posted on March 31, 2006 07:44:08 PM new
LONGMONT — Dozens of Skyline High School students walked out of class this morning to protest the school administration’s new policy banning flags.
Most of the students were white, upset that American flags were included in the ban that also includes Mexican flags and flags of other nations.
Three sophomores said that earlier this week a student waved an American flag in the face of a Mexican-American student.
Many students were still unclear about the policy, thinking that only American flags were banned. In fact, the school said the ban was against all flags, including shirts with flag insignias on them.
By 1:15 p.m. the protests were largely over.
Administrators were not available for comment.
Students said large-scale flag-waving began in response to Congressional debates this week on immigration reform.
Sophomore Devin Brueschke said, "We tolerate each other," to describe relations between whites and Hispanics at the school.
Sophomore Shane Kirkley said, "They should treat everybody equal. We shouldn’t have an administration afraid because they’re punishing a Mexican rather than a white.
"They should allow both Mexican and American flags."
An American flag still flies on the pole outside the school, and American flags are allowed to be posted in the classrooms by the teachers.
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Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
posted on March 31, 2006 07:53:51 PM new
Imo, there's no reason to ban all flags. Whoever made that decision must have been nuts.
I started a thread at the 'other' place on this issue. "Is This America??? or Mexico?"
AMERICAN'S are pissed watching all these Mexican flags in those protests about illegal immigration.
They're getting REAL fired up as they should.
Schools, in heavily chicano districts were putting the Mexican flags on their school flag polls. They don't belong on US GOV. property. This is the US NOT Mexico. One principle was ordered to take the Mexican one down....now most of the students are using this issue to 'skip' school.
Many proud that them being out of school will cost the schools federal funding for all the days they all miss.
Shows me how much they value the FREE education they're receiving. NOT a bit.
And some Mexican is calling for more protests over this illegal immigration issue.
They want nothing done with the illegals here now...and no punishment to those who aid and abet the illegals from gaining illegal entry.
Our congress is duking it out too. Anger is flaring up with both sides....dems against dems/rep. against reps...and thousands upon thousands of legal Mexican immigrants are supporting their 'illegal' brothers/sister in this fight to deal with the illegal immigration problem.
posted on March 31, 2006 08:06:25 PM new
Linda - Do you think they should have banned ANY flag?
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Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
posted on March 31, 2006 08:31:25 PM new
I think proof of citizenship should be required for all public schools.
I believe that any school on U.S. Soil should fly an American Flag up high, and a state or community flag below it. Foreign national flags should not be flown on U.S. Government property.
Children who walk out of schools in protest should be suspended, or whatever the regular truancy penalty is.
"...in the face of a Mexican-American student."
Hello? Was he an American student or was he a Mexican student? There is no such thing as a Mexican-American. Citizenship works one way or the other. This is just a touchy subject for me. I get cranky when I hear about African-Americans too. This way of naming ethnic groups is just a stupid gimmick for being divisive.
Dr. Arcane, revelator of mystical secrets http://www.drarcane.com
Got questions about the secrets of the universe?
posted on March 31, 2006 08:32:32 PM new
fenix - I'd think by now you'd know me well enough to know I'd approve of the American Flag and their state flags being flown.
posted on March 31, 2006 08:36:45 PM new
But linda - this ban has nothing to do twith the Flags flown outside the school it has to do with anything bearing a flag image. bandanas, T-shirts, jean patches, book covers, anything.
It's not about the flag on the pole outside the school, there was never a Mexican flag there.
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Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
posted on March 31, 2006 08:39:59 PM new
You and I both, Dr. Arane.
Can you imagine the polish immigrants want to fly their country of origin....the german's want to fly their country's flag...etc....etc.
I'm telling you this is NUTS. And those principles that were so quick to fly the Mexican flag should be fired.
And yes, I agree....somehow the students need to realize this is NOT a game. Heck most in the junior high level or grade school are protesting and they don't have a CLUE over what it's all about.
But the thing that really frys my rear....is that we've been warning about this for generations. Let enough illegals come in....and pretty soon they'll have political power that rules out anything THEY don't want....like restictions on illegals or those that aid and abet them to come here illegally.
And it's only going to get worse. Just look at our backless Congress....well...we don't want to offend 500,000 mexicans....so let's possibly allow them to stay here..etc..etc.
It makes me sick.
They've broken our laws...they should be deported...they should be told IF you want to fly your Mexican flag GO HOME and fly it. You think it's so wonderful and you're so proud of it.
posted on March 31, 2006 08:44:25 PM new
You're correct fenix....I was NOT addressing ONLY your article...but rather what is going on in the US RIGHT NOW.
All those in the protest carrying Mexican flags. They LIVE HERE...they should be carrying the American flags...NOT the flag of Mexico.
Not saying they CAN'T....saying it's totally outrageous imo.
posted on March 31, 2006 08:44:25 PM new
You guys might want to wait until you see images on this one... all of the protesters are lily white american kids upset that the american flag has been banned as well.
