What makes me mad in Walker County is...
By Staff
Monday June 5, 2006 4:46:39pm


Let us know what you are ticked about, and what you see as a solution to it.


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cck36
Comments: 126
Joined: 03/29/2007
10/29/2008 08:55:02 AM
The coaches have enough trouble right now.They had a few drinks and went to a ball game.They were probably not the only one's there drinking.They were not driving or acting like idiots so I don't see the problem.They have been made out to look like a bunch of drunks and I don't think that it is fare.If it were me I would admit to having a beer or two because I wasn't driving that would be it.I don't want to point fingers but I see alot of "high and mighty " people buying beer and wine on weekends in LaFayette.So lets not through stones.

 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 489
Joined: 04/10/2008
10/29/2008 08:45:59 AM
427..........

"Out of curiosity, are you aware someone can have a drink and not be smack-face plastered?"

You seem to be an educated person. You know and I know that one does not have to be "smack-face plastered" to have impaired judgement (relaxed to the point his/her reflexes aren't as fast as they normally would be). I do not consider my perception to be shallow just because I want my family safe on the highway. I hope you can understand that. I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree.


VWN
 
Humbucker427
Comments: 8
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/29/2008 08:30:24 AM
Vocalwhennecessary :

> How can the schools enforce rules for students if they can't
> set the example through their faculty?

This logic doesn't hold water. You guys are making me wear this analogy out, but how can a teacher drive to school while so many students are under sixteen? When a student questions an adult drinking, you simply tell him, "That adult is 21. You aren't, therefore you cannot drink". How hard is that for someone to understand?

> The rule that was broken is simply the rule of not being
> TOTALLY STUPID.

With all due respect, I did say let's avoid any media nonsense, assumptions, or convoluted interpretations of rules. Again, I ask: What rule was broken?

> I have a hard time comprehending you or ANYONE
> would even consider going to your child's PTA meeting
> smelling of alcohol.

So now it's illegal to smell a certain way? What about all those horrid perfumes I have to smell every time I get around a large group of people, but seriously... If a PTA meeting is at 7:30 and I decide to have a glass of Chardonnay with my meal before I go, I'll be darned if I'm going to forego it due to some person's shallow perception. I'm not so sure why you would think I should have too. ???

> I guess that idea would make it a moral issue with me. Also, if you
> drive to the PTA meeting, having consumed alcohol, that makes
> it a PERSONAL issue to me.

Out of curiosity, are you aware someone can have a drink and not be smack-face plastered? Am I to believe you think people only drink to get drunk? That's a huge misconception that has been perpetuated by many church organizations ever since prohibiton, especially in the southeastern parts of the country. I'm glad I'm Presbyterian... I mean, seriously. Jesus drank wine, not grape juice. Let's grow up.

> I know, I know. Nobody asked me, and I'm intruding.

Why worry about it? This is a public forum.
 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 489
Joined: 04/10/2008
10/29/2008 07:29:19 AM
TheFormer........

You defend the teachers/coaches by underestimating the student's ability to reason? With all due respect, that is ludicrous. There were many, many students at that game who had sense enough not to drink. They showed responsibility.

".............a kid's opinion is not useful." There you go again.

"Kids cannot vote, own a home, join the military, etc because sound decision making is required." Don't forget, we're talking about High School "kids". A senior cannot join the military out of high school? Think about what you're saying.

"..............it has been decided that kids do not have the experience to make thoughtful decisions due to empirical evidence that shows children make far more mistakes than do adults." All the more reason teachers should be held to a higher standard AND lead by example. Again, we're talking about high school students, ones who obviously made a clearer decision than the coaches did. Making the statements you made, I really hope you're not a teacher. If you are, possibly a change in profession is in order.

The coaches' punishment will be dealt with by a tribunal. It's not in our hands. They do however, have some growing up of their own to do.



