Bullying

                All over the news this week is Chardon High School, and the shooting that occurred there Monday, February 27, during lunch. The shooter killed three fellow students and injured two. The 17-year-old shooter is more than likely going to be tried as an adult. It is said that he chose his victims randomly when he opened fire in the school cafeteria.

                The question of his reasoning is on most people’s minds. His answer: bullying. Bullying is affecting everyone more than ever now-a-days, and students have acted out by taking their own lives, or – as this student did – taking the lives of others.

                Many parents look at this with an insensitive eye – that is, until they are affected. Not enough is being done in public schools to keep bullies at bay. In many schools, the teachers themselves are the bullies.

                Something needs to happen. Action needs to be taken to keep our schools safe. A zero-tolerance on bullying and stricter punishment for bullies need to be implemented in high schools and middle schools. Along with that, schools should have “safe spaces” where kids can come together and talk about things that are going on with them; either at home, school, work, or where ever. Supportive clubs like the Gay-Straight Alliance, or First Priority must be allowed in order to assure a safe school environment.

                Situations like that of Chardon High School can be avoided by harboring at-risk students and punishing bullies. It is very un-costly to implement these devices and, anyways, at what price would you keep  your students safe?

“Leap Day”

                “President’s Day only comes once a year!” “Christmas only comes once a year.” “One day sale only – happy Thanksgiving!” Advertisements constantly exploit holidays, having major sales on these days and always claiming that the reason is because these days only come once a year.

                There is a day in the Gregorian calendar, however, that does not come once a year, but instead, graces us with its presence once every four years. February 29, Leap Day, only happens within this intercalary day. The purpose of Leap Day is to line up our human year (since time is a man-made invention) with the solar year.

                Leap Day is special to many. A lot of people are born every day, and Leap Day is no exception. But these children – born on leap day – do not have their birth-day come every year. Instead, they are forced to celebrate it some other day in either February or March.

                Leap Day is a special day. It is more rare than all the holidays, yet, it gets no gratitude.  Happy Leap Day, everyone.

Black History Month

Black History Month. Isn't that kind of ironic? Shouldn't it be called "African American History Month"? I mean, in order to be politically correct and all...
I have nothing against the month, or African Americans. No, my beef is with the government, constantly telling us what is and isn't "politically correct".
Do you ever during "Black" History Month hear of the black people in Africa (actual Africans) that are suffering? Or those down in South Africa that have actually contributed to our 21st Century world? No. All you hear about are dead black people who contributed to America.
Just like America...
They put all the focus on themselves. They just wanted to attempt to look like they cared about diversity, but they don't. America is still the same it was 200 years ago - prejudiced and hateful.