teachers also were present.
Seniors Madeleine Meigs and Anna Rousseau were among the students who heard the comment. They confronted the soldier and reported the comment to school counselor Sarah St. John, who notified Lashinsky.
"I just thought that it was wrong, and I feel people in that position can kind of get away with stuff sometimes, and that's not OK," said Meigs, who is the daughter of Durango Mayor Leigh Meigs.
Rousseau said she wanted only to make the soldier know he was being distasteful. "When my friend and I went and talked to this guy, I just wanted to let him be aware that he was offending someone," Rousseau said. "I really didn't mean to start all this publicity, and I didn't mean to get him in trouble." Rousseau said school counselors and administrators were "furious" about the comment.
"I was really proud of the way our school handled it," she said.
Lashinsky said the students who reported the remark "did exactly what they were supposed to do." "The comment is completely inappropriate," Lashinsky said. "It's inappropriate to speak that way in a public forum, whether you're in a school or anywhere else. It's especially egregious to be speaking that way within hearing distance of young people." Parents complained they were not adequately notified of the ASVAB test or their ability to exclude their children. Rather, they said, it was up to the students to bring it to their parents' attention.
A notification of the test was posted on DHS' Web site several days before, Lashinsky said. Students also were notified during their advisory periods. But parents were not sent a mailing.
Leigh Meigs said she was upset military personnel were given access to her daughter.
"We as a family always opt out of having our children's identifying information given to recruiters," she said. "And yet, military personnel were allowed to have my child's mandatory attention." Lashinsky said the military would not have access to the testing information for students who opted out. She defended the school's decision to offer the ASVAB test, saying it gives students valuable insight into their aptitudes for various careers.
"It really helps students to know what they have the aptitude for relative to what their interests are," she said. "That's a unique test." Students get a comprehensive profile back that can help guide them in career choices, Lashinsky said.
For DHS students, who routinely take standardized multiple-choice tests, the exam itself was not unusual.
"It felt like a normal test that we would take at school, but it was weird to have the military running it," Madeleine Meigs said. "It all seemed kind of strange, and to me, kind of wrong." Kelly Fuge, an 18-year-old senior, said the military personnel were careful not to make recruiting pitches during the test.
Jim Fuge, Kelly's father, said it was not appropriate for students to be put under the supervision of military personnel.
"It's just not the way to operate," he said, adding that he had no problem with students being able to go talk with recruiters at their offices.
Leigh Meigs said the situation should never have happened.
"I am very proud of my daughter that she handled this the way she did, and I do not think it was fair that she was put in this position." chuck@durangoherald.com'>chuck@durangoherald.com
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Durango Herald Calendar of Events
Monday, December 07, 2009
at 7:25:33 PM
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James McCoy says...
Oh, and by the way, since all of this stuff went down, my FRIEND was flagged (army euphemism for being grounded) and he will not receive an award for his 20 years of service. We wanted to stand in the same retirement ceremony at Fort Carson but were not allowed because of this incident. Thank you Durango, I really appreciate your concern about our Nation's morals.
Friday, November 06, 2009
at 3:53:18 PM
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Cheryl says...
Okay.....let's see here, imperialism, definition is...policy of forming and maintaining an empire, as by subjugating territories....Another definition....empire, okay...here goes...group of countries under one sovereign. Maybe you should look these BIG words up in the dictionary before you use them "Recruitsarepredators", it doesn't matter, and I really don't care how many places you've traveled, you seem to have things a little bit displaced, and are equally misinformed on those issues. Okay, another definition, are you ready?.....Recruit, another big one...new member, SOLDIER., Get it yet??
Friday, November 06, 2009
at 2:14:43 PM
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Cheryl says...
Jay, you could not have been more right in what you have stated in your last 2 posts. Thank-you for voiceing all of what you said. As for the people who don't think, these things are not said by the pricipals, or the teachers, or in the work place, you are dead wrong. Not very many of them are fired, as you say. That is how it should be,correctly speaking. It is covered up by the politics that be. Don't be fools enough to think, these comments are made by the people in the legislatures that are making and pushing through the laws of our nation as well. I have heard them on the news. There are some news networks that are not afraid to put the truths of whats going on in our Nations Capitol. These people who are so called leaders of our nation, are some of the biggest biggots ever....start paying attention.
Friday, November 06, 2009
at 11:42:22 AM
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Jay says...
You know, if you think these men or woman are monsters, why don't you call the Army, Army National Guard, Air Force, Marines or Navy recruiters and talk to them. See how human they are. How many of you know these people personally? Don't they live in our community? Don't their kids go to school with our kids? Have you ever thought they are trying just as hard to take care of their families as we are of ours.
Friday, November 06, 2009
at 10:22:45 AM
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I was there says...
Wow this has turned into something huge. I'm a Armed forces recruiter in Las Vegas but from Durango. At the start of the school year you are asked if you want to release your information to the Military. If you say no we don't get it. When you take the ASVAB you don't have to release the info to the Military. I also think it's funny how people say military should not be in our high schools. Thats fine but understand that doing that you lose fed money for that school. "No child left behind act" No recruiter will keep calling if you say I'm not interested joining. I talked with a recruiter that was there and he told me that the test was a joke. Students would not stop talking using there I-Pods and wrote nasty notes. Please to top it off there were very disgusting pictures on the scrap paper. He said he wished he could have kept them to sent to the paper and Mrs. Lashinsky. Everyone has their rights but it's too easy not to have your child contacted by military recruiters by saying no thank you.
Friday, November 06, 2009
at 10:13:50 AM
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recruitersarepredators says...
And let me clarify a mistake I made in my comments--I don't believe that every individual recruiter is a predator. They are doing a job that they believe should be done and, perhaps, have not thought critically about their role. However, the tactics and system of recruiting children is predatory. I understand how readers could interpret my comments as individual attacks. I apologize for that; it is not my intention. My tag should, then, read as "recruitmentispredatory". That said, a system does take people to put it into practice and action.
Friday, November 06, 2009
at 10:07:19 AM
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recruitersarepredators says...
Additionally and in response to the previous commenter:
I do not understand the relevancy of the question of whether or not I took the test administered at Durango High. Where I went to school, military recruiters came into our school every year and taught gym classes as a part of their recruitment strategies. Recruiters also came regularly to the school lunch room and sat with students, trying to convince students to join the military and uphold imperialism. Recruiters also regularly hung out in the local mall and approached students walking there, as well as consistently called students on their home phones, even after they'd indicated they were not interested in joining the military. I don't have to have taken a test in Durango to understand that 25 or 30 year old recruiters giving partial information and misinformation to 16 year olds in order to get them to agree to join the military is predatory. And this, the misrepresentation and withholding of information, is a tactic used by recruiters.
