To bitch or not to bitch

[Sabriel]

I posted this on the Education forum, but I also would like some more general reactions to this incident.

My kindergartener's school "holiday" (i.e. Christian) concert was last night, and before one of the songs, the music director dedicated it to "the brave men and women of our armed forces who are fighting terror and bringing freedom to Iraq and Afghanistan. Let's take a moment to think of all the people who have been killed and injured defending America." Gung! My jaw hit the floor.

Now, I'm not averse to recognition of people serving, but his politicized addendum made me want to go up on stage and gut punch him. Not to mention that it was inappropriate for an audience full of toddlers and little kids.

So, do I bitch to the principal or not? Would it do any good? Is this a battle to pick or to pass by?

[iamjoy]

1. Don't You Support Our Troops?

shame on you.

(sarcasm off)

[Catherine Vincent]

2. If I were you, I would bitch.

The music director is a republican and Bush supporter and he should keep his political views away from school children and not assume everyone is for this war.

[Solly Mack]

3. The thing is...it's "little" things like that happen everyday in school

that help shape a child's thinking...

I don't want to indoctrinate my child...but I equally don't want someone else to do it either. I'd rather raise a child who knew how to think...and it's a building block process.

[knitter4democracy]

4. Personally . . .

I would contact the principal and ask if that speech had been vetted at all. Explain that the war was not an appropriate topic at the concert, and the comments were divisive at an event that was supposed to help bring together the school community. If he gives you any flack, then take it on up the chain.

[da_chimperor]

5. Definitely bitch. His words warrant that at least. n/t

[DemExpat]

6. No bitching....imo.

See it in the light of honoring the servicemen and let it go.

(But I agree, at a kindergarten concert???????)

Don't stir up any crap that might have negative effects for your child, and if the atmosphere in this school is too "Christian" or conservative for you and your family, look for another school while your child is still just beginning.

Good luck,

:hi:

DemEx

[TwentyFive]

7. The possible downside to making issue of it is..

the music director has contact with your child, or influence about grading.

Otherwise, I recommend bitching. Tolerating it this time makes it easier to tolerate this crap next time around. Psychologists will tell you that your behavior is partly determined by your past reaction to similar events.

[madinmaryland]

8. It's a kindergarten holiday concert.

:wtf: are they talking about the war or troops at a kindergarten function. I'd definately say something to the principal, about the appropriateness of the remark.

[Sabriel]

10. Would you talk to the music director or go straight to the top?

As a teacher myself, I'd be pretty annoyed if the parent didn't even bother to approach me first. On the other hand, I still want to slug him, sooo....

[lukasahero]

9. My problem with it isn't making a statement

It's the way he framed the statement. It wasn't let's think of our troops away from home at this time of year but that they were "fighting terror" and "defending America" which of course we know is BS.

I'd probably say something but in doing so, I'd frame it around that issue (so that it doesn't sound like you're not "supporting our troops") It's the politics that has no place at a kindergarten concert.

[plcdude]

11. I would confront the music teacher

to let him know that you did not appreciate what he said and why you felt it was inappropriate and inaccurate. Perhaps people will start to think for themselves if we continue to communicate our view of this matter. I get so frustrated at hearing how we are fighting terrorism and protecting our freedom or bringing democracy to the Iraqi people. That is pure BS and I would let anyone know how I feel if it comes up. So no I would not bitch. I would communicate the truth as I see it and let the chips fall where they may.

[DrWeird]

12. I would have yelled bullshit then and there.

Faked it as a cough in order to not upset the young'uns.

[Dear Maggie]

13. Why bother?

It would seem that many may not approve of the issues that took us 'to war' But I don't think children get entangled in those issues

Best let it rest.

There was a comment on 'The Apprentice' with Trump last night that they EXECUTIVES & his counselors, and he liked someone that could both give orders and take orders. Simply a form of discipline.

Personally, I'm concerned about the troops and those at home, too, getting exposure to a common cleaning chemical that causes 'gulf war syndrome' CFS, CFIDS and is itself a SLOW death

Some comments shared on a small part of this problem here:

http://www.seattlepress.com/features/forum/viewtopic.php?p=163#163
or
http://www.ragereport.com/phpbb/nfphpbb/viewtopic.php?p=27128#27128

These are near identical posts. You are welcome to join these forums, also

[newyawker99]

15. Hi Dear Magic!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Dear Maggie]

17. Thanks a lot

I do appreciate your welcome!

You have a lot of activity on these boards!

In fact someone sent me to your forum because they weren't interested in the health issues I mostly like to share on. You see I started studying a chemical in June, 2002 and since I've spent a lot of time on it, I recognize it in many of its different forms.

I think I have found the cause of 'Gulf war syndrome.' And how to identify it medically. http://www.valdezlink.com/wondering.htm I do web pages sort of as a hobby to help share what I've learned with others.

ME
http://www.seattlepress.com/features/forum/viewtopic.php?p=134#134

The Chemical can harm the general population, too
http://www.valdezlink.com/inipol/pages/2-butoxy_msds.htm

[DireStrike]

14. BITCH SCREAM AND KICK FOR HIS LIE SPREADING!

Iraq is not part of the war on terror! Those troops died for NOTHING and the only way to support them is to oppose the war.

[gratuitous]

16. I don't know as you need to "bitch"

But it can't hurt to speak up in a gentle but firm manner. By being silent, the school can presume that everyone was okay with the music director's little comments. By speaking up, you can register that not everyone was in agreement. Get into dialog and relationship with the school administrators, and establish a reputation as a thoughtful person who is vitally interested in the welfare of all the students, and your concerns should be taken seriously.

Go off like a hand grenade, on the other hand, and you risk looking like some kind of a nutjob. You want to change the culture (I assume), not burn the school down.

[proudbluestater]

18. I would send him a polite letter stating your objections...

Best to make your feelings known before he takes the lack of complaints as a sign he should continue on with his right-wing speechifying.

[Is It Fascism Yet]

19. Yes, bitch big time, but don't stop with the principal

when there is a whole school board awaiting your rightous wrath.

[Is It Fascism Yet]

20. aw, bitch, please, bitch

my daughter graduated with a 4.0, and a dinner was given in honor of the top 5% of her graduating class. I sat with some other parents who happily chattered about how their son, also in the top 5% was going to get put through college by the wonderful Shrub in exchange for a "few years of reserve service". I endured evil looks for the rest of the evening because I told them I would not allow my children to serve in the military in any capacity under this insane war profiteering pretense of a commander in chief. If looks could kill. Too bad. They needed to hear it. If they are packing their bright kid off to hell, they need to fully know what the fuck they are doing.

[tngledwebb]

21. Could have been worse.

During Bush Sr's illegal Iraq war, the Christmas parade floats (in my Quaker home-town) were full of children- the boys dressed as soldiers with guns, the girls dressed as nurses.
Then came Santa Claus, ho ho ho...

[Is It Fascism Yet]

23. oh man that's truly sickening!

sorry you had to put up with that shit

[datasuspect]

22. at least they didn't make

you guys stand up and sing "Proud to be an american."