The Atomic Priest III

[I will continue my brief biography, however, I have something to share with those of you who actually take the time to read my blog--whoever you may be.]

My wife and I received the following form letter addressed to all parents of our son's grammar school entitled, "K-8 Program Survey Results - Parents".

Please keep in mind that my wife and I did not participate in this so-called "survey" for our son's school. The following does, unfortunately, represent a small sample of the thinking currently taking place in California public school, at least in our district.

1. What is appropriate touching for boys/girls?

a. no touching - 66%
b. holding hands - 32%
c. kissing - 1%

My deconstruction of the following comments [shall appear in brackets] for your entertainment. Ahem!

Comments:

* By touching, this is how violations happen. [What exactly is meant by "touching"? Does that mean if a little girl puts ribbons in another little girl's hair that is somehow a "violation"? And what is meant by "violations"? My son was physically playing in the field with another little boy yesterday afternoon. Is that a violation? A violation of what, exactly?] You can't trust anybody. [Really? Are we to teach our children such sick principles? What are the end results of teaching our kids that "you can't trust anybody"? Does this mean they should avoid class because, according to their way of processing thoughts and ideas, they cannot (or should not) trust their teachers?] Also they easily can get lice by being too close. [Lice? From whom? Wouldn't it be a good idea to de-lice children before they begin school? What are the chances--realistically--of getting lice because you come in contact with another student (or teacher)?]

* Children at this age need to learn to keep their hands to themselves. [I agree with this to an extent.] If it's holding hands for buddies in line or something, then that's different. [But doesn't that directly contradict the whole "You can't trust anybody" idea? What about school children learning to keep their hands to themselves--which I agree with to an extent? Isn't that also a direct contradiction to the comments resulting from the three questions posed to parents about touching, holding hands, and kissing?]

* No physical contact between a boy/girl should be allowed. [It is common sense: if you tell boys and girls that they are not allowed to do something, chances are they will find a way to do it anyway. Kids are naturally defiant. It's their way of communicating independence and willful, extraordinary thoughts of their own; it's their way of growing and learning about what is right and wrong without having to be told.]

* As an adult, we cannot hold hands and kiss in the workplace. [That's "as an adult"--not as a child who is growing and learning for himself. Stop projecting your adult standards onto children, you sick, depraved individuals!] We must always maintain a safe & comfortable environment. [Yes! Finally! Now that is a thought I can totally agree with! It's about time!]

The comments go on and on, many of them repeating what has already been explained. The psychological projections of so many single mothers pining for a way to return to their "glory days" and undo the damage they wrought upon themselves by choosing to get pregnant at such an early age is despicible, sad, depraved, wrong, and damned trashy. I feel sorry for these single moms, yes; however, I feel especially sorry for their children, kids whose lives are defined by what Mommy wants, which is to live some wretched fantasy vicariously through their own kids. That is just terrible.

It is not our kids who need to be policed. It's us, we the parents, who need to police ourselves. "Leave those kids alone!" as Pink Floyd sang.

Even Jesus said, "Anyone who leads these children astray[...]it would be better for them if a block of cement were tied around their neck and they were dropped into the deepest part of the ocean." The Lord knew what He was talking about; Christianity teaches us to love and respect our children. If we do not, we are truly lost.

"What a terrible thing to lose." ELO sang that.

Think about it.