VWN
 
jaydubya
Comments: 193
Joined: 11/05/2006
10/29/2008 05:42:09 AM
Well, they shouldn't have done what they did. Do they deserve to be fired from their jobs. No. They should be great speakers to students about the dangers of drinking. There should be programs set up for them to talk with the students. Drinking can be dangerous. Depends where you do it and what you are doing. But kids should not be drinking and they shouldn't think that it is okay. Parents needs to be vigilant in watching what their kids do. But these guys had been drinking prior to the game. At least that's what it sounds like in the article. They have been punished enough. Who hasn't done something they wished they could take back. But drinking and driving are a bad mixture. Hope these guys learned a valuable lesson. And I hope their students learned one also. I've seen what drunk driving can do to a persons body. I know these guys weren't driving but they would have to drive home at some point. And they did wait an hour and a half before testing them. Only one was above the legal limit, if I am reading the report correctly. Enough is enough. Learn from this and move on. There will be something else next week to worry with.

 
juga
Comments: 310
Joined: 02/05/2007
10/29/2008 05:17:00 AM
I am having a hard time trying to understand what some feel should happen as far as punishment. First of all, they were brought before their administrator(s) the night of the game; they were arrested and taken to jail; they had to post bond; they had their picture on every news station and newspaper. Some might say they deserved that. O.K. they deserve; I can buy that. My question is: what more do you want to happen? They went to work on Monday to face their peers and students. It is not up to us to decide what their punishment will be.

I do not believe it is fair to say that we should hold teachers/coaches to a higher standard. Why? That is the problem we have today. The individuals are no different than any other profession whether it be a doctor, lawyer, clerk, mill worker, or homemaker. Yes they work with students and should lead by example. So should parents. I don't know how many on here who want the teachers' jobs taken are parents, but for those who are know that everything you do(or don't do) is noticed by your child. How many times have you gone faster than the speed limit? How many times have told the little "white lie" to a telemarkert, store clerk? Yes this may seem juvenile, but it does relate. Some are want to cut the main artery to the lives of these teachers/coaches. Mistakes are made every day. If we weren't in the press box and in the conversation, none of us really know what took place. Instead of asking what the students think, let ask ourselves WWJD!
 
TheFormer
Comments: 5
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/29/2008 03:27:24 AM
To Shadow...You must not know how to properly refute an argument. I will point out the errors you made in your "argument" to refute my opinion.

1. You must have stock in a crack house.
This clever line is simply a personal attack. With this statement you have shown that you have no real argument and were trying to demean my character or intelligence. This is not the way to begin a logical argument.

2. Have you ever heard of lead by example?
This is called a cliche. A cliche is a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse. Moreover, there are several characteristics of leadership to be considered such as charismatic inspiration, cooperation, optimism, self awareness, and sense of humour.

3. As for the punishment, shouldn't the teacher code of ethics committee be involved?
This is a falacy called begging the question. This means that you have tried to emphasise your point by asking a question and assuming that the answer is the correct one. You should state the answer to your own question and give reasons as to why you believe this. This process is called logical reasoning.

4. Yes we should ask what will the kids think.
Here you have managed to express a clear opinion, but you still have not refuted my argument. Kids cannot vote, own a home, join the military, etc because sound decision making is required. Therefore, societally speaking, a kid's opinion is not useful.

5. We should also ask what else they have taught and could possibly teach the children.
This statement/question (I cannot tell) neither makes any sense, nor does it lend credence to your argument.

6. What about some therapy, at their expense of course?
Again, you are begging the question.

7. Even a drunk driver has to attend DUI school.
This is a falacy known as a red herring or an appeal to the majority. You say that since the people have decided that individuals who have gotten a DUI must attend DUI school that this drinking "offense" deserves some sort of class. This is a bizarre analogy, and a logical argument cannot follow this mold. You must give reasons as to why you think they should attend a class and state what this course of action will accomplish. To give an example, I avoided this falacy in item 4 because it has been decided that kids do not have the experience to make thoughtful decisions due to empirical evidence that shows children make far more mistakes than do adults. I give reasons as to why this majority decision was reached whereas you just appealed to the decision.
 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 489
Joined: 04/10/2008
10/29/2008 01:43:07 AM
Humbucker427..............

