I got this "wonderful" email today...sheesh

[greenbriar]

Pam...I found your name on the MOB web site while searching the internet for other political information. I must say that I'm concerned that you're a teacher in the city of Wichita, where my daughter and family happen to live. Your comment about the Iraq war shows you to be uninformed about what's really going on in our world. Although this same comment has been heard from the left for many months now, I would say that information since learned has opened most people's eyes to the fact that Iraq and Afghanistan ARE important areas to control in this global War On Terrorism.

Although none of us want to see our brave military harmed in any way, one must realize that those in the military are there by choice. They've dedicated a certain phase in their lives to be of service to their country. They are in no more danger than a policeman, a fireman, or many other "service" personnel just doing their risky, but necessary, jobs. To intimate that President Bush yanked these young people right out of their living rooms to go fight an unjust war is totally untrue and unfair. Our military do their job with pride and conviction, and most of them get very angry when they hear people like you condemn their Commander in Chief, as well as their mission to protect and defend this country and all that it stands for.

Hopefully Kansas is enough of a conservative state that you won't get much momentum with your group in Wichita. I will be hoping and praying that something will make you see the light and change your mind. God Bless America, our troops, and President Bush!

Sincerely,

Deana Higgins, Hugoton, KS




this is what she was so upset about
Wichita
Chapter Leader

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MOthers dedicated to ensuring Bush does not gain 4 more years. My child will NOT go to fight for him in an unjust war

[noahmijo]

1. Yea well here's my email to you

I want my future kids in your classroom someday and I want a shock collar put around that woman in the event that she steps within 1,000 miles from them.

PS Deana is a male's name?? sorry but that sounds like a "girlie" name to me.

[NMDemDist2]

2. well at least she signed it and i didn't notice any glaring spelling

errors. There may be hope for this one

are you going to respond? find out what issues matter to her and try and convert her?

good luck :)

edit to add, look what just popped up to send back to her

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x67577

[Nite Owl]

3. If this war is so

important why aren't his patriotic daughters volunteering? Don't they believe in daddy's cause?

[fofer]

4. Sheesh is right.

It pains me to admit it, but this kind of backhanded, slimy "I'll pray for you" letter takes a certain kind of creepy skill. That sentence about being "concerned" that you teach where her daughter and family live is really beyond the pale. Sorry you got this, Pam. Don't let it upset you. You're brave to put yourself out there, especially in a blazing red state. I'd be happy to have you teach my kids! :-)

[greenbriar]

5. what else should I

tell her

[noamnety]

6. Dear Deana

Thank you so much for praying for me. I certainly agree with you that this is a dark time in our history, and I appreciate your desire for me to see the light at the end of this long tunnel. Thankfully, just when things seem darkest, I have found that hope is on the way.

Sincerely ...

[Ladyhawk]

7. Geez, I'm sorry about this.

It would have me pissed for days, but I bet you'll handle it just fine. :)

[goddess40]

8. The signed up to defend our country from REAL threats

Not fake ones that rich guys make up to get richer and to get more power.

[murielm99]

9. Don't let this worry you Pam.

I am a teacher too. I make a point of keeping my politics out of the classroom. I want my students to see all sides of an issue, and think for themselves.

Unfortunately, many teachers do not keep their politics out of the classroom. My kids are in their twenties, and no longer in school here. But in the past, my husband and I have made a number of visits to teachers who pressed their views in the classroom. We always did it privately, leaving the principal and the school board out of the equation. It works better that way, and shows more respect to the teacher.

My daughter had a biology teacher who made homophobic comments in the classroom, and shoved his anti-abortion views down his students' throats.

Amazingly enough, when I talked to my older daughter's music teacher about his politics, he was very nice. He said he was sorry, and he did not want us to think he was unprofessional. He said she was one of the few students who could debate him on an intelligent level. He said he would stop. (I think it helped that she was the best student he ever had, and is now a professional musician).

When students aske me about my politics, I always tell them that it is unimportant what I think. I want to know their views, and why they have them. This has led to some good discussions.

The kids see my bumper stickers, and know where I stand. Some of them are even aware of my political work in the county. But I never get into it with them. I don't like it when other teachers do it, and I refuse to do it myself. If you stay professional, there is nothing they can do to you.