Recruiters use poverty, systemic racism, and other devices to successfully recruit. Preying on inequalities, adversity, and power and economic disparity are tools used by predators. That's pretty simple to understand.
How predictable: the tired-out "move to another country" garbage. That's so funny! I've been to other places and spent time in other countries with varying levels of state repression (including a country under direct military occupation). What does this have to do with calling out the reality of the relation of military and patriotism to imperialism? And, besides, whenever state power is challenged, all states respond with repression--it's not some phenomena unique to certain states or people. That's how hierarchical state power and domination function. These statements of "moving to another country" are simply an empty tactic of deflection and an attempt to not engage in the actual discussion at hand.
Friday, November 06, 2009
at 10:03:25 AM
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recruitersarepredators says...
Before it was removed, my comment read something like:
The military and patriotism are tools of imperialism. Let's at least be honest in what we are saying here. I despise imperialism and the murders and oppression for which it's responsible. Therefore, I despise the tools used to maintain and expand imperialism. A lot of the people commenting here apparently have strong support for imperialism. It would encourage honest discussion if people were open about this, instead of feeding us this facade about the military protecting our freedoms and maintaining ideals like freedom of speech.
Friday, November 06, 2009
at 8:47:37 AM
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Jay says...
One other thing, please leave all the comments up for everyone to read. Good, bad or other. We all have the right to voice our opinion and if the postings are offending to you, DON'T READ THEM!!! That is also your right. No one is forcing you to read them, or are they? Didn't think so. Let every one see the hatred for this country and our troops from this community.
Friday, November 06, 2009
at 8:41:43 AM
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Jay says...
WOW!!! We have the answer to all of our problems in this country. recruitersarepredators has all the answers!
Are you nuts? Where do you come off saying that recruiters are predators? Would you mind elaborating.
Were you their for that test? I don't think so. Have you ever been in one of those tests? If you have, then you would know how they are done and conducted.
Some of you people need to get a clue about what is happening here. A lot of our teachers are such haters of this country, their teaching our children their hatred for our troops and this country. Completely twisting the facts of the history of this country. I'm not saying it's all the teachers, but it's the ones pushing their own agenda that has this whole thing spinning out of control. I see most of it in our colleges and universities, and a little in our own high schools. I see it in my own daughters school. For an example, my daughter being taught about the Vietnam war and how we were all just killing everything we saw. Having no respect for any human life. Neglecting to be taught what the Vietcong was doing to our soldiers in the field and in their prison camps. Or being called "baby killers" for shooting kids with bombs strapped to them by the north!!!! My daughter has never been taught that in school. Nor do I think most of children are being taught the whole truth about our own history. Just that the American Soldier is bad and America is bad and all the european countries are good and we are an oppressing people.
If you don't like our values and patriotism, go spend some time in a country that has NONE. You will come to appreciate what we have here and the Men and Woman who fight and die for it. One thing you need to remember, if it was not for what they do, you could not do what you do or say what you said.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 10:01:02 PM
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Mike says...
Some of you have posted that the recruiter used a racial slur; he/she did not use a racial slur. Also some have said that the recruiter is a homophobic....to me it sounds like that many of you are Recruiterphobic, please don't preach, what you don't practice.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 9:53:20 PM
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Mike says...
Andrea, if someone hands you a hammer and you don't use it; isn't still a tool? Just because you didn't use the ASVAB, doesn't mean other people didn't find it useful. I just would like to know; if the Recruiter apologizes, would this all go away? Oh yea he did, when the girls who overheard him say it, came up and talk to him about it, also when the counselor, who the girls told, came up and talked to him, and today to the principal when she talked to him about it. Please call a spade a spade, some of you are afraid to let the recruiters talk to your kids, and that is fine, but when something happens, I bet you will be some of the first in line begging for help. It is perfectly alright for some to serve, just not my kid. Please have your opinions, and share them, but let the soldiers have theirs as well.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 7:46:32 PM
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tmg says...
Barry Kade (A) says...
If anybody walks into their workplaces and uses slang/profanity/discriminating language and it comes to the supervisors attention, that person would get fired!
Unless you work for the US armed forces, then you must have the right to be discriminatory/racist/homophobic/ect.
If a principal of a school was caught doing the same thing, he would be fired, and reputation smashed.
The school should have never let U.S armed forces personnel on campus in the first place!
Semper Fi! go put a 9mm in your mouth...
what are we being sensored now???
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 5:45:14 PM
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Andrea Denise says...
This has turned from a discussion/debate into a personal attack on one individual. Nathan, thank you for your words. You have the right to speak, just as we all do in this nation. As for military recruiters, I, too took the ASVAB. I placed in the 99th percentile somehow and had recruiters banging on my door for YEARS. Was it worth it? No. Did I use my test results, ever? No. Does the military have my personal information on hand? Yes. This is not about supporting the troops-it is about an ignorant, inappropriate statement that was made by someone who directly represented the Military and should have known better. And as to those who think the student (or whistleblower, in this case) should be punished....please. Are you really so ignorant and backward (and homophobic) that you would rather punish the individual who heard this statement than the person who made it in the first place?
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 4:35:17 PM
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Diana says...
Rock on Amber, I agree he has real problems, mostley with athority of any kind. He's probably never done a respectful thing to be proud of. If he's proud of being an idiot then he's a real success. I am impressed with all of the people that have had a reasonably thought on this and seems as though Nathan had lost track of what the artical and it's content was about. Someone said something and someone was listening and was offended. Well I'v been offended by everything Nathan and a few others have said, should I be all butt hurt and go to the Herals or even better SUE. Give me a break "Nathan" and be an adult. We all live by rules, your going to have a rough life fighting everything and everyone.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 4:12:41 PM
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Amber says...
Nathan,
You are right! You do deserve the right to voice your opinion. Thank you for sharing. As you may have noticed, your fellow liberals are not very close to help fight for your opinion...oh well, you have the right to have one. I am guessing you are really upset about something else and you are projecting your anger towards the men and women in our military. Something happened to you when you were young that made you feel like armed forces were bad people out to get you? What happened? Would you like to talk about it? My guess is no, you would rather attack people for making a verbal mistake in a public place. My guess is also that you use curse words on a daily basis. My next guess is that you have stereotypes towards certain people...like soldiers. Why should you be able to say what you want and not the recruiter. If you can answer this with logic, then I will stop writing you. I know you are from a liberal arts college and may even be a philosophy major...am I getting close?
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 4:01:33 PM
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Nathan says...
hahaha you people are hilarious!
i opposed Obama long before the election. he's just another tool of the elite.
geeze folks not everything is so black and white, this or that, dem or rep.
the two-party system is really a one-party system with two heads, both serving the same body.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 3:58:13 PM
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Nichole says...
