Peace kids harassed at school

[annm4peace]

When I read the story below of these students asking for peace... and then being attacked for it.
It would make me smile because of a peace activist I have learned:

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

These kids are close to winning.


Published on Wednesday, November 21, 2007 by
Orlando Local 6 News (Florida)
http://www.local6.com/news/14650138/detail.html

Students Wear Confederate Flag Shirts To Oppose Peace-Shirt Group



COCOA BEACH, Fla. - Students at Cocoa Beach
Jr./Sr. High School are waging a war on
peace.Recently, sophomore Skylar Stains decided
to hold Peace Shirt Thursdays at the school.
Skylar and her friend, Lauren Lorraine, started
wearing peace shirts and soon recruited more
friends to wear them. Now, the "Peace Shirt
Coalition" as they call themselves, has close to
30 students from all grades.

"We've worn handmade peace shirts every Thursday
since the first week of school, without fail,"
Skylar said.

But what started out as a light-hearted gesture
soon started to be taken out of context.

Students started approaching the group members,
yelling obscene things at them, said Lauren.

"People just turned on us like that," she said.
"At least 10 boys stood up and yelled things at
me at once, and we couldn't even walk through the
halls without a harsh comment being made."

The heckling began early in the school year,
according to group members. They said they were
putting small posters promoting peace on friends'
lockers with their permission.

They thought it was OK, because the cheerleaders
and football players had signs on theirs.
Eventually, though, group members said they were
told by the school's administration they could no
longer hang up the posters.

"People tore them down and drew swastikas and
'white power' stuff on them," Lauren said.

Skylar had similar things written on her posters.

"Someone taped an 'I Love Bush' sign over my
'Wage Peace' sign," she said. "So I tore it down,
threw it away, and the whole commons starting
booing. I walk by later and find that someone has
completely tore my sign down and placed an 'I
Love America, Because America Loves War' sign up."

Lori Masterson, assistant principal at Cocoa
Beach Jr./Sr. High, said by law, the
administration cannot discuss specific discipline
dispositions for students but that the school
works with teachers and coaches to make sure all
students on campus are safe and treated fairly.

She said all students have the opportunity to
form clubs and organizations on campus, but those
wishing to do so must identify a sponsor and
bring their written proposal to the principal
outlining what the proposed group's purpose and
goals are.

"As of this writing, to my knowledge, no one has
submitted a written proposal with an identified
sponsor for a peace club," Masterson said in an
e-mailed statement.

But peace group members said they have submitted
a written proposal and had a written sponsor, but
they were recently turned down.

Skylar and Lauren said that despite the backlash,
the T-shirts and posters originally had nothing
to do with politics, but the outburst from
opposing groups have turned it into a political
issue.

"People just kept putting words into our mouths,
like we said this or that about current
politics," Lauren said. "But we didn't say
anything."

Soon, a second group started to wear Confederate
flag shirts to oppose the peace group, Skylar
said. She saw shirts with sayings such as "This
is America, get used to it," and "If peace is the
answer; it must be a stupid question."

"Now there are even 'support our troops' kids who
don't like us because I guess they think you
can't say peace and support the troops at the
same time," Lauren said.

Skylar later passed out yellow ribbons for her
group to wear to show they support the troops as
well as peace.

However, Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High sophomores
Lydia Pace and Joseph Marianetti said the
Confederate shirts they wear express support for
the troops in Iraq, and nothing more. Joseph said
the shirts have nothing to do with racism.

"Someone took something that stood for peace and
twisted it" in regards to the swastikas (drawn by
a third group) and the Confederate flag, he said.

The harassment at school seems to have died down
a bit, but the war still rages on MySpace.
According to Skylar, Lauren and Cocoa Beach
Jr./Sr. High sophomore Cheyenne Riley, threats
and harsh comments have been posted on their
pages.

On John Lennon's birthday, the group held an
honorary Peace Shirt day and was confronted even
more than usual, eventually causing some group
members, including Cheyenne, to break down in
tears.

The peace group members say their shirts continue
to draw negative comments from some students, but
point out that other school groups don't receive
similar treatment.

"Since peace is causing other problems, the peace
kids are being punished," Skylar said.

Visit the Peace T-shirt page http://www.myspace.com/cbpeace.

(c) Copyright 2007 by Internet Broadcasting Systems and Local6.com.

:woohoo: :applause: :woohoo:

[rockymountaindem]

1. If that's the way the pro-war kids are behaving

I wonder what their parents are thinking.

[tom_paine]

5. "Show them Lie-berals what for!"

That what most're fucking thinking.

"Seig Heil, Baby!" is what most are thinking, but their minds won't let them connect the dots to it, for it would induce Doublethink meltdown.