"If they're punished at all I'll want to know the rule they broke. Forget the "gray area", I want to know the RULE that was broken, because as of now, I just don't see it."

How can the schools enforce rules for students if they can't set the example through their faculty? The rule that was broken is simply the rule of not being TOTALLY STUPID. I'm sorry for the intrusion, but this drinking deal has me worked up. I have a hard time comprehending you or ANYONE would even consider going to your child's PTA meeting smelling of alcohol. Do you not think that would be embarassing to your child? I guess that idea would make it a moral issue with me. Also, if you drive to the PTA meeting, having consumed alcohol, that makes it a PERSONAL issue to me. I know, I know. Nobody asked me, and I'm intruding. Sorry for the interruption, toosavoter.


VWN
 
Humbucker427
Comments: 8
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/29/2008 12:28:27 AM
Of course, so long as I'm not impaired in any way. Why would I not, if I so chose?

Allow me pry a bit if you don't mind. In *your opinion*, is this a moral or legal issue with you? I'm curious.
 
toosavoter
Comments: 385
Joined: 06/26/2008
10/28/2008 11:57:11 PM
Do you think it is okay to have a few drinks before going your child's PTA meeting to meet with his/her teachers? If no, then why not?
 
Humbucker427
Comments: 8
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/28/2008 11:28:05 PM
That punishment doesn't sound fair at all to me. I have yet to see what they did wrong. They had a couple drinks, that's all. They were NOT intoxicated. In fact, their blood alcohol levels prove that. For those of you caught in the past, prohibition was lifted with the 21st Amendment way back in 1933. It's perfectly legal for adults over the age of 21 to have drinks.

As well, you can't hold these men to the same rules we have for our children. That's the silliest thing I've ever heard. What next? Are you going to tell the teachers at LaFayette they can't drive to school because there are some students who aren't old enough to drive? Give our students a little more credit. They're not completely stupid, you know... They can comprehend the law that states they are too young to drink. By the same token, they can comprehend the law that states adults over 21 *CAN* drink. Holding the teachers to the same rules as the students is preposterous.

We should be asking ourselves this: What rule was broken? Let's avoid any media nonsense, assumptions, or convoluted interpretations of rules. Really... What rule was broken?

1) You can't bring alcohol on school grounds. -- They didn't
2) You can't drive while intoxicated. -- They didn't
3) You can't give alcohol to minors. -- They didn't
4) You can't be under the influence and act disorderly. -- They didn't
5) You can't drive your car around a teenager who's too young to drive. -- Oh wait! That's a silly law!

If they're punished at all I'll want to know the rule they broke. Forget the "gray area", I want to know the RULE that was broken, because as of now, I just don't see it.
 
Shadow
Comments: 59
Joined: 02/09/2007
10/28/2008 11:01:22 PM
To The Former...You must have stock in a crack house. Have you ever heard of lead by example? As for the punishment, shouldn't the teacher code of ethics committee be involved? Yes we should ask what will the kids think. We should also ask what else they have taught and could possibly teach the children. What about some therapy, at their expense of course. Even a drunk driver has to attend DUI school.

 
toosavoter
Comments: 385
Joined: 06/26/2008
10/28/2008 10:45:01 PM
That punishment sounds fair. What about some type of counseling on alcoholism?
What they did was not criminal, just a stupid lapse in judgement. However, a repeat
offense should carry the threat of automatic termination. I hope they have learned
their lesson.
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
10/28/2008 10:35:16 PM
Word on the street is the school board is leaning towards 2 weeks suspension without pay. Coaches would get to keep their jobs. Charges should be dropped as early as next week after the motion is filed by their lawyers in probate court.

I am completely fine with this punishment. The coaches have been thrown under the bus and raked over the coals enough.
 
voterb
Comments: 132
Joined: 12/01/2007
10/28/2008 10:29:02 PM
The coaches being charged with 'possession' may be an act of kindness for them. Unless the legal definition of possession is vastly different from what I would think it to be (possessing something other than in their digestive tract), their cases probably won't even go to trial and will be dismissed if there isn't anyone to testify that they brought alcoholic beverages onto school property like the news articles indicate.