President Barack Obama made a statement on the Fort Hood shooting. The transcript:
"My immediate thoughts and prayers are with the wounded and with the families of the fallen and with those who live and serve at Fort Hood. These are men and women who have made the selfless and courageous decision to risk and at times give their lives to protect the rest of us on a daily basis.
Hey Nathan, Your boy Obama supports the men and women of the military, why can't you?
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 3:44:18 PM
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Cheryl says...
Nathan....What if I buy you a one way ticket out of our country....I'll choose the country, you'll go to. Up to the challenge, buddy? Maybe, you'll appreciate more of what our fine men and women of the military fight for, after the experience, if you live through it.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 3:39:50 PM
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James says...
Wow Nathan, are you actually proud of yourself for submitting a letter that ignorant to the editor? I almost feel sorry for you. You are so delusional about our military and country that its sickening. If we as a nation do not let the recruiters recruit, then who would defend all of the ignorant Nathan's out there? People like you should be required to serve our country so you know what these men and woman go through to protect our rights as Americans.
You may not have used an explitatve or slur but you were far more disrespectful in your post than the recruiter was. You do not deserve to call yourself an american. You deserve to have all your american rights stripped and sent off to some foreign country and see how you like your life then.
Oh, "White and working class" you do not deserve to call yourself American either.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 3:35:33 PM
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Nathan says...
"...these fine men, and women of the military are out there fighting for freedoms, that you evidently have no respect for..."
again, because i exercise my right to dissent and free speech, i "evidently have no respect" for those rights?
how does exercising the right equate not respecting it?
seriously
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 3:33:16 PM
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Nathan says...
it's TOTALLY contradictory to say things like "you of all people dont desirve the rights that have been fought for you" and "If you do not support those who have died and continue to fight for this country, then you do not deserve our rights as American's."
basic logic, people
if you support freedom of speech, then you wouldn't be saying things like the second quote above because one of the very rights as Americans that you're talking about IS to not support our government and military if we disagree with what they are doing. dissent is patriotic!
one of you wrote "I think you should go ahead and keep your opinion to yourself. If you do not support those who have died and continue to fight for this country, then you do not deserve our rights as American's"
surely you see the logical gap here...
you're saying that because i exercise my rights, i don't deserve my rights.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 3:28:18 PM
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Cheryl says...
Nathan, what kind of a fool hardy world do you come from? Recruiters stalking the halls, you've come from a different planet, buddy. Thank heavens there are more individuals, even in the student population,yes, even from DHS, that are proud of where they come from. The good Old USA. You have a very warped sense of life, freedoms and appreciation of being a citizen of the United States of America. Call O'Bama please!!! Call all of the representatives, who have put this nation, in the financial and other trouble we are in, people like the ones who are standing tall, would sure like to SPANK them. Just remember, while you are contemplating this move,liberalistic attitudes like yours are what has our Nation in the worst economy ever, not to mention other political policies. Move to another country, let's see how long you live standing up against some of the ones who have not the freedoms of speech, even for idiots like you to express. No wonder some of the kids taking that test that day were so disrespectful, they learn it from people like you. As far as I and a lot of people are concerned, if these fine men, and women of the military are out there fighting for freedoms, that you evidently have no respect for, they should have access to anywhere they want. Especially, the schools, could be that the kids maybe, needed a military presence to remind them of self discipline and manners, that so many of them seem to be lacking. As for "Just Me, I agree with Diane, put your name out there, what are you afraid of?
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 3:11:31 PM
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white and working class says...
fight for your class, not your country.
the US government and military are tools of oppression, as are all governments and all militaries.
wake up people. you are acting like true pawns.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 3:04:25 PM
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Diana says...
Hey Nathan, Your an idiot !!!! - and you of all people dont desirve the rights that have been fought for you. Are you so stupid to think that our government doesnt already have that information on all of us. To bad we cant kick you out of this country and let you live in a place where they force your kids into a vehicle on the way to school and make them fight for something they dont believe. I'm really glad I dont know you and hope I never meet you because you might get a flag shoved some where you wouldnt want it but I wouldnt disrespect the flag that way. GO NAVY, ARMY, MARINES AND AIR FORCE. GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS. Yes I'm a flag waver!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 3:02:32 PM
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Kasey M Czarnecki says...
Nathan - that is the most ignorant thing I have read on this site. I cannot imagine there being a better avenue to recruit than at high school. The military educates people and fights for our country to be free. Where exactly would you suppose they try to recruit people to serve? Who do you expect to go over and fight for our country? Your problem is not with this recruiter saying something in PRIVATE to another fellow soldier, it is with the military. Why don't you go to another country and see how much you like your freedoms stripped away. Obama needs to encourage young men and women to join the military. My husband is in the U.S. Army and I am very proud of him and his fellow soldiers. I cannot fathom a city not standing behind our military. I personally am VERY GREATFUL for all that they do and can say without hesitation that we live in the greatest country in the world. Get off of this recruiters back. Do you see what our fellow Americans are living with right now in Fort Hood, Texas?? We all need to ban together. This soldier was not even referencing the word the way that it is being portrayed. SOMEBODY PLEASE GIVE THIS GUY A CLUE......
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 2:50:27 PM
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Amber says...
To all of you reading and responding to this issue: If you have disrespect for military personel and you feel it is your right to stand up against them, I think you should go ahead and keep your opinion to yourself. If you do not support those who have died and continue to fight for this country, then you do not deserve our rights as American's. You can move to the country you think best suits you and they may be ok with your right to say what you want. I will laugh when you are tried and hung because THE ONLY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD that allows for entitled, spoiled and noisy highschool kids, is this counrty! I would like to remind all of you self rightous, subaru loving liberals, without our armed forces you would not be able to vote. If any of you "bread not bombs" people truly believe that freedom comes at the cost of bread, then you deserve to live on only bread. These men and women fight for us. Fight whom? Everyone who is ALWAYS trying to have what we have....FREEDOM of Speech, Religion, and Guns, oh and freedom to read and write what you so desire. Sorry, truth hurts.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 1:57:19 PM
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Nathan says...
just submitted the following as a letter to the editor:
I would like to say I am shocked by the language of the officer described in the recent Durango Herald article, "Recruiter uses slur at high school," but I am not. No one familiar with the history of homophobia, transphobia, and hetero-normativity in a military would be. I find myself more surprised that parents and students are not more resistant to military-supervised testing in the first place, let alone the presence of military recruiters in our schools. Kudos though to DHS for at least making a bit of a ruckus about it, and not taking it sitting down.