They're thinking what Hannity and Coulter and Limpballs tell them to think. Nothing more and nothing less.

The New Totalitarianism stalks America and Americans. It is primed and programmed and ready to strike, coiled like the evil snake it is. The drones are howling and thirsty for blood, straining at their leashes

I am tired of mincing fucking words about this, it grows clearer by the day. These people are but a tiny push away from hurting people KKK-style. And the people above them, most of their Bushie Parents and the Bushie CCC Leaders are right down with them. The madness runs all the way to the top straight from their pop-tip skulls from Sean Hannity's lips andthe evil bowels of the Bushie Propaganda Machines.

The ONLY question remaining is how bad? How bad will this thing get before it gets better Their is now ay of knowing and quite frankly, with the sociopathic, pruposely driven-insane Bushie Followers now everywhere, there is simply no bottom to the atrocities they would perform with the tiniest permission from those in authority.

Believe it. It's coming.

These children are the Right-Wing Death Squads of the Future. Once they get "permission from authority", stuff like this will get worst.

After the next "terrorist" attack (God Forbid), they will begin to get their "permission".

This is an ugly signpost, and likely being replicated in thousands of high-schools incubating Nazi Killers.

You think I am exaggerating? better hope I am. Clear signposts. Read Naomi Wolf. Click on my YouTube link to see her lecture.

Bushies will not lack willing executioners, if this article is any indication.

Before the storm, a few drops of rain patter quietly to Earth. This is one of those raindrops.

[Greyhound]

19. Remember, this is Florida.

A state that elected Jeb as many times as the law allowed, "boasts" the Redneck Riviera, gave us the coup of 2000, protects convicted felons and them to keep their ill gotten gains, etc.

[madeline_con]

39. And you're from Perfect, I presume. n/t

[Greyhound]

46. Certainly not perfect, but much closer than that place. n/t

[Selatius]

2. We're pretty effective at teaching our kids hate.

This is evident in the persecution of this small band of students with a simple message.

There will be more Dick Cheneys and George W Bushes in the future.

[JDPriestly]

3. How can anyone oppose peace?

After all, Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and the Christmas wish is Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All. What is wrong with these kids in Florida?

[Djinn]

13. agree that opposing peace seems odd

unless of course you stand to make a motza from war, and there's a lot of them around.

Don't know that invoking Jesus is the way to promote peace though - plenty of instances in the New Testament where Jesus has advocated violence and given Jesus and God are one in the same according to theology then Jesus is also responsible for the blood, war, slavery and rape soaked old testament.
I'd be looking for a better example.

[lvx35]

20. Its easy to oppose peace.

A peaceful person is the one least likely to punish you for opposing them...All it takes is deep child-like cowardice, that's all.

[DangerDave921]

30. Oppose Peace?

I don't oppose peace. That would be plain silly. But I also believe that the advocating of peace thru t-shirts and John Lennon quotes is a childish and naive belief. Which makes it perfect for kids actually. But as an adult, there are unavoidable real-world elements that conspire to upset peace - be it criminals or dictators or terrorists.

These kids should absolutely not be harrassed. But they should be encouraged to deal with the reality of the world, and not believe that a simple t-shirt and mantra will solve the world's problems.

[JDPriestly]

44. I recommend the book on Non-Violent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg

We can live in peace. Peaceful living arises from peaceful communication. Peaceful communication occurs when we personally take responsibility for our needs, the feelings we have when our needs are not met and for expressing our needs in non-violent ways. We can develop the habit of communicating and living peacefully in our personal lives. Peace is contagious. Taking responsibility for our needs is also contagious and it spreads peace. I believe that we can spread peace by communicating peacefully.

[DangerDave921]

45. i mostly agree

Yes, for those who want peace, it is achievable. But when the outside rogue element enters the picture, it changes the landscape. For example, my family and neighborood may be very peaceful. But then an armed robber or rapist tries to break into my home. Poof -- peace is gone through no fault of my own. And then confrontation is necessary.

And the same is true on the larger scale. Didn't matter how peaceful the Jews were; Hitler was a threat to their peace. Everyone must share in the desire to have peace before it can be achieved. And unfortunately, not everyone wants peace.

[madeline_con]

4. There is a lot of bullying being tolerated in Brevard County.

It's a shame. Apparently, despite the "No Bullying" policy, some administrators tolerate more than others.

I was amazed at the responses in the kid's journals about it when the teacher prompted them to write about how safe they felt at school.

I moved my son to another school because of it. He's a different kid now. :)

[southerncrone]

6. Peace Shirt Coalition meet NextGen Compassionate Conservatives

:crazy:
This just goes to show how vicious & aggressive the Warmongers are. Think they must squash anything or anyone that isn't EXACTLY like them. I notice that it's all girls in the picture. This is bullying, plain and simple. They should request intervention from administration; it's the law.