While it may seem nice if the local and state school systems could say they've been punished enough but they will each likely carry out their investigations and end up issuing some type of minor reprimand if this isn't a repeat offense. And that is probably all they should do.

And while a big issue in this is their being under the influence, it is also them being an example for their students.
 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 489
Joined: 04/10/2008
10/28/2008 09:43:59 PM
The coaches/teachers involved need to go before their own faculty "tribunal". If it's good enough for the students, it's good enough for them.



VWN
 
TheFormer
Comments: 5
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/28/2008 09:40:10 PM
Am I the only one that sees this as a backhanded way for SE Whitfield to take out their angst on someone? Let's see here:

SE Football Record: 0-7
LaF vs SE score : 43-0
AND, it was SE's Homecoming.

I sense some serious jealousy. I think kids today would be better off learning how not to be a sore loser. They should also be taught that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Finally, kids should be taught to show some loyalty to their own instead of seeing their parents and roll models turn on each other at the slightest hint of a "juicy" story.

As far as the argument "what are the kids going to think?" goes, who cares. The sooner these kids learn that the world isn't perfect and people aren't perfect the better. It's dillusional to believe otherwise. For those who say that there shouldn't be a double standard for these coaches and the kids, I say that is hogwash. Kids have different rules to follow because they are KIDS. Adults have earned the right to make their own decisions, and when these kids come of age they will be able to make their own decisions too.

Lastly, it is disturbing that some of you would so readily call for someone's job over something so minor. Try and walk a mile in someone else's shoes for once, and get off of your pedestal.
 
juga
Comments: 310
Joined: 02/05/2007
10/28/2008 09:08:30 PM
Again, the possession comes from the fact they had it in there system. The biggest problem was the fact they were on school property under the influence of alcohol. The coaches were approached and agreed to a breathlizer along with others. Yes that was not the smartest decision to make but they did it and it is over. If people want to actually know what is going on or what happened, just ask the people involved.

I hope the coaches can put it past them and move on with life. Everyone of us has made mistakes even the ones making the decision as to what to do with this situation. I know students make mistakes and are punished. These guys have been punished enough.

 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 489
Joined: 04/10/2008
10/28/2008 08:58:36 PM
That wasn't a case of voting for Bush, it was a case of voting against his opponent. Bush deserves all the critisism he gets.



VWN
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
10/28/2008 08:54:13 PM
George Bush has been blamed for a lot of things that wasn't his fault. If he was the worst President in history then why did the American people vote him into office twice? Hmmm
 
toosavoter
Comments: 385
Joined: 06/26/2008
10/28/2008 08:05:24 PM
Maybe she was doing shooters with these guys when they got hammered before the game?

LOL. I'm just kidding Ms. Judy. I love your show!
 
AlkeShaw
Comments: 20
Joined: 09/01/2008
10/28/2008 06:56:35 PM
I wonder how Judy O'Neal feels about all the trouble with the coaches since they were there filming the game for her?
 
voterb
Comments: 132
Joined: 12/01/2007
10/28/2008 06:30:03 PM
What were they really arrested for? Disorderly conduct, possession of alcoholic beverages, public drunkenness, trespassing?

What were they really charged with?
Unless there is some local ordinance (which you can be cited but not arrested for, I think) the only thing I can think they were charged with is possession of alcoholic beverages on school property, but I haven't heard anyone say they were in possession of anything. Does possession legally include what is inside you if it isn't contraband meant to be retrieved later? The definition of beverage doesn't look like it requires a container. The Messenger article says they were charged with 'possession of alcohol'. Is that a crime? 'Possession of alcoholic beverages' on school property is a crime.

What bygracethrufaith said about the pre or post consumption would seem to be a bad precedent if that is what they are using as a standard. Under zero-tolerance rules any student that takes over the counter or prescription drugs outside of school would be guilty of possession on school property as long as it is still in their system.