Though by law schools receiving tax dollars must allow military recruiters to stalk their hallways for fresh cannon fodder, there are certain easy steps that can be taken to protect your children from these predators. Just google "military opt out form" or go to leavemychildalone.org
According to their website, "the notorious No Child Left Behind Act includes a sneaky section that requires high schools to turn over private information on students to military recruiters," and that "the Pentagon has created an illegal database of 30 million 16-25 year-olds, including names, addresses, email addresses, cell phone numbers, ethnicities, social security numbers, extracurricular activities, and areas of study".
We should call upon Obama and our other elected representatives to repeal laws requiring schools to allow military recruiters on their campuses. Get the military out of our schools!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 1:32:44 PM
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Donna Walker says...
People should get a grip! I get really sick of people who think that their precious little high school kids are innocent. I would like to know how many time does Ms. Meigs daughter watch a movie with inappropriate language and racial slurs in it. Although I agree with the fact that racial slurs are inappropriate, it WASN't directed at the students or addressed to anyone at the school itself. It was a private converstion between the solider and and another fellow solider and the student should not have been listening to conversations that were none of her business. How many of us on this forum have made inappropriate comments in private to friends or husbands. If you say that you haven't then you aren't telling the truth. Also Dan Dahl, you are wrong. If this was a private sector job, the person would not have been fired. In a private company, if someone was evaesdropping on a private conversation, and the company fired that individual, then the employee could sue the company for wrongful termination. That is the way of the American society.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 11:32:13 AM
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Diana says...
This is directed to blogger "Just Me". Why didnt you put your name? To state something like that and not say who you are says your allot like the little snitches that started all of this. You might want to move to another country before you get hurt by someone who loves this country and the people that fight for it.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 11:00:07 AM
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Cheryl says...
Just me, I think your ignorance and your lack of respect, for our military is appalling. I wonder, would you consider putting your life on the line for the United States of America, quick run to the nearest recruiter,,,,,Please.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 10:00:35 AM
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Army wife says...
I would just like to state my bias before I continue my post. I am married to an Army recruiter. My husband like many Army recruiters is just trying to do the job that the Army needs him to do. All of them did a different job in the Army first. Many of them are war heros. They continue to be heros by doing one of the most thankless jobs in the military. They work long hours and deal with much abuse from people who label them as "baby Killers" or think that they are trying to coerce people into doing something they don't want to do. In reality they are helping people. They are changing people's lives by giving them the experience, opportunities, and a free college education that only the Army can provide. Recruiters are also instrumental in national security. Without recruiters there would be no military and without the military there would be no USA.
What I want people to know first is that recruiters are human. They are not monsters. They are daughters and sons, husbands, and wives, moms and dads. My husband has been spit on in uniform, and our home has been vandalized. Neighbors will not let their children play with our children.
Like other humans, recruiters make mistakes. I am sure all of us at one time or another has said something that we wish we could take back. It is unfortunate that this recruiter made a mistake in ear shot of the mayor's daughter. An apology should be made by the recruiter and we should all move on.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 9:58:45 AM
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Just Me says...
Have any of you heard of "Military Bearing and Behavior"?
This "man" should not be representing our fighting men and women!!
He is a disgrace.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
at 7:41:15 AM
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Kasey M Czarnecki says...
Thank you, Mike. I know what you are saying to be true also. This is ridiculous. I live in Florida but can not imagine a town being so anti-military. That is disgraceful. Those kids - no matter what beliefs they may have - should respect the adults trying to administer the test. And the 30 teachers that were there, should make the kids respect those administering the test. Sounds like the teachers and kids need to learn respect but it is easier to point the finger at the military personnel that were guests at the school. I wonder how these kids would fare living in a country where there are no choices or rights...... I bet they will learn to appreciate our military men and women then.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:41:11 PM
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Cheryl says...
I absolutely love the comments for the military personel. I like Diane am 47, married twice,fat and very redneck. Raised with old fashioned values, The love of my Heavenly Father,respect for my elders, teachers, others, especially the people who fight for our freedoms as Americans, I also, am proud that my hard earned tax dollars go to pay for them to do so. I hope the commanding officer or whoever, really just slaps this soldier on the wrist, whether it was evesdropping or just overheard, this soldiers opinions are his own, and do belong to him. I have been following these comments all day long, I still know the problem started from the very lack of respect shown to these soldiers by the kids, my daughter was one of the 500 students taking this test. She, as well was appalled by the lack of respect shown to the military presence. Maybe some of the kids should consider moving to another country with less freedoms and opportunities than what we have here in our Great Country of the United States of America. Why on earth an apology was made to the principal is beyond me, she evidently didn't have the withall to keep the kids in line, nor did the teachers that were present. Yet, they did reap what they sowed didn't they. Teach kids to have respect. No matter who they are or who they may be related to. Not to be liberalistic spoiled individuals. Kids hear these things from each other day. The language I as an adult have heard come out of the mouths of some of these kids was way worse than what that soldier said. Look in your own back yard before you judge those, who love your country and fight to keep it free.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:29:32 PM
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Heidi says...
I have to say I'm impressed with the military support "hiding" in Durango. Those supporters of the military, feel free to call your local recruiting office and thank them personally for their service - they will greatly appreciate it, especially coming from folks in this town. What a fantastic venue for practicing freedom of speech - just as the recruiter did!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 8:40:25 PM
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J.B. Sittner says...
A snot nosed kid has no business taking a man or women in uniform to task. If these punk's would have been doing what they were sent to school to do instead of sticking their noses where they don't belong they would not have heard a thing. As far as our Proud Parent/Mayor saying she was upset because Military personal were given access to her daughter, well the boys have to sign up for Selective Service at age 18. I would call that access. Those Kids showed no Manners,Honor or Respect to our men and women in uniform who above all have earned the right to say what they want in a private or public conversation.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 8:10:18 PM
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Jay says...
You know, this story was twisted by the biased media to shed a bad light on the military. It does not matter what the context was, this monster was going to get twisted and spun to suit the needs of their own agenda! 1st amendment given to you by the brave and unappreciated
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 8:01:06 PM
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Mike says...
I believe it was Mark said "Standing up again foul language and epithets does not make anyone anti-military." Yet, because 1 that's right ONE, ARMY Recruiter says something, then automatically ALL Recruiters should not be allowed into ANY School. I guess you parents have done such a wonderful job, that as soon as a RECRUITER, glances into your child's eyes....BAM your child will join the military. You must have great faith in your child to believe that recruiters will have more pull then you.....How about allowing the organization that ACTUALLY gave you the right of freedom of speech....how about allowing them the SAME RIGHTS. And have a little faith in your kids, they may just surprise you.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 8:00:37 PM
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Durango Visitor says...
This story and comments reminds me of the Bible story where Jusus said "He who is without sin, cast the first stone."
I don't care who anyone is, there is no one who has not made some kind of comment about someone who is different than themselvs. We have become a society of people who are looking for someone to insult us.
