it's sad, unbelievable actually...glad my kids were able to enjoy the freedoms that are slowly being taken away today

How is canceling a candy-fest during school hours "removing all traces of our traditions"? Take a breath. It will be OK.

Its the fact that we are supposed to abandon our longstanding traditions for the sake of those who came here to join our culture.

Who is offending Americans? propaganda at it's best. My child goes to one of the public school's here in Malden, and the complaints I heard from other parents (who were not culturally diverse) were that they could not "afford" to celebrate this day because of their economic status and/or that they did not want their child to feel bad if they did not get a valentine/flower/etc. - I think this fear-mongering is ridiculous. People need to think for themselves and stop regurgitating the information they receive from the little black box in their living room. No one is trying to take away anyone's traditions. Many people don't even know what their traditions even are or, of more importance, where they even Came from?? When people begin to understand their own religion/traditions, then is when they should make comments about what they think about anothers'. Ignorance is not bliss.

Thank you, Liss, I totally agree. People have latched on to this Valentine's thing as a way to complain about immigrants. I am very proud of the diversity in our city and it has very little to do with why the kids didn't get Valentine's. And to hold up Valentine's as some rich, meaningful tradition that we must cling to - hilarious, in my view. It's candy. Get over it.

Diana, have you had to explain to your child why they weren't allowed to participate in an event that they had previously been able to do because there is too much diversity? This is a smaller issue in a big picture of the negative changes that are affecting how our children are living their childhood in the school setting. All traces of the American culture are being removed. Saying that we have very little to do is ignorant, this has to do with our children and the community that we are raising those children in. I'm sure anyone that has a child would agree that their happiness and well being is what matters in life. If people are chosing to move to this country, then they need to accept the traditions that we celebrate. If they chose not to participate, that is their right, but don't take it away from everyone else.

I couldn't agree with Katie's reply more.
Diana,
Scott's blog hits on the point beautifully. That this slippery slope of changing holidays, cultural events one by one, will soon bring us down a steep cliff into a pit of politically correct blandness. No passion, no culture, no traditions. An incredibly boring life with, as you put it, truly nothing to do.
If people like Scott Saia, Katie Bowdridge and Kelly Ilebode don't take the time to voice their conerns over these "inconsequential" issues and stand up for them, then I fear, Americana as we know it will be lost. You may think it silly to think that disallowing Valentine's day and birthday celebrations at school could ever lead to the sterilization of American culture, but if we let these inconsequential issues mound up one by one, it will become a insurmountable mountain to overcome and flatten back.

I've already raised a happy, well adjusted person. Part of that was teaching her to roll with the punches, accept that it's not always about her, have a little perspective, and not whine, because whining isn't cute.

I'd be horrified to have raised a kid who perceives not exchanging valentines at schools as some Great Injustice.

Diana this very well written letter, I only wish I had the ability to write was written about citizens and leaders that think like you. Don't be so dismissive and sure of yourself. You should consider that you do not understand, still yet what people are upset about. If all you got out of this letter was this response of your's today, you need to reevaluate your inability, respect for the feelings of your neighbors and realize, you just don't understand the message. I respect your opinion but wholly disagree with your cynical dismissive attitude and arrogance. When you try to make light of very strong community feelings, you only become part of the problem not the solution.There is more to this issue than meets the eye. I challenge you, to write a proper response to Mr. Saia's letter and message, that would make your point a little more salient. I doubt that you could. It's easy to snipe, not so easy to clarify your feelings the way that he did. Bravo Mr. Saia, thanks for putting into context what many of us were feeling.

Well said, Diana.

Pietro, I am confused why you see schools as the agent of cultural indoctrination. Schools are for learning. I would hope that parents teach their kids about the various holidays that are pertinent to their religion and upbringing and do not depend on the teachers to do so - that could result in some more unfortunate misunderstandings.

diana,maybe some of us take holidays and special days like valentines day as a family or american tradition to celebrate,and maybe you do not.does that make us inconsequential,or hilarious as you say,because we do not believe like you.typical liberal behavior,if the person does not agree or think as you do,then demean them by calling them names such as recreational outrage,or inconsequential. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY Diane

"Town full of people who have very little to do"? I don't know what you're reading. Clearly, Diana, you never got a Valentine card, EVER!

