Bullying: Political Strategy in Time of War

Anti-bullying legislation passed in the Michigan House, but may die in the Senate. Most opposition to the bill is due to it prohibiting bullying on the basis of sexual orientation.

And do we really need it? Civility and decency are values and practices inculcated in childhood, yes. But you cannot legislate tolerance or civility. These are community values, family values, the province of parents raising children, not legislators in Lansing.

Let's get real.

Kid tested, spin master approved, bullying happens on the playground or at the $100-a-plate political gathering. If you are Ann Coulter, you just skip the niceties, coyly tilt your head and with a smile say,"faggot."

Haven't we evolved? Aren't we beyond this? Nope. Bullying still works. It's the grown-up version of screaming "cooties!" at the top of your lungs. It's meme planting as a high art form, rhetorical deceit, basic propaganda 101.

Here's the condensed version that you will notice on the national level:

"Unite, for we're all Americans. Unite in this time of war. Unite for the sake of our soldiers in the field. Unite against the terrorists. Report all suspicious activity. Unite against those who hate our freedoms. Unite against the evil among us. Unite to hate sin. Unite against the immorality that weakens our resolve to win the war. Unite against the queers, because they threaten our way of life."

What the Michigan Senate needs to realize is that the pending law would only restrict behavior in Michigan public school districts and charter schools--not in churches, not on television or at fund raising dinners, not on the street or public transportation, not on blogs or in newspapers, not in most workplaces. While it might provide some safe space in schools, it'll still be open season just about everywhere else.

Morning Education News

Despite improvements, few attend preschools
"National report finds 16% of 4-year-olds attend state programs even though Mich. boosted funding, quality standards..."

Local educator is 2007 Teacher of the Year
"...Kathy Hurst, 47, spends many afternoons in class at Wick Elementary School after the bell rings, and it’s for a good reason: She says the higher you raise the bar for children, the more likely they are to strive to meet goals..."

Buddying up for education: Metro students in dire need of mentors
"...Statistics from Mentor Michigan, an organization started by Gov. Jennifer Granholm and first gentleman Dan Mulhern, indicate that there are 4,081 young people currently on a waiting list for mentors in the state, and nearly 1,400 waiting in southeast Michigan..."

Students fight rising tuition costs
"...According to a report card issued by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, Michigan received an "F" when it came to affordability. While the state scrambles for answers, students are concerned others may not be able to afford higher education..."

Looking for a Sign in Willow Run

Censorship Averted in Howell

Richard Adams, editor of the Cheboygan Tribune weighs in in the issue.

Censorship of books equates censorship of thought