If they were intoxicated they should have been arrested for intoxication or disorderly conduct.
If they were breaking school rules, the only thing they could have been arrested for was trespassing if they wouldn't leave.

What is going on in our schools?
Since they were arrested and charged they are likely now going to added to the ~1500 school staff members investigated by the state each year. What punishment the coaches receive may not be up to the school at all. If you want an idea of how many investigations occur each year, just look at the minutes of their meetings.

http://www.gapsc.com/Commission/Minutes/Minutes.asp

O.C.G.A. § 3-3-21.1 (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, no person shall possess any alcoholic beverages upon the grounds or within any structure of a public elementary school; public high school; or public trade, vocational, or industrial school.

O.C.G.A. § 3-1-2 (2) "Alcoholic beverage" means and includes all alcohol, distilled spirits, beer, malt beverage, wine, or fortified wine.
 
letsmakeachange
Comments: 11
Joined: 10/25/2008
10/28/2008 06:07:00 PM
ringgoldone;

You should move to Cuba. You would do well under a dictatorship.

You are a nut job.
 
letsmakeachange
Comments: 11
Joined: 10/25/2008
10/28/2008 06:05:46 PM
10/28/2008 04:33:00 PM
I'll tell you this "LetsMakeAChange"....

I would vote for GW Bush AGAIN in a heartbeat over Obama.

______________________________________________________________________

"Haaaaahaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaa"
 
ringgoldone
Comments: 627
Joined: 07/24/2006
10/28/2008 06:05:22 PM
Worst president - that would be Clinton. Under his watch 9-11 was planned and restrictions were lifted to create the economic crisis we now are facing.

I'll bet Iran can't wait for an Obama presidency. They'll be laughing all the way at his diplomacy while they plan our destruction.

Maybe Bush can go ahead and start a war with the Iranian lunatic, declare Martial Law, suspend the elections, send Congress home, and work through all this financial mess before worrying about electing another leader.

I'll bet Hillary and Bill would go for that idea if gave her (him) another chance to be President.
 
juga
Comments: 310
Joined: 02/05/2007
10/28/2008 05:14:42 PM
It is funny to me that all of a sudden witnesses are now mentioned. At first, nobody mentioned that. Perhaps when they are asked under oath, they will state exactly what they saw. Again, if such behavior was going on, the coaches could have been charged with disorderly conduct. No, they were under the influence alcohol. LE would have charged them with whatever they could get to stick if it were the case.

It is also amazing to me that so many are preaching Zero Tolerance. Again, some parents allow their own children to smoke and even purchase cigarettes for them. The handbook also says piercings, tatoos, baggy clothing,etc, but the administration has refrained from enforcing that so that students will come to school and the dropout rate will decrease. Alcohol is wrong, tobacco is wrong, drugs are wrong. All of that is part of zero tolerance and if one part is to be enforced, then all of it should be for all.
 
ATLhawk
Comments: 2
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/28/2008 04:54:14 PM
Wow...

I understand people want to vote Republican and Democrat, but to want Bush president again is mind blowing. Bush is the worst president in history.

 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
10/28/2008 04:33:00 PM
I'll tell you this "LetsMakeAChange"....

I would vote for GW Bush AGAIN in a heartbeat over Obama.
 
SnowmanDB
Comments: 6
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/28/2008 04:29:43 PM
VWN,

Once again you are relying on the information you received via television station. You don't know the facts, so you rely on other unreliable information coming out of Chattanooga.
 
letsmakeachange
Comments: 11
Joined: 10/25/2008
10/28/2008 04:28:59 PM
NGCitizen:

I gotta' ask. Did you choose that picture because you approve of W's administration?
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
10/28/2008 04:22:41 PM
VWN,

What do you mean, "If I were to screw up at work, you and your family could be in danger".

 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 489
Joined: 04/10/2008
10/28/2008 03:57:40 PM
NorthGACitizen..............

You sir, are correct. If I were to screw up at work, you and your family could be in danger. I would NOT want a second chance, NOR would I deserve one.