"typical liberal behavior,if the person does not agree or think as you do,then demean them by calling them names"

This irony is delicious. Aren't you the guy who calls everyone who disagrees with you a bleeding heart liberal?

Oh, I understand perfectly well that the "issue" really is. I just think it's hilarious to get all het up insisting that Valentine's Day is some grand American tradition. I guess that they didn't get all the "War on [our white Christian nation]" crap out of their systems at Christmas.

This is what's puzzling me about this uproar. All we are, are the Americans who have lived here longer. And what are we losing by having new Americans in the school? Nothing - in fact we are gaining a tremendous amount. There are many reasons for canceling Valentines. No candy is allowed in the schools for one thing, and the cost is prohibitive for many parents. I am curious why so many have zeroed in on immigrants as the focus of blame. White, Christian culture is the dominant culture, and yet it seems always to feel threatened. Valentine's Day is not even a particularly "American" holiday. I'm sure the candy-fest has been a huge headache for the teachers going on decades now.

Even more puzzling is the notion that immigrants who have become legal American citizens seem to not really be citizens at all, in the eyes of some - just based on what I've read so far.

Exactly Diana, Hmaz, & Mike G. This is more about a "holiday" celebration. It seems some people are looking for a reason to vent their biased anger. What's amazing to me is that people claim a tradition/holiday to be their own (in terms of religion), but really do not even know it's roots. The roots of Valentine's day are a combination of different past events. One example is the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration commemorated annually on February 15. Pope Gelasius I recast this "pagan festival" as a Christian feast day circa 496, declaring February 14 to be St. Valentine's Day.
Also, this holiday was named St. Valentine after different martyrs named Valentine, who were supposedly martyred on Feb. 14th. It later on became a festival of love, hence, the perfect hallmark holiday. Many people don't even realize, especially the ones that claim religious prejudice, that many of these traditions are PAGAN in root. Yet, scream fire at any chance to unleash pent-up hatred for "the others."

It's kind of funny that Valentine's Day is being called an "American tradition" when it's celebrated worldwide.

Americans definitely spend more per capita on Valentine's Day than any country in the world, but that doesn't make it "ours".

Just sayin'... :)

Liss, I was talking to a friend of mine last night (who is Wicca) and he explained to me the pagan roots of Valentine's. I didn't know about it before! Thanks for enlightening this crew, although, to be honest I don't know whether it will sink in :)

I commend you on keeping your civility Scott. The majority get the intent of your article.

I agree. Let children be children, and stop using them as bludgeons in your political battles. There's no reason on earth that they need to celebrate any particular holiday IN SCHOOL except that you want to ensure the cultural enshrinement of your chosen holidays.

Sure, and I'm not saying that they SHOULDN'T have Valentine's Day at the school. I'm just saying that not having it isn't a big deal, and if this had happened when my kid was in school I doubt she'd have considered it a big deal, and if she did I'd have corrected her.

Do you allow your children to believe that every tiny disappointment entitles them to a tantrum?

Diana, So by correcting her, you are telling her that traditions that she has always celebrated aren't important? What kind of message does that send? This is not about not being able to get candy in the check-out line and throwing a temper tantrum. This is a broader picture of the way this city (and country) is moving. You may be OK with throwing traditions our the window, but for those of us that are not, this is a big deal.

I'd explain to her that our traditions aren't necessarily meaningful to everyone, and that school is for everyone. Celebrate your traditions AT HOME. How hard is that?

Talking to Diana, is like, well...talking to a stroke patient. Pointless!

I see the big picture just fine. You're welcome to celebrate anything you like, and make any life you like for your children. You're the one myopically focused on whether they spend 30 minutes celebrating your chosen holiday IN SCHOOL.

Like I said before, if this had happened when my kid was in school and she were at all upset, I'd have said "Well honey, that's not really what school is for. Why don't you call some friends and we'll have a Valentine's party here at home."

I suppose that requires more effort than expecting the schools to indulge your particular world view and whining on the internet when they don't.

Katie, I grew up during the time that these things started to go away, and let me assure you that I am no worse for the wear. I made plenty of other happy memories with my family and friends, which made small things like not having a valentine's day/Christmas/Halloween party in school completely insignificant and irrelevant.

