Patriotism: The Unmitigated Temerity!

Of all the recent political news, this has gotten me fired up and angrier more than any other. This is outrageous! Here is the story

Five simple words describe my feelings on this news: Are you kidding me?!?! After hearing about this news I was literally pacing around the room, up in arms. This is absolutely insane!

Now that I have regained my composure I am prepared to logically elucidate my opinions on this matter. Even though there is probably no need for a logical deduction of this news, I feel that I must put in my two cents- In hopes to further verify the utter idiocy of the Schools administration; and the pure hilarity of the "Offended Students". The first thing I will talk about is the schools reaction:

There is only two grounds in which the school should, and could have had have a basis to reproach these students for being, quite simply, patriotic. I will show that in both potential grounds for reproach, they school was unable and unjustified in extrapolating ANY logical reason to have done what they did. The two potential grounds are are:

1. If there was a hindering factor to the educational pedagogy that can be linked to the apparel to the students.

2. If the conduct of these student violated any Individual rights, or laws.

First, was there was a hindering factor to the educational pedagogy that can be linked to the apparel to the students? The answer is absolutely not! Some may argue that the American Apparel could have served as a distraction, and therefore could hinder educational progression. This is illogical. Consider this: In every public school in the USA in every classroom, what hangs on the walls, and in front of the school? An American flag! To say that students wearing the exact same symbol could cause a hindering factor in learning, is such a leap of logic that I cant imagine this argument can be justifiably used in defense to the school's despicable actions.

Second, were the actions a violation of individual rights? Again--NO! In fact I would argue that the actions of the school were violating the rights of the individuals. They broke no law, and hurt no-one!

Lets consider, what could have been the motivation of the students to drastically leap to such violent means to promote the American way--and on Cinco de Mayo??? Was it a joke, a legitimate attempt to be patriotic, or maybe was it in malice intent? The fact of the matter is this: The students (whom I see as the real victims) broke no Law, and violated no ones rights! To prove this point I will proceed under the Assumption that the students actions were meant to petition the states endorsement of the Mexican holiday. (which by the way: Even in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is not a nationally recognised Holiday) Even if this was their motivation, the students were legally still in the right, for Manny reasons. Keep in mind, these reasons are not my fabrications, but legal criteria-- ruled by the supreme court.

1. In wearing the Star-spangled apparel, the students were quiet and passive. They were not disruptive and did not impinge upon the rights of others. In these circumstances, their conduct was within the protection of the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth.

2. First Amendment rights are available to teachers and students, subject to application in light of the special characteristics of the school environment.

3. A prohibition against expression of opinion, without any evidence that the rule is necessary to avoid substantial interference with school discipline or the rights of others, is not permissible under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

In the case Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the Supreme court ruled that: "The First Amendment applied to public schools, and that administrators would have to demonstrate constitutionally valid reasons for any specific regulation of speech in the classroom." However the so called "Valid Reason" for the school to act the way they did was far from logical.

The schools reasoning for their hasty action was that the 5th of May is a day that is dedicated to Mexicans, and they were perfectly fine in wearing their Patriotic cloths on any other day, but on this day it was disrespect full to do so. Needless to say, not only is that reason outrageous, but it is also laughable. However, this reasoning has spread through many Mexican-American students mentality. Many felt that the flag wearing students actions were indeed disrespectful.

Hispanic students claimed that it was their day, and that they wouldn't wear Mexican flags on the fourth of July. Newsflash, its the USA, Every day is a day that we should wear the red-white-and-blue! And to tell you the truth, I could care less if any Hispanic person chose to wear Mexican flags or colors any day, including July 4-th. Because the truth is, People have freedom here (or so I thought) and we here in the USA can wear what we want. We can make statements or protest or show our patriotism. WE CAN BE INDIVIDUALS!!!! And if you, or anyone, Hispanic, white, black or Asian finds offence to this, one of our fundamental rights, then perhaps this nation, and the freedoms that come with it, is not for you.

Because a persons emotional distress in not a reason for what happened in California. Especially because in this case the Hispanic students emotional-offence is attributed to the Unmitigated Temerity of American students to wear 'Old glory' our nations flag on their shirts, In America!

"But hey it was Cinco de Mayo, it was their day"