I would like to hear these girls conversation on someone they do not like, agree with, or who does not meet their "standards". I would bet the halo goes away in their conversations also.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 7:55:31 PM
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Mark says...
Mike if what you say is true, then I concur, perhaps this has been blown out of proportion. Even if what you say is not true, then on a certain level, I can also agree with many that perhaps this has been blown out of proportion with the press coverage. I wasn't there so all I have is your word in conjunction with the press. I know that the media is not always reliable. Essentially there are certain words that people take big risks using. We have all used these words at one time or another, regardless of political or military allegience. If they are being used openly, then this is a problem and needs to be handled and taken seriously. Even when used privately, this presents a risk. This is what I read from the story which implies that the military recruiter made his statement in open air in front of "several" students, which in my mind could mean an entire classroom. If someone wants to make the argument that these words are okay to be used openly with wanton disregard, in a school, and anyone who objects are branded as liberals, whiners and anti-military, then I will never agree with this stance. The fact that the press stated that the recruiters were using this language in the same room, and was heard by several students, is why I believe that many people see this that irresponsible language was used openly. But even when irresponsible language is used in private, people are playing with fire and taking this risk, and it has nothing to do with political or military affiliation.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 7:36:18 PM
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Mike says...
I also feel that so much was made of this issue, but nothing will be said about Bob posting a blog, comparing MILITARY Recruiters to a"group of pedophiles, Klan members and drug dealers to conduct their own "aptitude" test?". I really did not know that this is what Durango is all about. I think that a Mayor who does not support the military, should NOT be re-elected.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 7:32:35 PM
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Mike says...
I know what I am about to type will not make a difference to some; but to others I am hoping that it may shed some light on this subject. This is coming from someone who was ACTUALLY there. The whole statement was taken out of context.One recruiter called around that day looking to rent a house where he and his family could live, what they found was someone who "would not rent to military people". So that's what the recruiters were talking about. So I understand how come this issue has taken on so much steam, it is NOT the fact that someone said something...it is the fact that a MILITARY person said something. Also so you know the ASVAB is ran by CIVILIANS..the MILITARY is NEVER in charge of the young adults at anytime.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 6:44:27 PM
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Mark says...
Diane I never said that this issue needed to get press coverage, just handled. So if the issue is disagreeing with the degree of exposure, then I can agree with this viewpoint. If your viewpoint is to say allow an anything-goes climate in public schools, then we disagree. This situation should have been handled internally between both organizations. Overhearing a comment is not the same as evesdropping. If people talk, and we are around, we hear what they say, even if we don't want to. If several of the student hear the comment, then I don't see that this rises to the same level as Nixon wiretapping. Generally epithets and slurs only have one context.
Standing up again foul language and epithets does not make anyone anti-military. Stop with the demographical us versus them type thinking. You can love your country and still be respectful to other people.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 6:35:05 PM
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Allen says...
What James said in his posts is absolutely right, and I'm wondering why we haven't heard from either of these two busy-bodies or Ms. Mayor on here. Too busy grandstanding, most likely. The girls will probably be all full of themselves at school tomorrow, signing autographs and giving high-fives in the halls. What a joke. Grow up.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 6:14:41 PM
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Allen says...
OK, so the soldier in question used a little bad judgment. Slap his wrist. He was probably trying to deal with having been treated with total disrespect by the students. The girls in question, in my opinion, did much worse--they stuck their noses where they don't belong. The guy was having a private conversation, used some bad language and judgment, and is now going to be reprimanded as a result. After all, all of the offended students and upset parents (especially the mayor) are going to want to see a head roll, and Leigh Meigs will certainly make sure HER voice is heard. I'm wondering if these busy-body girls live up to their standards and reprimand their friends for using the same language. Not likely, and if they don't, they have no principles. I'm guessing being the daughter of the mayor had some influence on Madeleine's willingness to make an example of this soldier when she wouldn't have done the same thing to one of her best friends. I'm also wondering if either of these girls has ever slipped an F-bomb out. Probably more like spewed it. Anna is quoted in the story as saying "I really didn't mean to start all this publicity". Then why did you even report it? I'd bet that the soldier apologized sincerely when you brought it to his attention. Of course, the Herald will grab a story like this and run with it as far as possible, and there will be a few parents (as noted in the story) who will get their shorts in a knot just because they want to be heard.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 6:08:17 PM
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Don says...
This is part of the trouble with this country. Liberals whinning about everything, except what matters.
Yes the soldier probably said something inapproiate. Does anyone here even know WHAT was said?
Yes, the students were listening in on something they had no business doing.
and people waste all day commenting on it.
Get over it and move on!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 6:08:05 PM
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James says...
P.S. Mrs. Mayor, your daughter was not PUT into any position as you stated in the article, she put herself into that position by intruding into someone else's private conversation. And, Mrs. Mayor, why were you unaware of the test being administered in your daughter's school when it was clearly posted on their website? Are you too busy to take a minute and find out for yourself what is happening in your own daughters school? This sounds like a personal problem, not the school's problem. I hope that you pay more attention to what is going on in your town than you do to your daughters school. Your comments lead one to believe that you think that your daughter is too good for our great military. Previous posters stated that people in positions of authority should act with professionalism and honor, but praising your daughter for potentially ruining a mans career is not professional or honorable.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 5:29:28 PM
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James says...
This little girl should appologize to the recruiter for butting in to his private conversation and potentially jeaprodizing his career. She does not know in what context the words were used she just heard a word and jumped to her own conclusion about something that she had no business being involved in. It seems suspicious to me that the daughter of the obviously liberal anti military mayor was eaves-dropping into the recruiters private conversation instead of taking her test. She was there to take the test, or was she? How convenient for all the anti military liberals in Durango to have a reason to bash soldiers. Learn to have some reaspect for people's privacy and mind your own business
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 4:44:20 PM
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Parent of educated children says...
I'd just like to point out that evesdropping is actually illegal and I'm wondering what the punishment for the offender is.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 4:26:24 PM
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H.E. Chamberllin says...
These two girls are to be highly congratulated for having belief that all humans are human. To listen to anyone trying to destroy someones total being without taking a strong stand against it is cowardice, plain and simple. They completely lack empathy and compassion for others and homosectual people are human beings.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 4:19:08 PM
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Jay says...
Nice back pedal Mark
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:46:16 PM
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Diana says...
Geesh Mark, Your soap box is high. I'm a 47 year old white woman, fat, married more than once, live in the country and take pride in Believing in God. So I must be an old, fat redneck and if someone has a problem with that them so be it - thats what I am and I know it. Why this ever made it into the paper is beyond me and should have stayed between the school and the Arm. It's a sad thing that you have the nards to judge people and not look at yourself long and hard. I do and say things wrong all the time and am sure the the Army man regrets that some little snoop heard him. People just need to realize that everyone of us has a different opinion and learn to deal with it. God Bless our Country and the people that have the back bone to fight for our freedom. Hows your back feel? I'm glad my taxes pay for thier jobs and hope they dont pay for some one like yours.
old-fat-woman-redneck-loves God ----sooooo
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:40:07 PM
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Mark says...