I agree with a number of points made, however, to say that people who are not native Maldonians should not hold public office is ludicrous. I am not a native Maldonian and I am very upset at the direction that our schools are taking. This decision has nothing to do with being from Malden, It has to do with not wanting to see our children hurt and somehow the Principal of the Salemwood feels that some children will be left out or that it is a monetary issue; that some children cannot afford valentines. There have been times when my children have made valentines. It does not have to come to any great expense. We live in a world in which our children don't know how to handle hurt or cope with losing. Out of fear of seeing our children hurt through the process of losing, "everyone becomes a winner". Recently, I have heard this same argument in favor of school uniforms. "Uniforms will create an equal playing field". Well the reality is that not everyone is equal. We live in a capitalistic society and as such we support varied levels of ability and income. It breaks my heart when my children have to deal with losing a game or are left out and not included in certain situations, but that is part of the growth process. It is through the hurts in life that we learn to grow and become better human beings. I fear that the Salemwood as well as other schools are doing a great disservice to our children. We can't protect them from all of life's hurts nor should we.

So the "all men are created equal" part of the Declaration of Independence doesn't sit so well with you, Kay? Just joking :) But bland acceptance of social inequality is puzzling to me. Are you saying that if some kid couldn't afford Valentine's cards he should have to sit through the celebration ashamed and embarrassed? [Buying the craft materials to make Valentines is almost equally expensive.] Why have this celebration in the school at all? You admit yourself that "we can't protect them from life's hurts" so why not just cancel it then? There is no school benefit to the candy-fest.

You hit the nail on the head Mike! I grew up like you when things started to go away. Things will change just like they always do and people will also complain. I'm sure people complained when Christmas/Valentine's Day/etc. become commercialized in the 19th century. Let's move on from this issue and focus on making sure children are just loved.

Then surely they should be able to see that not having a Valentine's Day party at school isn't a big deal or worth pitching a fit over. So why on earth would anyone want to give them the idea that it is?

It's NOT OKAY that children don't have to salute the flag - it's disgraceful if the Pledge of Allegiance is not said in a classroom....It's a total lack of respect for our military, our veterans, the men and women who fought and have given their lives for this country! IT'S NOT OKAY...and neither is banning celebrations, traditions, holidays, it's NOT OKAY and if we keep accepting it we will end up a nation of robots who celebrate nothing and fear everything...we need to get some backbone here...parents, don't just take these issues lying down, band together and make your wishes heard...stop rolling over for what is deemed politically correct!

Because indoctrination of children is totally cool, as long as it's the kind you agree with. ANOTHER brain tumor for breakfast, mats? Have you considered oatmeal?

Friendship day, Holiday Tree, Remembrance Tree, JEES give me a break!!! Happy Holidays, no saluting the flag, what's next? Will Easter will become Happy Rabbit Day, or maybe just ignored altogether? Keep taking away the very foundation of our society as we know it and it will become something we don't know at all - call it what it is and have some spine! Easter, A CHRISTMAS TREE, Merry Christmas! And teach your children to salute the flag AND STAND WHEN THEY DO IT !!! I don't care where you come from, you're here now and this America and this is what this country stands for...don't make it become what it "stood" for! It's called respect and there is so little of that anymore it's enough to make one cringe!

Diana, I wrote up two comments above explaining the importance of doing activities as a group. It mostly addresses by defining the purpose and thus why is it bothers so many despite it is also a mere holiday at the same time.

However, in this case, it still applies as instilling values and sense of purpose. From the context, you are objecting at mats's outrage of the lack of the Pledge of Allegiance because it is a "ritual" to instill an identity and pride as Americans.

This now leads to possibly semantics, but important semantics. What is indoctrination vs instilling values? It is arguable that the only difference between instilling a value and indoctrinating is the validity of a value. In the case of the Pledge of Allegiance means instilling an identity as an American and without it still have an effect of the opposite by lack of reinforcement. You could also argue that the Pledge of Allegiance is a false and/or negative value and thus indoctrination, but then it is then important to ask why not fostering a common identity not a positive thing.

Even if an argument is made that both values and things deem as indoctrination as false and/or negative values, the lack of such action is still sends its own message. Just telling a story instill a value. So I say it cannot be avoided. So the question is - what stories and what activities should be included?

