Double standards have just got to stop!

This morning I was skimming through Facebook and came across a story which peeked my interest. A young girl in school was wearing a long dress with a halter top. The top of the dress (pictured above) left the girl's shoulders and back bare. Folks, I am the father of two women which means they were once young girls. I have a small granddaughter. I am conservative in my beliefs but, I find nothing wrong with this young woman's attire!

She was told that her clothing caused a "sexual distraction" for the male students. Eventually, she was sent home. I take issue with this attitude on many levels.

I would like to say at the outset that I believe that this is an appropriate topic for discussion on Memorial Day since Freedom is why those we remember today died.

On to my reasons for ire of this school's policy.

1. Is the school concerned that the girl will be attacked by some sex starved young male? I find this hard to believe. I would think that rather than this young woman's clothing being a sexual distraction to any male student, the problem lies firmly in the office of the administrator who took action against the student. The Vice Principle was sending a clear message to the parent of this young woman and the woman herself that she does not approve of the clothing (or could it be the body art which is so prominently on display?). Either way, as a parent I would be insulted. The student in question was indeed exercising her right of free expression.

As for the sexual component. In a note to the Vice Principle, the student pointed out that if her attire was in fact a "sexual" distraction to the male students, should not action be taken to teach those male students self control? On Target, young lady! Exactly the correct point.

Males can wear almost anything they want and it is considered just fine. If a woman shows a little skin or wears "to much" make-up, all of a sudden she is a sexual distraction? It's no wonder sexual assault is such a huge problem in society.

Have we gone back to the 1980's when rapists could get off at trial because the poor victim was dress provocatively?

How about we teach these "sexually distracted" males a little self control and maybe some consequences. Some good old fashioned manners would be a good place to start. I'll teach the class. FOR FREE!

Just let one "distracted" male make a comment or gesture in my presence. Let me hear about it. I can promise you, it will be the last time he will be "sexually distracted" for a very long time.

I have always maintained that people should be able to wear whatever they feel comfortable wearing. It is up to the rest of us to deal with it. We, as  civilized people adjust to new styles of dress. It's that simple. There's nothing new about a halter top, by the way.

I found this young woman's dress to be completely appropriate for the activity in which she was engaged. Because an administrator decided to exercise power is no reason to stifle a student's right to dress as she pleases.

Some reading this may argue that there may be a dress code. Dress codes in the public schools have been routinely found by the courts to be unconstitutional.

It is my hope that young women continue to push the boundaries to assert their rights.  Those who died for our freedoms; remembered this day, would expect no less.

As always...

Memorial Day 2015

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day.

Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead.**

Over the years, this very special holiday has become a day of family and cook-outs. A very fitting way to celebrate and remember those who have made the supreme sacrifice for their fellow citizen's freedom. We must always remember that it is because of the sacrifices of just a small few that we remain free today.

Today, there are many more Veterans than in years past. The "Peace Dividend" that we were supposed to see with the ending of the "Cold War" has yet to come to fruition. This is exactly why Memorial Day is so very important in this age.

By it's very nature, military service is dangerous. It matters not which branch one has served in, death lays in wait not far away. The Nation is still embroiled in armed conflicts around the world. There is, despite our best intentions, no real end in sight. Until mankind learns to solve it's differences in a civilized manner, the ranks of those we remember and honor during Memorial Day will continue to swell.

The saddest part of the conflicts we seem to be embroiled in today is that they are about ideology. Which spiritual belief is more PEACEFUL! How ironic that after thousands of years, man continues to kill his fellows over which God is true. All while they chant that they act in the name of peace.

I am well acquainted, as are most of you; with those who have died in the service of our great nation. Their commitment to the idea of America can never be overstated. 

I wish you all a relaxing and happy day with your families. Enjoy the spirited conversation, the fine food and fun. Remember who paid to make it all possible. 

As always...

**From WWW.MemorialDay.org

Don't take life's gifts for granted.

Followers of my Facebook page will already know of the passing of my younger brother, Phil. At 54 years old, we can all agree that he was to young to die.

It would seem that he had undiagnosed diabetes and after developing a wound to his foot, as often happens to diabetics; the wound developed an infection and Phil became septic. after almost 2 weeks in the hospital he succumbed to the massive infection. My younger brother leaves behind a beautiful 14 year old daughter.

A tragic story indeed. But, is that the real story? I submit that the reasons for my brother's premature passing go much deeper than a systemic infection. My brother, like so many others; took life for granted. The gifts he had been given were taken at simply face value and so he did not take care of himself thus, taking care of those gifts.

You see, we are all diminished by the premature death of family and friends when that death can easily be prevented. My brother did not take care of his health and we, the survivors are left to pick up the pieces and clean up the mess.

His passing is difficult for all of his friends and family but it will be most difficult for his young daughter. At 14, she is at the age where she really needs her father's guidance most. Instead, all she will have are memories and a space where her Dad should have been.

You can see by the picture that my brother had a great smile. To go with that smile, he had a quick sense of humor and a sharp intellect.   He taught himself to play guitar and was in a band. He loved history and would read constantly. His coworkers were amazed at the voluminous knowledge Phil seemed to have on nearly every subject. he was a product of our father's household. We were told to learn as much about everything as possible. 

I will miss my brother. 

But, I have said many times that everything is a training opportunity. This tragic death is no exception. Phil died because he did not pay attention to his health. We all must constantly pay attention to our health. Make a good faith effort to follow the common sense instructions of our doctors. Eat a healthier diet. Include lots of green leafy veggies in that diet.

For goodness sake, don't wait until you are laid out on the floor, unable to move before you go to a doctor. All this advice seems silly. It's all common sense. But, if my brother had followed these simple rules he most likely would be alive today. That is the shame of it.

This death was entirely preventable. I can say this with authority because I too am diabetic. I control my blood sugar and check it several times a day. I visit the doctor as request. I've learned some innovative ways to cook vegetables and they are very good!

So, the training lesson for today is simple. Don't take life for granted. Cherish it. Take good care of it.

Phil rests now. I know we will meet again.

As always...