Super sad.

[silverweb]

12. Actually, it's not all girls.

Top left, you've got two boys, Michael and Connor, though it's a little hard to tell by their unisex clothing, Michael's shades, and Connor's longish hair.

Who said all the flower children were "graying"??? These are our heirs in spirit! :loveya:

[southerncrone]

14. My apologies to Michael & Conner!

Didn't see the names under the pic initially.

I raised 2 flower children myself. It is a rocky road they travel. Mine are both in college now, but it's still a rough road. There is so much more hate in the world today than back "in the day" when we were the flower children.

May the force be with the Peace Shirt Coalition and may they continue to stand strong. :yourock:

[silverweb]

17. Mine are both in college now, too.

^5 to another "old hippie" mom! :D

May all of our peace-loving offspring stay brave and strong, and may they prevail against hate, war, and destruction.

[TahitiNut]

16. They must be the smartest two guys in the school.

:silly:

[silverweb]

18. By the numbers, definitely!

:D

[silverweb]

7. Now THAT is courage!

Bravo to these very brave young people!

If you have a MySpace page, add them as friends and leave them an encouraging message!

:applause:

[tom_paine]

8. Agreed. That is good old fashion American Patriotism in the face of Bushie evil.

Notice the Lil' Bushies drew swastikas and White Power. NOT a coincidence.

You are correct, God Bless those young people. They carry a torch of light in a darkening Bushie World.

[silverweb]

10. No coincidence at all.

Racism and fascism are highly characteristic of the Bushies, along with every other kind of hatred and intolerance.

This paragraph is particularly telling:

"Someone taped an 'I Love Bush' sign over my 'Wage Peace' sign," she said. "So I tore it down, threw it away, and the whole commons starting booing. I walk by later and find that someone has completely tore my sign down and placed an 'I Love America, Because America Loves War' sign up."

_{(bolding mine)}

On Edit: I wonder if the jackass who put up the "America Loves War" sign is intending to enlist after graduation? Betcha there's no way!

Send words and thoughts of encouragement and strength to the _Peace Shirt Coalition_!

[NMMNG]

9. So revolting

But not surprising, sadly.

[jmm]

11. What better way to support our nation is there than to

wear a flag that at best represents states that tried to break away from it :eyes:.

[Azathoth]

15. 'I Love America, Because America Loves War'

Pretty much says it all.

[symbolman]

21. Someone should suggest to thses brave little Peaceniks

That they all carry a pad of enlistments papers with them, some promise to Enlist, and hand them out as needed to these fucking Coward Bullys..

Good for these kids, how do we let them know that a 100,000 of us have their backs :)

[silverweb]

22. I sent them a link to this thread...

:)

[Diamond Dave]

23. I have a couple of ideas .......

This is Diamond D's wife here. I had the pleasure of dining (along with several hundred others) with Anne Wright this evening. I can't wait till I can call her this morning at a decent hour to put a bug in her ear about this. I'm sure she will have an idea or two

There is a Vet for Peace member who lives (home base) in Florida and was one of the soldiers in the Winter Soldier documentary - we need to reach him. There is an elder DU'er here in Florida that has a t-shirt place - she sent some beautiful shirts to Cindy in August of 2005 - "hands holding a rose", is she still here?

Call Michael McPherson at Vets for Peace hdqtrs in St. Louis, talk with him or try to reach Elliott Adams. Michael would love to hear about this, I'm sure.

Get in touch with IVAW - they would love this. Maybe they would like to send this bunch of kids some of their "I support the IVAW" shirts, better yet, maybe the bus they tour the country in will be blowing through Florida soon. I'd start at the top with Geoff. Wouldn't that be fun for to have a group of the IVAW guys & gals to pull up in their bus to show these very smart, sharp kids their support? (This coalition might be even more thrilled than if the "C-SPAN" bus came to their high school.)

Oh yes, I almost forgot - get an address and let's have some fun. Send them 2, 3, 10, or 30+ shirts of our favorites T's (whatever you can afford). All t's that anyone feels like sending them should be as tasteful as possible, not political, just promoting peace and justice. (of course I'm sure we could get David and Barbara @ Downing Street to send them all the IMPEACH BUSH shirts they want if they just promise not to wear them to school - especially in Florida).

Call the school. Show them support. All of us elder "hippies", it is time to step up. We've been waiting for them, they are here, more each day, we need to show these kids we really do have their backs!! We need to show them a "whole lot of love"! Let us not make it be contentious unless absolutely necessary, save the ACLU and attorneys for last resort.


Peace

Calling Code Pink..................(Anne will be a good source in taking care of that angle)

[GliderGuider]

29. Right on!

I'm GG's partner. Greetings to all DU spouses (spice?).