Diana, you have become a total bore..I will answer you one last time and from here on ignore you.... it's quite obvious there are more out there who agree with me...my fear is that they are, as usual, afraid and it's that very fear that will prevent them from doing or saying anything in order to protect our values, the foundation of our society and of our country. You may now gallop off on your high horse and have a non religious, non committal, non traditional day!

I respect the Constitution, and have no patience, respect or use for people who'd salute the flag and ignore the Constitution.

How is the Pledge of Allegiance disrespectful and ignoring the Constitution?

Antoine, to my mind the issue with the Pledge of Alleigiance specifically is that you have children making a pledge they don't understand, which is certainly ethically questionable and of course renders that pledge meaningless.

Besides, I'm not convinced that fostering a group identity is all that awesome. Aren't we supposed to be a nation of rugged individualists?

Groupthink is so American.

Individualism does not mean not sharing any commonality or not building. Like earlier, you argued that everyone can do their celebration at home and invite their friends. One can view that individuality by keeping such traditions and values to respective groups, but that also creates an increasingly fragmented society. It is a common discussion of the "atomization" of society. While that is created by multiple forces, lack of sharing actives - regardless of an activity by largest group or another - does not help.

Like I said earlier, if one message not put in, another will be put in instead. Avoiding such activities like the Pledge of Allegiance because the children are too young means building a foundational values without it with its consequences. So the lack of action have effects as much as doing the action. What separate groupthink that make Mark G snarkly commented and your ethical question of teaching values at a young is not avoidance of instilling such values, but avoiding teaching being critical. Everything we learn and see requires some level of foundational thought and assumption, the risks is not about the foundational thoughts and assumptions, but not being aware of it.

While what foundations are debatable, I don't view Pledge of Allegiance as a negative as you put forward. Your concerns should apply if no thought of why and purpose behind is never eventually raised over the years.

I have thought about it, and arrived at different conclusions than you have. Frankly, if y'all were representative of "American values," that's not a group I'd be interested in being part of.

Fortunately, actual American values are that I get to do my thing and you get to do yours, and as long as we refrain from violence it's all good.

Scott, I re-read your letter and I am so sorry for misquoting you! I agree with your letter and I believe that one of the major problems that we have is that our superintendent and assistant superintendent are coming from a school system in which there is very little parental involvement. Perhaps, after this incident they will take heed before initiating future policies. Hopefully, the Valentines Day issue has been a learning curve in which much reflection will occur and we will all benefit in the long run.

Your particular beliefs aren't entitled to institutionalized privilege. Life's tough that way. Take a moment to be grateful that mine aren't either.

How do you know that I'm a secular progressive? Because my opinion clashes with yours?

Again, I'm sorry that you are so insecure and unable to handle cognitive dissonance without resorting to, as Broadway Jay might say, "Alinsky tactics".

Have a nice day, "Michael Victor".

There seems to be a pretty clear pattern here. Government sends marching orders, Diana and Mike G. start marching.

Another person uncomfortable with a dissenting opinion. *shrug*

News Flash Mike... you're not the dissenting opinion. I know this is hard for you to comprehend seeing you're such a "free thinker", but it happens to be true.

News flash: we have no institutionalized religion in the United States. The schools are by default secular though students are allowed to express their beliefs within the school environment. Not sure what this has to do with Valentine's Day, which is just about cards and candy, but I thought I would bring it up. :)

Ok Andrew, thanks for your valuable input into this discussion.

News flash: we have no institutionalized religion in the United States... unless we count Christmas, which most govt institutions take an entire week off to celebrate.

Andrew, Christmas is not a religion. It's a religious holiday. Schools close around that time because they're aware most people would take it off anyway. It's very practical. Practical solutions work for everyone.

Glad I could contribute Mike! Now you and the English professor can return to correcting spelling and punctuation.

I don't know who you're referring to Andrew, and I don't correct spelling and punctuation anyway - I'd have way too much work to do on this site if I were :)

Then it shouldn't be allowed to "blow" over! That's the stealthy part of it - keep people struggling to get through life and they don't pay attention to what's going on around them..as far as working people that is a whole other outrageous subject. It no longer pays to be work, just look at your neighborhoods, look at the lunch lines in schools, free ticket all around! America is already transformed and not for the better...I already don't recognize it, especially when I hear of issues such as this Valentine's Day ban, not having to salute your flag...I don't want to be redundant but if no one takes a STRONG stand soon it will be too late for our future generations...

