Comment from Rdfrdmom2

Excellent

bhogg:

As a former school administrator, I have to admit I
totally agree with you. I'd like to think I would have
either given all the boys the same amount of time or
Bader two days and the two boys three (an extra day
for instigating the situation with the whore comment)
and required a joint conference with all parents when
they returned to school.

Thanks for sharing
love,
jan

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Hi Jan - thanks for reading and your comments. I did later find out that the other boys were in fact given some supension time, but it wasn't nearly as much. Regards, Bill

Comment from DALLAS01

Excellent

Although we never have all of the information we need to pass judgment, some things just don't go down easily and this is one of them.Tthe fact that the other children were not disciplined seems grosely unfair. Congratulations for pursuing this on behalf of your friend who should suffer no discrimination for his heritage.

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Thanks for reading. In fairness, I did find out that the other boys were punished, not the same as Bader, but they didn't get off with nothing! Regards, Bill

reply by DALLAS01 on 23-Sep-2011

you're welcome.

Comment from FairyWriter

Excellent

Very interesting story. It's so sad how young people are when they develop prejudices. And even sadder the way adults almost encourage it in some ways.

I loved Bader's reaction to the "Good news." I'm sure he'll enjoy the time off that he does have.

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Thanks for reading and your kind feedback. Bill

Comment from Terra Dane

Excellent

An excellent snippet of life story pointing to the problems with both phobias and no tolerance policies--both throw reality out of proportion. Appreciated your piece.

Was it thrown on the ground?

Anyway great stuff. Love visiting NC. My folks are there. Beautiful place, but an instance like this makes one wonder why they call it God's country.

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Thanks for reading and your kind fedback. NC has its moments, but not God's country! Bill

Comment from Spiritual Echo

Excellent

I am quite sure that regardless of what Bader may have felt "initially" about his reprieve, as time goes on he will remember and realize that his trust in telling you and the fact that you weren't just a passive grandpa will etch into his soul.

This is a beautifully written story that was easy to read and was compelling right from the beginning.

I hope your essay will inspire others to be proactive when they witness injustice.

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Thank you for reading and for your very kind feedback! Bill

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Common sense is not so common. I am living with an actual genius and I have living proof that the smarter some one is the less common sense they have. MY youngest football coach said, "Steven is the smartest dumb kid I know." That sums it up pretty well.

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Hi Barbara - your reply brought a smile to my face. I have a daughter who is a "know-it-all", and has zero common sense!

Comment from fayesh

Excellent

Your personal anecdote was well written. I found the last sentence humorous with the inclusion of the word "punk." Kids at that age are so unappreciative - aren't they?

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Thanks for reading and your kind comments. Kids don't really change a whole lot.

Comment from kiwisteveh

Excellent

Very clearly expressed and with a nice touch of humour at the end. Of course if we were to 'rant' about every one of the unfair situations we encounter in life, we would be at it all day.
As a teacher I see stuff like this all the time - it is not always the right person who gets suspended, but oftern-times the school has little choice...

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Thanks for reading and for your comments. By the way, I did later find out that the other boys were punished. Not as much as Bader, but punished none the less. Bill

Comment from robyn corum

Excellent

Very nice story, Mr. Bill. Sometimes you're darned if you do, and darned if you don't, aren't you? It was nice of you to care and to try to help.

The story was well-written and enjoyable. Great job.

One spag:
He calmly listened to the story and then whipped my brother and (the) other guy with a wooden paddle.

Thanks for sharing!

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Thanks for reading and for the spot. One of these days I'll have a post with zero spag (NOT!) Bill

reply by robyn corum on 23-Sep-2011

You and me both! It will go something like this: "Once upon a time. The end." *smile*

Comment from TammyGail

Excellent

This was truly a great story and touched my heart.. 9/11 Is a moment that none of us will forget. Children can be so cruel at times and adults as well common sense really is not so common anymore.. Well done writing this it was a great read..

 Comment Written 22-Sep-2011

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reply by the author on 23-Sep-2011

Thanks for reading Tammy and for your very kind response. Both are appreciated. Bill