Jay I agree with you on several levels, and as far as the existing language in schools, I don't deny that this is a problem, I don't justify this problem, nor hold it to any other standard than the language used by the military recruiter. To wrongs don't make a right, nor justify a right. Solve BOTH problems. As a whole, certain language is not acceptable. You don't allow students to drop the F-bomb in algebra class. The BK term is certainly also a derogatory term, and like you I would also take offense if anyone used this term around me. We should stomp out out all the slurs and profanity in the schools - while it will never happen, it certainly should be curtailed. I am not making an all-or-nothing absolutionist argument, just stating that where and when it occurs, people need to deal with it responsibly.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:39:59 PM
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Cheryl says...
I think there is something that needs mentioned here, and that is the disrespect shown to the military recruiters there, administering the test. The kids were blatantly disrespectful to them, some of those kids were getting up and leaving, when they were asked to sit quietly, while others finished the test. They were making rude comments themselves, they were yelling out, so the recruiters could also not be heard, keeping other kids taking the test from hearing some of the instructions. I think before people should start speaking out against the recruiter, they should address their own kids and also the level of respect shown to those who put themselves out there to keep our Nation safe. I could probably understand the level of frustration that the recruiter was feeling, especially being treated in such a manner. It also makes me wonder what those girls were doing, also being disrespectful, by listening in on a conversation, that was not intended for their ears. How about a little show of manners. Even military personell have the right to voice their opinions. Are they not the ones putting their life on the line, so we can sleep safe every night. I think that kind of bravery merits that they also can have an opinion, whether it be my opinion or not. I am very thankful everyday, that these military personell have the guts to stand up, as everyone should. Soldiers have been standing tall for the United States of America for over 200 years or so, we all should be thankful for the rights that has been handed to us. Once again the word respect is a very important issue here.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:38:26 PM
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MMMMMMMMFFFFFFF09 says...
Okay this is kind of ridiculious in a way. Like why would a high school senior be upset at the fact that two grown mena were joking it around. Its not like they were directing it to that spoiled brat. My father in law is a army vet and the slang "baby killer" is overated look at the people that go around killing and abusing kids its not the army doing it. Grow up people you are idiots
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:33:11 PM
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jayjay08 says...
is this really that big of a deal to make an spolied brat feel better about her self to start something so immature, my step father is an army vet. and i do believe the slang "baby killer" is and outrageous term and should not come off the lips of a so called "u.s. citizen". so there for i strongly believe in the term think before you speak.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:32:00 PM
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Mark says...
Tara: I saw that term on posters being used by protesters during the Vietnam war. It is not my term, I only referred Jay's original post.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:30:03 PM
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Mark says...
Despite perceptions to the contrary, I have a tremendous amount of respect towards our fallen brothers who have died for this country, as well as many who have returned back home without arms, legs or suffered other casualties of combat. In the military world, many things from the civilian world, such as critizing leadership, is not acceptable. In the civilian world, many holdovers from the military world are not acceptable. Miliary policy is out of scope here, this is about civilian schools. I can respect than any soldier is going say unrepeatable things, in the miliary world, in private, or even in certain places in the public square. However these unrepeatable things do not need to carry over to schools. It becomes a slippery slope to open the door to any derogitory language or epithets and justify this on the basis of degree.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:25:50 PM
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Tara says...
Since when is "Baby-Killer" a political term?
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:25:04 PM
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Jay says...
Mark, I was using it to make a point. No one would say anything and hasn't said anything when any service member retired or active duty has been called that. You said it was a political term, I disagree. So will you answer my original question? I don't think so because we all know the answer. Yes what the soldier said was out of line in any school, we all agree on that. But, people can say all sorts of stuff to us and nothing is ever said about it. But one recruiter says something to another recruiter and the whole thing is blown way out of context. Why don't stomp out out all the slurs and profanity in the schools? I've been in DHS and I've heard the students their call each other a lot worse than that one recruiter did. Have you ever heard a coach talk or yell at his team when their performing badly? That too is much worse.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:07:07 PM
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Mark says...
Jay: The word "baby-killer" is your word, from your pervious post on Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 1:25:59 PM. I am refering it because you yourself used it; I not endorsing it. I am defining this as a political term, and you and I BOTH agree that this word is offensive - we agree, there is no disagreement here. If you find this so offensive, then why did you yourself use it?
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 3:06:47 PM
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Jeremy says...
I can attest that Soldiers have the absolute worst language! It's disgusting and shows a lack of class. The Army establishment condones it, and it's always been just a matter of time before someone gets himself or herself in trouble.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 2:59:21 PM
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Jay says...
Mark, your ignorance is mind boggling at best. Being a Vet and a father I take the "baby killer" statement very personal!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 2:55:38 PM
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Mark says...
Amber: I do not find that any demographic accepts hearing demographic slurs. Through your personal experience you may know certain individuals that enjoy hearing both slurs, epithets and a derogiatory curse words, but this is not the social norm, and your experience does not establish a social norm. I do not hear people being referred to epithets on the nightly news. Certain language belongs in certain places. Respect begets respect, regardless of demographic. Professionalism in certain arenas is expected, and anything less deserves a corrective response.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 2:53:19 PM
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Jay says...
Mark, What?????????
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 2:51:32 PM
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Mark says...
Yes he said several bad words an epithet along with a derogiatory curse word like the F-bomb. These are not words that should be used in churches, schools or professional workplaces. On the battlefield, this might be different. The phrase baby-killer is a political statement, not a derogiatory epithet there is difference in context. If the arena is a political one, and not a school, then this might be different.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 2:50:34 PM
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Mark says...
Certain language and words and activities belong in certain social arenas. Period. There is a right place and right time for everything, including yelling epithets, slurs and curse word at the top of your lungs - provided it is the right time and place, if you are so inclined. Schools are not this place - whether whispered or shouted. Schools are a place for learning. In the public square, there is greater freedom of speech, however there can be social consequences; within social institutions, there can be additional consequences.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 2:30:21 PM
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Kasey M Czarnecki says...
Mark - I am 5'2", red hair, white, American, Independant, Christian - is there anything else. And trust me. I've had derogatory stuff said about me and let me tell you - I could care less. Please find someone to make fun of me. Wah!! My husband is a soldier and he holds himself and all Americans to a higher standard and has been cussed at, spit at, shot at but still comes back home 'unphased' through it all. It was a PRIVATE conversation that the child had no business in. While you sit on your soapbox, let me remind you of the military personnel that allow you to do so without fear.... Let me also ask when the last time you slipped and said something inappropriate? Was it put in the local news???? Didn't think so.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 2:02:44 PM
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Rachel says...
