Expressing patriotism
I believe that Donna Becnel, Konocti Superintendent, is wrong when she states that students have First Amendment rights while in school during class. Section 52720 of the California Education Code mandates (the Education Code is permissive) that public schools provide a patriotic exercise.
The Code states, “…public school shall provide a combination of the giving of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and the instruction provided in section (a),” which includes, “…an understanding of the importance of the Pledge as an expression of patriotism, love of country, and pride in the United States of America…” This requirement is generally satisfied by students saying the Pledge of Allegiance during the 1st period class, which can be homeroom or 1st period.
Once again, this instruction is mandated.
Miss Thomas should have received a lower score in her participation grade. The unnamed teacher was simply following the Education Code. For all we know, the teacher may be in sympathy with Miss Thomas. Regardless, the teacher has the responsibility of following the laws that govern
California schools.
The solution is for Miss Thomas to attend Independent Study or Home Schooling where the nature of these programs allows the student more latitude in patriotic behavior.
Charles Moton, Lucerne
Lying or ignorant?
Wasn’t Trump brilliant with his birther statement recently? He started by telling a lie. Followed it with another lie. Then said that Obama was born in the US. Then he blamed the press for continuing this when there were more important things to do. Was he saying that he had not been perpetuating the birther myth? Really, what has changed in the 4 years since Obama’s long form birth certificate was released? Nothing. So why did Trump change his mind about Obama’s birth place?
More recently, he said the following (from the Washington Post), “Her policies have also put Iran onto a path of nuclear weapons. And I have to say, made them, overnight, an absolute power. They were dying three years ago.” Is it just a coincidence that Hillary’s term as Secretary of State ended three years ago? When Iran was ‘dying’? So does he mean that Hillary wasn’t responsible and he doesn’t know what he is talking about?
Kevin Bracken, Kelseyville
Taxpayers Windfall?
Do you, the taxpayers of Lake County, believe we have a “financial win” because Martin Scheel is beginning payments on a debt he has owed since 2011 when his crane fell into Clear Lake. Contrary to Mr. Scheel’s belief that the incident created no safety concerns or negative environmental impacts the County felt otherwise and paid for its removal. For reasons unknown, the county never billed him for the abatement of the crane and he never came forward to address it.
Five years later, with his run for District 4 Supervisor, it became an issue. The County sent him a bill . The terms of the debt of $55906.07 were monthly payments over 10 years at 1.52 percent interest. Up until this year Mr. Scheel basically had an interest free loan compliments of us, the taxpayers. Pretty good deal, don’t you think?
So how is this a “financial win” for the citizens of Lake County? Am I missing something in this story?
Tje Koski, Upper Lake
Schaupp for Assembly
It gives me great pleasure to endorse a true American in the 4th Assembly District race. As one of the Primary candidates last spring I got to know Charlie Schaupp and watched him, under pressure, accurately and concisely offer real solutions or our State’s many problems.
Charlie has served our country in ways that I can only imagine at high personal risk. As a U.S. Marine, Charlie put his life on the line for us in both Desert Storm and the Battle of Fallujah. Charlie voluntary severed 28 years with the U.S. Marines seeing combat service in two wars, participated in counter drug deployments, coordinated anti-terrorist operations, and was even given high accolades for helping prepare the Japanese Self Defense Force (Japan’s military) for deployment to aid allied forces in Iraq. This was Japan’s first combat deployment since World War II as America’s ally. No other candidate that I have ever met has that distinguished of a background.
Charlie’s family has been part of our California heritage for over a century and they have farmed in our district for 5 generations! Charlie did not have to serve in the Marines, rather he chose to because he is a patriot. He now continues with his family to farm and he is asking for our support.
The 4th Assembly District needs a representative who truly understands the needs of our District in small business, agriculture, education, water storage & procurement and a host of other areas. Because of this, and much more, I wholeheartedly endorse Charlie Schaupp as the best choice for Assembly in the 4th Assembly District in 2016
Elmer Kropp, Davis
