The Thursday editorial “Teach kids free speech and let them exercise it,” promotes House Bill 1307, which provides nearly unlimited free press rights for high school and college students, even if the press is financially supported by the school.
Free speech and free press are paramount to a free society. However, I don’t send my children to public school to be educated by other children, but by educated and thoughtful adults. Remember that high school includes 14-year-old freshmen as well as 18- and 19-year-old seniors.
I’ve got an idea: Teach kids how to bear arms and let them exercise it. Let’s not forget the Second Amendment. Children are in danger every day in school. Therefore, we should encourage them to carry guns … Perhaps not!
The Constitution applies to children with specific limits and for good reason. They are not tried as adults (typically), they are not free to vote, carry guns, to serve in the military, buy alcohol or even get the job of their choice (child labor laws).
Why? Because they lack the judgment, life experience, emotional development and wisdom of an adult. Because they are children.
There was a time when the adults were in charge of schools. More and more it seems the children are in charge. They are “free.” They’ve got the ACLU to ensure they stay free – accountability-free, discipline-free, guilt-free, control-free, conscience-free, consequence-free.
I do not intend to abdicate my parental responsibility to my children for the latest hip political philosophy, nor for political “correctness.” House Bill 1307 is correct concerning college students. It is a left-wing political crock concerning high school students. And, no, I’m not a right-winger. I believe in balance in life and politics. I’m a parent who takes an active role in my children’s emotional, social and mental welfare.
John Smith
Snohomish
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