Maybe "Mayors daughter" Should butt out and not eaves-drop on private conversations. Nosey little brat stirring up trouble. Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts, and he was clearly not addressing the students. People should mind their own business and focus on things that really matter.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 1:37:20 PM
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Amber says...
Mark, I noiced you failed to write your ethnicity,religion,ect. However, you did disclose your political preference. I am of the independent pary. I believe in God, and I think people make mistakes. This soldier was not intentionally directing his comment to anyone inparticlar. Was it unprofessional, sure, are many of us unprofessional from time to time ABSOLUTELY. Those of you who think you are perfect,news flash, there are many people in this world that have something to say about the way you handled a situation. I have many, many homosexual friends and I believe that they would not care what this man said. Nor would they care about what you have to say.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 1:25:59 PM
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Jay says...
So the next time I hear someone call one of our soldiers, sailors, marines or airmen a "baby killer", is this paper or any other news organization going to run a story?
Waiting...............
I didn't think so!
And for you Madam Mayor, wow
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 1:23:41 PM
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Tara says...
My goodness people...he said a bad word, in the audience of ONE other soldier, quietly! He did NOT direct it at ANY of the students, he was not in front of the group speaking. He was having a personal conversation! Grow up! I realize that this area is perfect, you make no mistakes. It's interesting that there are teachers out there that have personal relationships with students, act like students and party with them. Which is worse? It must be hard being a "perfect" community!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 1:08:12 PM
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Mark says...
For those who feel that this is whining, then I ask that you disclose your nationality, religion, and other details and I am certain that there many people would take pleasure in denigrating you. For those of you who are right wing conservative Christians, then would you also agree if the same military recruiter stated that bible-thumping fundies should be thrown to the lions? If you find this last sentence offensive to you, yet you still condone the derogatory comment made at DHS, then you might want to examine your own bigotry and hypocracy as you set a different standard in your personal regard of others. This is not about petty name-calling or blonde jokes, this is about establish epithets. This is not about liberal vs conservative, it is about professionalism and human decency, something that many on the far right fails to own in their own broken moral compass. I dont' care what you did for this country, this does not establish a license to be unbecoming an officer or a professional under the guise of "freedom of speech". How about kissing the feet of the American taxpayers who fund the military, military salaries and benefits. If you feel that others should take then heat, then post of your personal details, name, address and phone number, and I will get in touch with people who will denigrate you. If you expect other people to take the heat, then you should be able to also.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 12:59:47 PM
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Maria says...
Listen. We work hard at Durango High School to discourage students from using demeaning slurs and we should ALL expect adults to act at an even higher level of respect in our schools. Remember, our students are learning from YOU. I thank the military for their bravery, but they are still responsible for acting appropriately - including my own brother who is in the military and has served twice in Qatar.
Here's to creating a respectfull environment for ALL.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 12:26:34 PM
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JamesJ says...
But its Ok for MSM (CNN, Maddow, Olbermann) to call anyone who is against Obama's policies, "teabaggers." Wussie Nation
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 12:18:33 PM
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Sara says...
If you represent your organization you have to be professional. If I was at a conference representing my company, I would withhold the cussing or vulgar language. If I wanted to voice my opinion about something do it in private like in your car or go outside and talk to your fellow co worker. That was very unprofessional.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:57:10 AM
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Arrianna says...
Absolutely Ridiculous, move on to more important issues, the media is rediculous and any one that blows this out of proportion needs something better to do whith their time. This soldier was having a priviate conversation, which is his right that he has personally fought for, freedom of speech. He did not direct it to anyone and did not force anyone to hear it, so mind your own business. kids are so spoiled and hungry for me attention that they will risk ruining someones life to get that attention, you know your private conversations are much worse than that, mayors daughter or not...you should be ashamed of yourself. mind your own business. God bless you soldier, and thank you for your sacrifice and time dedicated to your country, fighting for all the spoiled americans out there.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:53:29 AM
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Hymie says...
Grow up. Your kids hear this on TV, Radio, Internet, and USE worse terms amongst themselves. This is nothing more than LIEberal bedwetting.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:52:00 AM
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Veteran Shawna says...
As professionals we should always act as such. This person making comments should have been confronted due to the professionalism. Although, we do have freedom of speech and that military representitive helps keep that right. I am sure these kids are not saints, those kids should not have been nosing around. THANK YOU ROD...I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF! FREEDOM ISN'T FREE AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE THANKING THAT SOLDIER AND KISSING HIS FEET!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:35:02 AM
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Robert says...
The ASVAB program says the test is VOLUNTARY. Meaning they could never make someone take the test. However, it seems the school asked the program to test the kids, and then made it a mandatory test for the students to attend. I've heard of other schools ask who would like to take it and KEEP IT voluntary.
DHS principle Diane Lashinsky was trying to do the right thing I think. When I googled the ASVAB program it explained what the test does. The
test results can help students plan for their future.
telling them what their strengths are and what careers they're most likely to succeed at. I know the school says recruiters can't get the results of the test so I hope the students get the most out of it since it looks like they will be the only ones getting something out of it. The article even said the recruiters didn't make recruiting pitches either.
Perhaps when whomever it was who made the remarks is dealt with, and the parents better informed, and the school figures out how to better handle a test many parents don't want their kids near, things will clear up a bit.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:25:04 AM
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Kasey M Czarnecki says...
Becky - no one is saying that the soldier was right in his actions. However, it is not that big of a deal. We live in a country where we have freedom of speech and AGAIN, this was not used toward the students or anyone at that fact. He had a lapse of judgement. As far as I know, soldiers are human like everyone else. Let's crucify the guy for making a mistake. Is everyone perfect in Durango? No mistakes are allowed?
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:11:29 AM
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Becky says...
Kasey, I have never heard a high school teacher use a slur of any kind. If they had, they would have been reported and reprimanded immediately. It's wrong for someone in a position of authority to use hateful remarks in front of students, period. Public schools are supposed to be safe places resepectful to ALL students. Somehow I think a lot of you wouldn't be so dismissive had this been a remark offensive towrd any other group of people.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:06:33 AM
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Kasey M Czarnecki says...
If it was a teacher making the comment, it would not have made the paper. This is absurd. Military, teacher, whoever, it was not said to a student or about a student. Becky - you tell me that you went through your high school life and did not hear a teacher or staff curse or say something inappropriate??? Leave the man alone. The student did what they thought was best at the time and I applaud her for that, however, to have the media spin it into something crazy is uncalled for and should be unacceptable. There has got to be bigger issues than this to report on...
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:05:36 AM
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Becky says...