Our children/students are looking up to these coaches/teachers. The students are mandated to abide by the rules. The rules apply to staff as well.

They deserve whatever they get.




VWN
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
10/28/2008 03:41:50 PM
VWN,

You mean to tell me that you wouldn't want or deserve a 2nd chance if you screwed up at work?
 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 489
Joined: 04/10/2008
10/28/2008 03:26:15 PM
This issue really seems pretty simple to me. Witnesses state the coaches were using profanity and being obnoxious, but putting all of that aside, I repeat, PUTTING THAT ASIDE, they HAD been drinking as was evidenced by self-admission and blood/alcohol content.

I'm sure the school they were visiting has a student handbook basically the same as LaFayette High School does. I'm also certain that the rules apply to the faculty as well as the students.

From the LaFayette High School Student Handbook...........

PROFANITY

"The possession or use of profane, vulgar, or obscene words, gestures, activities, or drawings will not be allowed or tolerated. "

1st Offense: 3 Days Detention
2nd Offense: 3 Days ISI



ALCOHOL/DRUGS

"The possession and/or usage of any alcoholic beverage, narcotic, controlled drug (other than prescription drugs) or intoxicant at any school activity is strictly prohibited. A student shall not have in his/her possession prescription drugs and/or “over the counter” medications of any type. All medications must be turned in to the attendance office immediately upon arrival at school. All prescriptions must be clearly labeled, current, with the name of the student and dosage. All other medications must be in the original container and must be accompanied by a note from the parent with directions for administering. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in disciplinary action.

1st Offense: Law enforcement notified and referred to tribunal.





Seems pretty cut and dry to me. They made their beds, they've got to lie in them.





VWN
 
SnowmanDB
Comments: 6
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/28/2008 03:13:10 PM
HAHA, good times man. That water balloon launcher still gets plenty of use around campus and throughout the school year.

 
juga
Comments: 310
Joined: 02/05/2007
10/28/2008 03:12:40 PM
Make sure your facts are reliable,. Those facts come from media. Unless you see the police report and more reliable been there, don't be too quick to judge what actually happened. If they were that obnoxious, rude, using profanity(which is against the law and one could be charged with), I believe they would have been charged with disorderly conduct.

Yes teachers do have some responsibility in making students behave. I can tell you this a teacher cannot change in 7 hours what is allowed to happen at home or whoever is raising the child. The first 5 years of a child's life is when habits and patterns are formed. Teachers can have the best discipline and control, but a child is going to act as he/she is used to acting. I DO NOT feel educators are the responsible party when a person gets into trouble or makes poor choices. If a teacher disobeys the laws or rules, the educators in that person's life can't be blamed or the boss can't be blamed. The adult has to take responsibility for his/her own actions. If a minor disobeys the laws or rules, the parent/guardian has to take responsibility and deal with however he/she sees fit.

 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
10/28/2008 02:57:14 PM
Dan...I mean SnowmanDB,

Again, I agree with you 100%. Ben and Rob have been family friends for 22 years. You and I know what kind of people they are and what their characters are like. You and I know they are productive members of society. We've all made mistakes in our lives like shooting Water Balloons 4 stories high into a hotel room, right SnowmanDB?? LOL
 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 489
Joined: 04/10/2008
10/28/2008 02:55:55 PM
Report States Lafayette Coaches Were Acting Obnoxious And Using Profanity.................


http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9247521&nav=menu1406_2




VWN
 
SnowmanDB
Comments: 6
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/28/2008 02:46:32 PM
Vocalwhennecessary, keep wondering buddy because I am not one of the 4 that was charged. The brother of Rob Neal, has been my good friend since I was 3 or 4. The Neal family has been great family friends with my family since we first built a house near them. So keep guessing buddy and keep wondering because its going to get you nowhere. This is a touchy subject with me too because these people charged I know very well. Sorry to everyone if I come off a little strong, but this whole situation pisses me off and I am not even involved in any way.


