Lexington C.A.R.E.S.Following the rally and counter-rally in Lexington Center on Tuesday, Sept. 6, people from both sides were interviewed by the TV news media. I happened to walk by just after Neil Tassel, one of David Parker's lawyers, began his interview. Mr. Tassel made a number of comments and comparisons which I found to be inaccurate and unkind.
The saddest part for me, though, was watching one child standing near me, who is maybe 7 or so years old, hearing Mr. Parker's lawyer talk about how this child's family (or maybe the families of some of his friends) is not as good as others. He looked up at his parents, and at everyone around him supporting our schools and families, wondering how someone could say the sort of things that he was hearing. After a few minutes, when he was literally on the verge of tears, he asked his parents if he could go stand a little further away, and went.
We know what happens when children are given the message that their family or the family of their peers is not equal to other families. It hurts all the children by creating a gap between those whose parents have opposing viewpoints. What Mr. Parker is asking of our schools would portray, to every student in the classroom, some families as being superior to others.
To consistently give the message to children that not all the families represented in their classroom are adequate does a disservice to everyone.
That's what this issue boils down to: how adults not supportive of all families affect kids. I saw firsthand how the attitudes of folks like Mr. Parker would, and already do to an extent, affect all children in the schools, and it's simply disheartening. That someone can witness what I saw of that child's experience (or picture the same messages coming in an unspoken, constant way directly from a child's friends and classmates) and still be in favor of what Mr. Parker has unfairly and offensively demanded simply leaves me wondering - and very sad.
Eric Eid-Reiner
Russell Road
It's a new school year! I'm excited watching the children and being part of a dynamic school community. I'm also appalled by some who seem to lack heart and distort things for pure derision. Bowman just had its fall festival, a fabulous, community building event. Rather than spreading lies and hate, why not help our youngsters get ready for school or teach them the value of a diverse community. I keep wondering where their comments cross the line of slander and libel. The real disease and shame here is homophobia and bigotry. Some people don't seem to get that David Parker was arrested for trespassing because he refused to leave the school three hours after school dismissal and because he refused to stop bullying Joni Jay and other staff.
In 2001, the 9/11 tragedy shocked us all. In 2003 my heart broke again for the children in Chechnya. This year, our hearts go out to the people in the Gulf states devastated by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. In Lexington, a parent of three beautiful daughters, a woman who was a wonderful part of our community, died unexpectedly. I wish we as a community could help this grieving family or any family in Lexington who faces such adversity. I get so angry when I see ridiculous issues that get media coverage, deplete our town's resources, divide us and waste our time.
A cherished leader in Lexington, who worked for racial equality, humanity and civil rights for all was an Estabrook parent. She was a great unifier and an inspiring mother who unfortunately died of cancer. Another incredible, beloved leader, Rabbi Yales sought to welcome everyone and foster unity and harmony. We should band together to help all our children to be compassionate citizens, help them with their deepest grief and angst.
Lexington has a "level 3" sex offender and at least five "level 2" sex offenders, yet we're supposed to respect these people and their rights. Even in Lexington, children have been the victims of such heinous crimes or abuse. Why aren't we banding together to prevent that, to keep our children safe from real threats, to help them heal. David Parker may be thinking of suing Lexington Public schools. What a pathetic use of our school budget! Who needs reading resources, METCO, and other important programs that foster health and well being in our children?
Sherry Brodner
Trodden Path