What a strange notion some of you have that soldiers should be exempt from criticism just by virtue of being soldiers. What this man did was dishonorable and inappropriate. Soldier are supposed to conduct themselves with dignity and act like professionals. Making offensive remarks within the hearing range of high school students while representing the US military brings dishonor to the uniform.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:02:36 AM
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Becky says...
Amber, freedom of speech does not mean that you won't be criticised for what you say. Any other staff member or guest would--at least, should-- not speak this way on school grounds or within earshot of students.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 11:02:21 AM
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Tara says...
Wow, Scott, I am so glad that you condone bad language in high school students. "Kids will b e kids," really? So, we can teach them to be unrespectful, bad mouthed and plainly spoiled, while they are in school. When a 5 year old says a bad word, we kind of laugh and tell them no. I'm sorry, high school students are not 5 year olds (well, with the exception of the ones that are treated as such by their overbaring and coddling parents) they should know better too! This soldier, while the comment may have be inappropriate, did absolutly no harm to anyone. If it wasn't directed at anyone, move on! In case you have forgotten, these soldiers are protecting our freedoms and frankly, those who decided to make a big deal of this thing are sick and have nothing better to do than get their 15 minutes of fame. Why am I not surprised that the ring leader is the Mayors daughter. Big surprise there. Move on people and lets turn our attention to the soldiers that are still fighting overseas and at home!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:59:47 AM
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Amber says...
I am so disappointed to hear that freedom of speech is no longer aloud. I agree that any kind of discrimination is out of line, but I hear blonde jokes all day long. Why don't we take this all the way. We should just stop having opinions. I am so glad to hear that the high school students chose to stand up for what they believe in, however, this is a cruel world and if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. I feel sorry for kids these days. They are so unprepared for the harsh reality of life. Suck it up fellow human beings, it does not get any easier :)
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:59:13 AM
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bob says...
I grew up in a military family, on a military base. I was invited "read drafted" by our military at the age of 18, to go off to a far away land I'd hardly heard of called the "magic land of Nam", to kill "communists."
I left a happy all American boy, and returned a sad, depressed, PTSD victim, guilty of following orders to kill and maim, many of whom I'm sure were innocent civilians.
I say to you the students: Before you allow yourselves to be brainwashed as to the "glory" of war, go up to Manna Soup Kitchen, or to one of the parks. Seek out some of the many veterans. You'll be able to easily identify them. Many will still have that 1000 yard stare, or be nursing a bottle of alcohol, or sleeping it off. See if you can gain their confidence (not easy) and start them talking about their experiences. You're living in 2009; they're suspended in time, some 40 years ago.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:55:38 AM
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Becky says...
It is ridiculouto suggest that this man should be immune from criticism because he is a soldier. If anything, he should be held under more scrutiny because he made the military look bad with his shameful comment. Yes, kids at high schools use language like this (and should be punished for it, too!) but that doesn't make it acceptable for a member of the United States military in a position of authority to use it! How would you feel if the teachers were making comments like this?
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:53:13 AM
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Diana says...
Give me a break! This man was having a personal conversation that was being listened in on. Cant anyone mind their own business anymore. It would be different if it was said to the students in general but it wasnt! He can have an opinion just like you and me.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:43:04 AM
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Kasey M Czarnecki says...
This is outrageous..... The recruiter should have been a little more careful as to who was around but it was not spoken to or about one of these children at school. The ASVAB is generally given at high schools as I had to take one when I was in school and it was a normal test. To even entertain that this soldier who has most likely fought for this country be reprimanded or even worse discharged is RIDICULOUS!!!! You hear far worse stuff out of these kids mouths than you ever would a soldier. However, this is the exact thing that this recruiter fights for us as Americans. So we can have the freedom of speech to degrade him. God Bless America and God Bless this soldier. Is there really nothing else going on in this town for the media to exagerate this situation??? Give me a break!!!!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:36:19 AM
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Vanessa says...
If only this kind of concern came from DHS staff, students, and parents when it comes to RACIAL slurs and expletives. Those seem to go unnoticed these day. I am 34 years old and attended DHS, it has always been a boiling pot for RACISM. could be why their graduation rate is so low. Many children, including my own, make a better decision by obtaining their GED and moving on with life.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:30:25 AM
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Nichole says...
It is because of men like this recruiter that these ignorant people have the freedom to berate our military and compare soldiers to pedophiles and drug dealers. No one is perfect. Give him a break and turn your attention to real problems
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:29:36 AM
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Dave says...
This is all about anti-military and anti-american views of the mayor and other local liberals. Obama and all you Obamatrons are going down - Virginia and New Jersey are the end of the Obama drama. Obama got run over by the change bus last night!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:17:18 AM
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Paul says...
I have to agree with Rod, these parents need to, at some point, stop coddling these kids. Give me a break!!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 10:12:11 AM
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bob says...
That fact that the administration pulled a de facto "end around" on the parents, by not informing them of the plan to require student participation in a thinly veiled military recruiting program, is disgusting.
Why didn't you also invite in a group of pedophiles, Klan members and drug dealers to conduct their own "aptitude" test?
Sad.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 8:57:36 AM
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Scott says...
Rod, this is not an anti-military issue. It's an issue of people in a position of authority failing to set a positive example. Any kind of slur that comes from the mouth of someone in such a position should not be tolerated. As for students and their dirty mouths, kids will be kids, and part of growing up involves becoming a responsible and respectful adult, and that is where the military recruiter failed. It's also a little absurd to compare these students to an adult in a position of authority.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 8:50:49 AM
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Dick Dahl says...
Anna Rousseau and Madeline Meigs you are not responsible for the negative publicity or for, hopefully, getting the soldier in trouble. It was his inappropriate slur and his actions coupled with the Armys failures that have caused the very justifiable ire of parents.
In either the private or public sector, the offender would be either fired or severely reprimanded and whose career would definitely be ended. If the Army doesnt reveal the soldiers name and the disciplinary actions facing this soldier the school, the parents, and the community are justifiable in preventing the Army recruiters in the future from ever coercing students in taking the military aptitude test. In fact, DHS Principal Diane Lashinsky is morally obliged to prevent future harassment of DHS students.
Thank you Anna Rousseau and Madeline Meigs and Kelly Fuge for confronting this soldier and letting him know his distasteful comments were not welcome. And a very big thanks to the parents of these admirable young ladies, who have instilled such important standards in their children.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
at 7:55:22 AM
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Rod says...
What a bunch of whiny adults.
While the comments were certainly inappropriate, when was the last time you walked down a school hall. The expletives that emanate from the students would make the soldier's comments seem tame.
The anti-military hostility that is so prevalent by so many is disgusting.
By the way Ms. Mayor, your grandstanding is equally disgusting.