 
SnowmanDB
Comments: 6
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/28/2008 02:40:56 PM
Bottom line people, honestly, what is wrong with what these coaches and brother of a coach were doing last Friday night? They were doing nothing wrong and helping out the football team. What these men were doing is perfectly legal by US law. Yes, the school has a ZERO TOLERANCE for alcohol but its not like they were pounding beers out in the parking lot, or crushing a 12pk in the press box as a lot of people like to think. Go to a football game on Friday night in LaFayette, and you will see many of the students, who are underage and not even old enough to buy a can of dip, under the influence of alcohol and drugs. They just had it in their system from eating out and enjoying a few adult beverages before the game. There is nothing wrong with this and they were singled out by someone who obviously thought they were doing a great thing for the wonderful establishment, also known as SE Whitfield High School.
 
Vocalwhennecessary
Comments: 489
Joined: 04/10/2008
10/28/2008 02:39:24 PM
I haven't put my two cents worth in on the alcohol bit for a reason. It's a very, very touchy subject with me. I will however try to put personal issues aside and try to communicate with some reasoning. Snowman, I'm wondering which of the teachers who were caught you are. You're taking this very personal with a minimal number of postings. Sort of makes you wonder.

The fact is the schools have rules and the rules have to be followed. I know of a student who was expelled from school years ago for having a stick in the trunk of his car. They considered it a weapon. This student used the stick to prop up the hood of his car when he would add oil to the engine. This cost the student dearly.

I do not think the teachers in question needs to have their careers ruined for the drinking issue. Snowman, since alcohol does affect different people differently, you are not one to say wether they were plastered or not, that is unless you're one of them and know exactly how you felt. I do think, IF none of them were driving, that they have paid almost enough already. Some counseling would probably be in order, but that order would have to come from a judge. The coaches are the ones who are supposed to be setting the example for the students, not the other way around. The charges they are being charged with will never hold up in court. The gentlemen DO need some help though. I hope they get it.



VWN
 
bygracethrufaith
Comments: 1353
Joined: 07/13/2007
10/28/2008 02:16:30 PM
Okay, snowman, chill out.

I never said these people got plastered. I was making a point...that other's drinking doesn't really bother me when they are in places other than school football games.

Perhaps if you calmed down a little, and ask what was meant by that statement rather than making assumptions....then you'd find out that wasn't what I was saying at all.

I do apologize if I may have caused it to look as if I were saying they were plastered. That was not my intention.
 
SnowmanDB
Comments: 6
Joined: 10/28/2008
10/28/2008 02:10:14 PM
bygracethrufaith
"Have some drinks...get plastered. Who cares? But don't arrive at a football game with kids on school property as individuals representing that school when you do it."

PLASTERED???? Obviously, you know nothing about alcohol and have never been PLASTERED IN YOUR LIFE!!!! You people continue to amaze me with your alcohol knowledge. BACs differ from person to person depending on body mass. With the BACs they had they were know where near being PLASTERED. Also, the officer charged them with Possession of Alcohol because it was in their system aka stomach. I have never heard of this kind of charge in my life and think its ridiculous. Maybe it was poor judgement to show up with alcohol on their breath...but its nobodys right to go around smelling people in a freaking PRESS BOX while they videotape a game! This would be a completely different situation if these coaches and brother of a coach were causing some sort of SCENE or harassing people. Notice there was not any charges of public drunkenesses....so BYGRACETHRUTRUTH obviously they were hammered! Get your stuff straight people.
 
bygracethrufaith
Comments: 1353
Joined: 07/13/2007
10/28/2008 02:09:20 PM
Maggie,
I never said that the tobacco rule shouldn't be enforced. juga asked what the difference is. I was answering that. And what is the difference in standing outside of school property and chugging a few down then walking onto the property with the alchohol? Seriously? Not saying that's what happened, but some don't seem to be able to see that it is wrong either way. If it's no alchohol, it should be no alchohol on premises PRE or POST consumption. Being 21 or over doesn't mean that you don't obey rules. No one should be impaired on school property, especially not employees...and that is at any time.