When you said "We've been waiting for them, they are here, more each day, we need to show these kids we really do have their backs!!" I grinned like a silly fool.
These are my kids, too. I don't know what's happening, but it's palpable. Are they Indigo children, Rainbow children, and Crystal children? Have they been jerked around since Kindergarten and refuse to take that crap anymore?

My eldest is a storyteller. She makes movies.
My middle one goes on volunteer expeditions across the country and the world.
My youngest is more sensitive and has more empathy than any other person I've ever heard of.
And their friends are the same. They're engaged in society. They want to change things and they're still invincible.

Cheer them on. And look out!

[Diamond Dave]

42. YOUR KIDS are Great!

It must be the their upbringing!

This is DDave.
Ms./Mr. GG, you need to ask them to post here. We need to hear what you're hearing from them. Give me Child #1 first, the storyteller.
It is the rarest element, the fresh view from a child's eyes. Not just that they "get it", but want to perfect it. That, THAT, is what's missing around here. Not jaded, cynical me-too's, but hope. Hope, that they're gonna right this ship and sail us out of the dragon's mouth.

I want more than to sponsor these kids, like Madeline says downthread; I want DU to ask for them... to... post.
I would LOOOOVE to read their blogs!

DU needs to reach out to our ambassadors of the future.

[silverweb]

34. Thanks for all the great ideas!

I have messaged them again via MySpace to bring their attention especially to your post. :hi:

[Diamond Dave]

43. Instead of enlistment pads

maybe we could win 'em over with compassion and info.
For a Top 10 List of Don't Enlist, go here ====>> http://mindprod.com/politics/iraqdontenlist.html

[Diamond Dave]

24. Since I can not recommend a thread yet, I hope by posting this will

rise back up to the top soon. These kids need some DU love and support.

[LWolf]

25. I am appalled.

Not surprised though, since the majority "American" culture glories in gang-mentality and bullying.

[Echo In Light]

26. That's what our system yields: garbage in, garbage out

Kudos to these brave young women though! Such early experiences as this will shape their entire lives.

[Diamond Dave]

27. Kicking up to the top for all early morning DU'ers, have a cup of joe

and I hope that we all can get busy and throw some support to these kids. I've watched DU make some amazing things happen, I'd really like to see something special happen for these young patriots (& potential DU'ers).

:kick:

[AspenRose]

28. Huh?

"However, Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High sophomores Lydia Pace and Joseph Marianetti said the Confederate shirts they wear express support for
the troops in Iraq, and nothing more."

Since when is a symbol of treason a symbol of supporting the troops? :crazy: Yeah, that makes a lot of sense :eyes:

Good for the Peace kids.

[Echo In Light]

31. Within the Orwellian, parallel universe reality Amurika, ignorance is rewarded and given credence...

Ya know, you've heard about that exalted right-wing "discipline?" That's it. What's so frightening about the authoritarian retards in this country - and their children, apparently - is how they embody this particular pathology to the nth degree without being remotely aware of what it actually is, represents, stands for, etc

[silverweb]

32. Morning kick....

:kick:

[Dukkha]

33. Confederate flag shirts?

only in gold old Florida! :eyes:

Nice to see our public education system working as usual. At least the smart peace kids manage to not fall through the gaping wide cracks in the education system.. Peace is the answer to a stupid war supported by stupid amurkins

[madeline_con]

35. Absolutely NOT true.

Florida is not the only place people wear confederate flag t-shirts.

[book_worm]

36. confederate flag shirts? how patriotic is that?

[madeline_con]

38. The local redneck kids can be pretty stoopid. n/t

[madeline_con]

37. DU should sponsor this group!

:woohoo:

[book_worm]

40. I wonder how many of the pro-war kids will join the military when they graduate?

[BulletproofLandshark]

41. Don't those freeper kids realize the Confederates were traitors?

[uppityperson]

47. kick for brave kids.

[davsand]

48. Bravery, IMO, is standing up when you are being told to sit down and be quiet.

These kids are so very brave to keep on doing what they think is right in the face of ugliness. Thoughtful dissidence isn't easy, and often times is downright painful, but it is the foundation of this nation and all our accomplishment.

I do hope those kids have adults around them who support and appreciate them.

:hug:


Laura

[derby378]

49. YELLOW ribbons? Excuse me?

I appreciate these kids standing up, but when they started breaking out the yellow ribbons, the anti-peace bunch could pretty much declare victory. The yellow ribbon has been thoroughly politicized to mean that not only do you support the troops, but you also support the White House idiots who put them in Iraq in the first place.

[RedCappedBandit]

50. "I love america because america loves war"

wow.. :wtf: