Weekly: 5 Random Thoughts

We all have an opinion on things.  Some say that I have strong opinions on things, and to me, that's not a bad thing.  I love hearing people's opinions on things, whether good or bad.  I've found it starts some very awesome and educational conversations.  I'm going to start a weekly blog called "5 Random Thoughts."  It'll be something fun to talk about...we all can't be serious all the time, can we???




1.)  Why is the world so fascinated with Prince William and Princess Kate (or all the royals, for that matter!)?  Princess Kate is having a baby...so what?  I have friends that are pregnant as well, but they aren't on the cover of "People" or "US Weekly."  The royals have absolutely no political pull in that country any more.  In my eyes they are just a very wealthy family that actually does some good with their fame.  I guess it's nice to see the good they do, but I really don't need to know when and how they used the bathroom.





2.)  If you know me at all, you know I love music.  Mainly country and 80's, but I appreciate good music.  Today on "Ellen," (cue the jokes!) Justin Timberlake was her guest.  I have to say, for not being a big fan of his music in the past, he is super talented.  He also seems like a nice guy.  I guess he's worth rooting for!






 3.)  Speaking of music, what is the hype with Justin Bieber?  I've heard a few of his songs, and I think we all see too much of him, but where is the talent?  He seems like a punk kid who has too much money!  His music isn't even that good, yet people flock to his shows.  When he does open his mouth, he sounds like an idiot, and should any of be forced to see his underwear on a regular basis?  I'd like to buy him a belt.





4.)  I wonder if Courtney Finley will be on that Packer Wives show on Fox 11 this next season.  If you haven't heard, the truth about Jermichael Finley seemed to have come out this past weekend when one of his mistresses tweeted about their affair.  Sounds like multiple babies with multiple women, possibly some while being married.  I have some insider information stating that majority of the accusations are true, and that multiple people may have been witness to a lot of the "stuff!"  Chalk another one up for J-Mike!  Classy role-model in our community!



 5.)  Finally, why can't we all just get a long?  It seems that as of late, whether due to politics, religion, or just plain old ego, people just seem to tick each other off.  I'm getting sick of people fighting about stuff.  Why can't we just agree to disagree on things, grab a beer, and watch a game?  That's what is supposed to make this country great!  It really makes me sad, and I can only hope and pray that our differences will be mended by even bigger common things!





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Bullies Suck

I finally took some time to read a bit about the father in Kaukauna that posted a Facebook picture with his son displaying an anti-bullying sign.  His son, a 6th grader at River View Middle School, had his shoes taken from him by two boys, and then lifted over another student's head.  He was then body slammed on a wrestling mat three times.  The boy had a sore back and neck, but was not seriously hurt.  The school said that the police school liason officer interviewed 11 students and teacher, but determined that no crime was committed.  I don't want to comment on that aspect because I don't know the entire story.  However, something must have occurred!

Recently, a friend of mine posted a status on Facebook about how her son, who has a disability, was bullied at a local school.  Someone pushed him off a chair, called him the "R-word," and then began to cry.  He was then yelled at for crying.  Other students went to report it to the school office, but my friend was never told about the incident!  Come to find out, it wasn't the first time something had happened to her son.  Eventually, the mother of the bully called her to apologize and talk, and the bully wrote the boy an apology letter.  Some closure, but to me, no where near enough!

Another friend of mine recently began home-schooling her daughter because of how much she's been bullied.

THIS MAKES ME SICK!  How on God's great earth can this sort of stuff keep happening?  How can SOME (not all!) school administrators, teachers, and other students turn their heads and not do anything?  Why does ANYONE deserve to be treated like that and not be stuck up for???  Something needs to be done with this.  I remember throughout school that there were kids that were picked on--it even happened to me early on in grade school.  It makes me wonder if I was ever the one doing the teasing.  If I did, I sincerely apologize to anyone that I did that too.  I know it's cliche, but it's these types of injustices that made me want to become a police officer, and I look forward to helping these victims get some sort of justice.

So, what can we do as a society to help and prevent this type of stuff from happening?  I am leaning towards supporting the proposed bill by a state lawmaker to penalize school officials and teachers if they find out they've ignored bullying--it's a start!  I know some of my teacher friends don't agree with that, but to me it's a start to the broader discussion.  It's no different if I neglect to report abuse that I hear about--both with my role as a law enforcement officer, as well as my role as a religion teacher at my church.  I know the problem comes down to how to enforce the issue, but I think something has to be done to hold the ADULTS in these situations more accountable.  If someone fails to report something (ie. Joe Paterno), they are JUST AS GUILTY as the kids doing the bullying.  I know it's hard to "trust" our system, but something has to give. 

Here is the link to the Post-Crecent story about the Kaukauna man and his son:  http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20130328/APC0101/303280304/Father-s-Facebook-post-prompts-Kaukauna-schools-investigate-bullying-story-video-

It's worth a read.  I sincerely hope and pray that this stuff can have attention drawn to it VERY SOON in order to make this problem go away.  Until then, treat each other with respect...please.

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Where is Spring???

By: Dave Vander Bloomen

So, where is Spring?  I keep telling people that this time of year I can't wait until the warmth of Summer.  I can guarantee I'll be the first person to complain when it's 100 and humid...wishing for January!

Stupid ground-hog...

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