Last I checked, I got a paycheck when I went to work, so I'd say it does pay.

Oh wait, am I interrupting another assault on the poor? Please, continue.

I'm interested in how much time mats spends observing school lunch lines.

Kay, what I got from what the principal said in her statement was that they simply didn't have the resources to be fair to every tradition and culture that goes to their school. Further, I could even see them being unwilling to be fair to every culture and tradition; whether it's laziness, money, resources, time, whatever the case - they are just not willing to do it. That's what I got from the principal's letter - without looking for subtext, or without putting my tinfoil hat on to dig for some sort of conspiracy; just plain straightforward English.

I'm also betting this is a strategy to deal with administrative headaches, like maybe one of the families that (justly or unjustly) feels slighted that their culture was left out of the school's holiday agenda/curriculum. What do you think happens then? I'll tell you - they start writing letters, making phonecalls, and doing all these things to make the administration's life a nightmare - maybe even so far as to get legal counsel. That costs time and money for the schools. Wouldn't you rather that be put into something useful, like oh, I don't know - educating children so that the US is no longer ranked less than 15th in the world across the board among all concentrations of academics?

Look, just because I've presented the views above doesn't mean I agree with the fact that these things are going away, I just don't think it's that big a deal in the long run, and maybe it prevents more headaches than it causes.

Scott, I actually DO agree with your point there - and to that point, what if the parents who are upset about this band together and hold a Valentine's Day party for the kids? And they can give out their Valentine's Day cards there, give/receive candy, and parents/neighbors can be social as well.

Wouldn't that sort of show some solidarity between people who support this? Wouldn't that create a feeling of community and unification? Wouldn't it create nice memories and maybe even a new tradition for your children?

But that's exactly what you're doing, you're attempting to ridicule me to prove your own point without presenting any sort of cohesive argument to counter my points. That's pretty weak, but not surprising for someone who brings little to a conversation.

Honestly, I won't deny or confirm what you've said because it's so ridiculous that I refuse to acknowledge it. You don't know who I am, you don't know my background, so it deserves very little attention.

Oh please, I am pretty sure Alinsky never weighed in on banning holidays in public schools. You guys need to stop listening to Glenn Beck and Alex Jones.

@ Antoine SHUT UP ! Geesh whats this got to do with Valentines. You must have sat at your puter for hours. Ace sells a creme called Monkey Butt and its for people who set on their puters for a long time. Not Kidding .

@David Mokal - It has everything to do with Valentines because that's the reasoning to why it is such a big deal.

It is written to explain why it is good to have these events rather than celebrate none in the name of fairness of all cultures and/or arguments that we should just go along because it is so trivial even though one disagree with a policy. Between all the cultures, there needs to be something shared to unite. As small as a Valentine's party, that's how commonality as Americans are built. Keeping all celebration out of school and thus separate is how you prevent commonality as everyone would do their things within own little group. That why's I brought up Confucius and the concept of rituals because he saw the importance of things like this.

From my understanding, you are supportive of keeping Valentine's and probably other celebrations in schools rather than shut them all out. So attacking me does little to help as if you can comprehend the above, I agree we need to keep celebrations in school - including Valentine's. And so your insults only hurts your credibility by being an ass. If that is your name in real life in this city, I'll remember to react in the way any man would if you said that to his face.

That's a really interesting point, Antoine, thank you. I still don't think schools should be in the position of enforcing cultural traditions, but you've given me something to think about.

Sorry about that Antoine but I dont know what the hell ya said. This is about keeping a lil love in the schools. Thats it. Nothin to do with Confusious or rituals. Has nothing to do with Liberals and Conservatives. Its about the kids. A tradition. Something that is good. But you see these people want to be idiots. Be the first to start rejection of traditions. How stupid can someone be if they dont know that 76 different Nationalities and religions do not know what a heart with a card means. Im sure they all know. What's Next??? You have no common sence.

My friends have advised me that if your Valentine's plans include your two cats, they're probably best kept to yourself.