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Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
posted on March 31, 2006 08:50:47 PM new
Fenix, the American flag was only banned for a limited time to cool the heat of the argument, much like the emergency measures taken under martial law. Sometimes you do need to restrict things briefly just to keep the peace.
It'll be back.
As far as white children protesting... So what? They've been raised in that neighborhood. They have Latino friends. They probably have Latino teachers. And besides that they're KIDS. There is a reason we don't let kids vote- they have no idea what the real world is all about.
Dr. Arcane, revelator of mystical secrets http://www.drarcane.com
Got questions about the secrets of the universe?
posted on March 31, 2006 08:52:29 PM new
Linda - if you were to go to another country and become a legal resident (most legal immigrant are residents, not citizens) would you disavow the US or your pride of being of American descent?
When a foreign born citizen flies the flag of their home country it is to show pride in where they came from. Why is it that you feel they should not be allowed to do that? Do you also get this upset about fraternal police orders that are based on national origin?
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Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
[ edited by fenix03 on Mar 31, 2006 09:03 PM ]
posted on March 31, 2006 09:01:42 PM new
Here you go Linda - here is some local coverage. Every notice that local coverage of stories never seems to be anywhere near as politically tilted as the story becomes when it goes national?
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Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
[ edited by fenix03 on Mar 31, 2006 09:02 PM ]
posted on March 31, 2006 10:19:41 PM new
fenix - This issue has been going on for approx. two weeks now.
It didn't just start...and it's spreading all across the US.
On your question about flags.....NO other countries flag should be flown on any US gov. property. I've already been very clear on my position on that subject.
I have never wanted to even travel outside the US...let alone move somewhere that might cause this to be an issue for me.
But...NO....I would not insult another country by running though it's cities with my American flag telling them THEY needed to change THEIR immigration policies to what I wanted.
I'd just go back to the US and proudly wave my flag here.
It's rudeness and arrogant to do that. Shows disrespect for the hosting country, imo.
They are disrespecting America....and our flag by displaying theirs during this hot issue decision making time.
Can they? Yes, just as others can burn our flag....doesn't mean I have to approve nor like it. And I certainly don't support either.
Want to read about some of what's been happening across America....with this flag issue. Then read the five or six links on the Drudge Report.
posted on March 31, 2006 10:49:50 PM new
Well said Linda
Fenix there was a principal in a Houston school district that did raise the mexican flag on the school's flag pole.
His ass should of been fired.
As far as national pride, if you have become a US citizen then is should be pride in the US, not where you came from. If you want to keep your culture with friends and family then do it in your own little organizations and home.
If they want to see the mexican flag flying over a school go to mexico.
As far as the US flag being banned, well I am betting that won't last long.
This will be another divisive issue, anyone who supports the toughening of immigration laws will be labeled a racist and or bigot when in fact those here illegally are criminals and should be treated that way. We punish those trying to come here legally and reward those who are here illegally? Not right at all.
Ron
[ edited by WashingtoneBayer on Mar 31, 2006 10:57 PM ]
posted on April 1, 2006 05:24:32 AM new
::Want to read about some of what's been happening across America....with this flag issue. Then read the five or six links on the Drudge Report::
Linda - you really are going to have to make up your mind. Either I watch Fox News all the time aand would therefor know what is going on, or I have no clue whats going on in the world and so need you to keep linking to your news sources. Just because I don't agree with your take on something does not mean that I am not aware of the topic.
I am aware that many people lose their everloving minds anytime they see a flag that does not have stars and stripes. I'm not one of those people. I've heard the arguements I just don't buy them. I just don't see where cultural pride is a bad thing.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
[ edited by fenix03 on Apr 1, 2006 05:28 AM ]
posted on April 1, 2006 08:21:11 AM new
fenix - I believe that anyone who has read your posts for any length of time can easily tell you are biased about anything that has to do with Mexico or countries in the ME.
You are pro-Mexico and pro-Muslim/arab/etc.
That being said....
"you really are going to have to make up your mind. Either I watch Fox News all the time aand would therefor know what is going on, or I have no clue whats going on in the world and so need you to keep linking to your news sources.
No, it's not an issue of me making up my mind at all.
I know you watch Fox News....has nothing to do with the links I provided on all the most recent happenings going on in regards to this issue all over the county.
I wanted to mention THOSE and I did. You need not respond if you don't like that I did so.
"Just because I don't agree with your take on something does not mean that I am not aware of the topic."
Never said it did - nor that you aren't. This is all in YOUR mind, fenix....not mine.
"I am aware that many people lose their everloving minds anytime they see a flag that does not have stars and stripes. I'm not one of those people."
That's always been quite obvious to me and I'm sure others here. I've even mention how some here don't hold TRUE allegiance to this country....and that's probably WHY they don't feel as strongly about it as I do. Don't feel the need to defend it. It's just one of many countries some here support. I don't. MY country is the ONLY one I care about.
While THEY defend the actions of other countries against our own.
"I've heard the arguements I just don't buy them. I just don't see where cultural pride is a bad thing."
This isn't JUST about cultural pride. My grandparents came from England. LOVED England but felt the opportunities were better here for them to make a new life. They NEVER pretended they didn't love their birth country. But they realized they had made a decision to live in America....and they respected that.
