[Winona Online Democracy] Many people have raised good points.
Unfortunately, I can't reply to them all right now. (Plus I've been told I write too much so I'll try to keep this one shorter.) Some relatively "quick" responses to what others have said: --- 1. Part of the problem is how the media handles complex issues in general, not just this one. The media usually reduces a complex issue like this to a simple sound bite or momentary flash in the pan. After all, sensationalism sells. Get people riled up and it creates interest. While it may sell, it doesn't allow people to have a real discussion of the issue because the media moves on to the next 100 sound bites just when the conversation starts to get good or meaningful. The electronic media also tends to polarize people into simple pro or con camps. The Jerry Springer effect shows the media has a temptation to reduce issues to a fight and encourages people to start name calling. Most of us are in the middle on most issues and would just as soon listen to others before we lept to conclusions that are set in stone. It's imporant to let people admit they don't know everything and to give us a chance to ask questions about different perspectives. I'm glad for Winona Online Democracy, hopefully we can stick with this for at least a little while longer even though most of other mass media will have moved on. --- 2. I agree with the points about free speech, humor, and possible double standards for males in the general public realm but sadly, high schools are a different kind of place. Different rules apply inside a submarine because of it's unique, artificial, and very crowded environment. In a way, different rules or standards have been applied to high schools because of it's unique, artificial, and very crowded environment. Also, we don't allow 10 or 13 year olds to drive even though they are physically able to because they have not yet achieved a level of responsibility to earn that right. Maybe it's the same way with high schoolers and free speech. Maybe there have to be "guidelines," "standards" and even, gosh forbid "limits" in some cases. (That is not easy for a person who donates money to the ACLU to say.) I know that is not a perfect comparison and it's a slippery slope because freedom of speech is a right we all have at birth, license or not. Still, high school is a transition stage between adolescence and adulthood. For better or worst, the courts have ruled that different standards and limitations of free speech and other freedoms (i.e. privacy) apply there. What goes in the general public, may not be appropriate inside the hormonal and adolescent crock pot known as high school. Yes, many kids are ready to handle the responsibilities that go along with free speech and expression but there are also some who are not. Look at what teenagers are wearing today. I see 1,400 of them everyday. Talk about low or no standards. (Not everybody, but some.) The amount of skin that is showing and the wording on some of their shirts makes you wonder if the parents see what they are wearing. Talk about a conversation in itself, how about a discussion on the merits of school uniforms? I used to be very opposed to school uniforms but over the last 4-5 years the situation has gotten so bad I'm now at a point where I'm not sure what I think. I even lean in a little in the direction of school uniforms, at least for a few years. That is a big change for me. Maybe I'm becoming an old prude despite my best intentions. ;-> And yes, parents should be dealing with this issue so the schools don't have to. But the reality is that with our trashy mass media, the overwhelming power of consumerism, and the simple reality of parents having to work so much, I think we are losing the character and honor battle. I think a discussion of school uniforms would be a worthwhile one. (But not now, save it for later, until this other conversation thread runs it's course.) You would be suprised how many students are even in support of the idea. --- 3. I didn't reply to Tom, Terry, or Roy's responses to the 3 questions I listed in a previous e-mail. I'm sorry about that. I'll try to come back to that in a future e-mail. --- My "relatively quick" post has become long again. I'm sorry about that. Dwayne Voegeli April 25, 2005 ------------ Dwayne Voegeli Winona County Commissioner (507) 453-9012 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 359 Pleasant Hill Dr. Winona, MN 55987 ------------ _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