Juga, whle I agree that many kids act the way they do because of parents, I can also tell you from experience that teachers DO have something to do with it. How can you release your child to a facility for 7-8 hours DAILY and then say that the teachers have nothing to do with how children behave?

And the people you mentioned get raked over the coals when they mess up for one simple reason. They are in a position of authority or leadership. Sure, everyone messes up now and then...but leaders and administrators ARE and SHOULD be looked at more closely.

To whom much is given, much is expected.
 
maggie
Comments: 1554
Joined: 01/08/2006
10/28/2008 01:59:41 PM
Grace, I think what Juga was trying to point out is that all of the schools in our area claim to be drug, alchohol, and tobacco free campuses. So, if an administrator is going to games with chewing tobacco in his mouth, he too is breaking the rules.

Also, if what I am reading is correct, they were not in possession of alchohol, just that someone smelled it on their breath and reported them. The person who was driving had not had anything to drink. I don't know any of these men involved, but again if they are good people, good teachers with clean records do they really need to be hung out to dry?

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't like drinking, certainly have no use for drunks, but since drinking is legal over the age of 21, people, even coaches and teachers have the right to drink. Again, they were not there in the capacity of coaching that night, just filming the game for reviewing. I would think after this they won't make that mistake again.
 
juga
Comments: 310
Joined: 02/05/2007
10/28/2008 01:56:18 PM
Avoter, you might need to investigate your facts before you start giving advice to someone else. There is not a set amount all individuals must have to register a certain amount. Each individual is different. Why don't you ask the ones involved? Oh let me guess you might hear the truth and it wouldn't be as "juicy". Again, the .091 is not a school employee so that should even be in the discussion as to whether or not they should be reprimanded by the school system.

by grace, tobacco isn't illegal unless you are under age purchasing it, but is tobacco and as far as Zero Tolerance, it isn't allowed on campus by students, employees or otherwise. There can't be rules and it only apply to those that are in the light daily. The logic applies to all who work or exist. What I don't understand is when a teacher or school official, policeman get in the news for "messing up" so many people are ready to cut their throat and put them away. So many times it is by those who received bad grades or got in trouble by a teacher or school or got a ticket,etc.

The reason kids act the way they do is what is allowed from birth to 5 years old and even further into their raising it starts at home. Teachers and educators are not responsible for the way kids act; it is their parents.
 
AVoter
Comments: 18
Joined: 11/16/2007
10/28/2008 01:42:33 PM
Juga, A couple of beers with a meal would not register .091 or .065 after 1-1\2 hours time had elapsed. Thats rediculous. Do some research before you make up stuff.

http://www.walkerso.com/wheel
 
NorthGACitizen
Comments: 165
Joined: 01/08/2006
10/28/2008 01:36:16 PM
You have it absolutely right Maggie. What you are saying is correct. I know First Hand
 
bygracethrufaith
Comments: 1353
Joined: 07/13/2007
10/28/2008 01:34:31 PM
Juga: "Also, what is the difference if the guys had alcohol in their system, than one of the administrators going to home and away games with tobacco in his mouth?"

Tobacco doesn't impair the judgment.....it's just disguisting.


I can't believe this is in question. There are reasons for rules. No alchohol on school property is so that people on school property are not impaired. Arriving already impaired by alchohol is nothing more than attempting to get through a "loophole" in that rule. Simple.

Have some drinks...get plastered. Who cares? But don't arrive at a football game with kids on school property as individuals representing that school when you do it.

And to answer your question about having a few beers and arriving at work the next morning with alchohol still in the system...Would that same "logic" apply to Bus Drivers, Surgeons, Day care workers, Airline Pilots, Train Engineers, etc.? If you show influence of alchohol when tested, I don't want my life or the life of my family in your hands at that time...regardless of how many hours later it is.

It irritates me to death when there are no consequences given to the teachers, yet the children are expected to abide by the same rules. What kind of example is that? No wonder kids behave the way they do. "Do as I say and not as I do" doesn't really work all that well most of the time.
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