The mexicans aren't doing what all the other cultures did...come here and make this their NEW home. Give their allegiance to THIS country. No...they like all the benefits they get here...but their birth/Mother country is the ONLY one they really have true allegiance for.
All other immigrants to the US have NOT kept this so-called pride and pushed it in the faces of born and raised here American who it royally pisses off. And that too is being discussed....they're supporters are trying to explain to them why they SHOULDN'T be carrying all these Mexican flags around....rather than an American one.
It's making more and more American's want to 'send them home'. And I'm one of them.
posted on April 1, 2006 08:26:39 AM new
::No...they like all the benefits they get here...but their birth/Mother country is the ONLY one they really have true allegiance for.::
Yeah - that's why there are so few latinos in the Military.
Sorry Linda but the latinos that I know here, love this country, and they love their own. I'm not quite sure where the concept of only having loyalty and respect for one or the other came about. Luckily, most of the people I know are not quite so single minded.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
Never ask what sort if computer a guy drives. If he's a Mac user, he'll tell you. If he's not, why embarrass him? - Tom Clancy
posted on April 1, 2006 08:31:12 AM new
Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
"“More Iraqis think things are going well in Iraq than Americans do. I guess they don’t get the New York Times over there.”—Jay Leno".
posted on April 1, 2006 08:45:15 AM new
Latest stats I could find on this subject...
There are approximately 69,300 foreign born serving in the US armed forces.
The foreign born in the armed forces represent approximately five percent of the total on active duty.
The Navy has the highest number of foreign-born personnel out of all military branches.
Approximately eight percent of the men and women serving in the Navy are foreign born.
Over 11,000 foreign-born women are serving in the armed forces.
Almost one-fourth of the foreign born in the armed forces were born in the Philippines.
Across regions of birth, foreign born from Latin America and the Caribbean accounted for the highest percentage of the foreign born active in the military.
Of the foreign born serving in the armed forces, 325 are from western Asian countries, and over 800 are from south-central Asian countries.
Over half of the foreign born serving in the armed forces are naturalized citizens.
For the foreign born serving in the armed forces, the traditional five-year waiting period to apply for citizenship has been waived by a July 2002 executive order.
Approximately 16,000 soldiers have received citizenship under the executive order.
Since September 11, 2001, 59 military personnel killed in the line of duty have received posthumous citizenship.
There are approximately 69,300 foreign born serving in the US armed forces.
There were 69,299 foreign-born individuals on active duty in the armed forces of the United States as of December 2004. This figure includes both naturalized citizens and non-citizens.
The foreign born in the armed forces represent approximately five percent of the total on active duty.
The foreign born serving in the armed forces represented 4.9 percent of the 1.4 million men and women on active duty as of December 2004.
posted on April 1, 2006 08:52:08 AM new
Linda referring to Mexican flags, "They don't belong on US GOV. property."
Either do nativity sets or any other religious items. Schools are a place of Education, not a place for religious propaganda.
You can't have a double standard. Flags that are flown over a school should be an American Flag, a State Flag, and if the school has a symbolic flag of their own, then great... The same goes for relious propaganda.
[ edited by rustygumbo on Apr 1, 2006 08:54 AM ]
posted on April 1, 2006 09:28:21 AM new
and that is exactly why you will always be a hypocrite linduh. you want nothing but double standards.
it has nothing to do with atheism. it has to do with being respectful towards the united states and the religious choices of americans. there is nothing wrong with you worshiping whatever god you want. do it on your property, do it in your church, mosque, or synagogue.
my question to you linduh is what is your solution? is it allow nativity sets? is it to allow any religioun the right to decorate a public school during their holiday? should we wipe lambs blood above all of the doors to classrooms during passover? should we allow people to sacrifice chickens on the front steps of the gymnasium? Perhaps we should allow teachers to use Voodoo Dolls to control their students. Or should we only allow "christian" symbols?
posted on April 1, 2006 09:44:04 AM new
Your religion argument just doesn't work.
Some Americans are Christians
Some Americans are Jews
Some Americans are Hindu
Some Americans are Muslim
Some Americans are Buddhists
Some Americans are Atheists
You can't walk into a Jewish synagogue and put up a Muslim flag (if there was such a thing). You can't put a nativity scene in an Atheist's backyard.
All these groups have to share the country and respect each other's rights. What is the one things all the groups above have in common? They are AMERICANS.
Why is it OK to put up a Mexican flag in the United States?
Dr. Arcane, revelator of mystical secrets http://www.drarcane.com
Got questions about the secrets of the universe?
posted on April 1, 2006 09:46:36 AM new
Correct me if I am incorrect, but isn't it a law that they must display the American Flag in all US Schools?
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Many misleading tricks in 2006. The new Demomoron slogan.
posted on April 1, 2006 04:43:12 PM new
Trouble is V Fox made a law last year that gave Mexicans who are US citizens Mexican citizenship as well with full voting rights and the right to own land in Mexico. Must be confusing for them.
buyhigh