Oh, Chris.... I'm very concerned about you.

whistles go WOOOO

If you went to school committee meetings you would know how many homeless kids there are. "This isn't the Bronx."--what do you even mean? And did you know candy is not allowed in the schools anyway? True fact.

"You came here to be an American, so you should accept the traditions we follow even if you don't comply yourself.. " -People come here to be "Free"

"we should be able to celebrate our long-lived traditions considering we are a "FREE COUNTRY"" -
What long-lived traditions? Are you kidding me?? Ask a Native American about this long-lived tradition.

"Also the bullshit idea that school is for learning and not for passing around candy.."
- When people have to resort to foul language, it's a sign of a limited vocabulary.
Please don't try & act as if this is all about a 'long-lived tradition'. You have way too much anger in your speech to be so upset.

"I also don't remember anyone being so poor that they were unable to afford a few valentines, this isn't the Bronx."
So people who live in the Bronx are, that poor? And you're trying to convince me that you're not being discriminatory? Is this Christian-like speech? Is this American-like speech? I'm confused.
Well, you're well on the way to showing the world we're a bunch of ignorant, uneducated, angry people here in Malden.
Where are you getting your info from??? On Thurs. my child brought home valentine's from Hindu & Muslim kids in the class. Guess it wasn't on TV

.

Have you ever heard of St. Valentine?

Scuse me? The Bronx? How much do you really know about the Bronx, may I ask? I was born and raised in the Bronx and I want to point out that it was a wonderful, nurturing neighborhood in which I lived and thrived ... please, do not believe all you hear and read, as in any city, there are good and bad. Neighbors knew neighbors' kids and looked out for them and kids had fun, behaved and many went on to become outstanding citizens. Please, please, be careful not to characterize the Bronx or any other place in a bad light unless you really know whereof you speak.

They ended the game with that pedophile song " Sweet Caroline". I still don't understand why they play that stoopid song at Sox games, it drives me crazy

I hate that song.

Ah Cera, but it IS religious -for my life I could not see how Valentine's Day went against anyone's race or religion - THEN it dawned on me, you see we're forgetting it's SAINT Valentine's Day...not Valentine's Day....it's a Christian holiday....light dawns on Marble..head! sometimes I am just an idiot!

Ricky, forget this Valentine's Day crap, let's talk about an important issue like, why is Chris Bourque STILL on the power play?

Well the power play looked good at the end of the first. It hasn't really mattered who was on the power play, but as long as Marchand and Bergeron is out there that all that matters. Is that my valentine to the little ball of hate....ugh

I think Chara is hurt. Thoughts?

Did not see him get hurt, but that last goal hurt a lot

I didn't mean this game, but he's been playing like he's skating through molasses.

Amen, Phyllis....how are you, by the way?

We're not all like that, Liss. Hang in there! :)

Liss, I have to take exception to what you said ..."I point this out because the people screaming the loudest on this board seem to proclaim their religious/American traditions are being stripped by some sort of agenda of the "others". Those were YOUR words. As I stated before on this post, I am an atheist. I grew up atheist, as did my parents. Yet we still celebrated the traditional Christmas Holiday. Does THAT make me 'one of those religious' people? I think not. Thanksgiving Day...a day founded by some Puritans and Indians who broke bread together in appreciation for their bounty. I celebrate this day as well. Does that make me a Puritan as well? NO, it does not. So I, like some of my fellow contributors here would appreciate you leaving out the religious reference, as if someone of faith, who wants to hold on to their long-celebrated traditions, not be labeled as some sort of kook for doing it. THAT, is offensive! Signed, This Atheist

Wow... and the craziness continues. Ma'am, I did not google, I did research on different religions in college. I'm sure you could find the same info. online. The issue is that people continue to make this about America and America's traditions and implying that it must've been another religion/ethnicity that must've complained about the holiday. The assumption is made because of what's been said in the news. America cannot move forward when people are constantly on the defense when it comes to other people of different cultures. Repeating this is the true definition of insanity. Obviously this madness will just continue so I will just end it there.

Maureen, I used to work with a woman who NEVER lets her kids out for trick-or-treat on Halloween ....her reasoning: "I won't give any validation to Satan", yet this same woman drinks and fornicates with other women,,,,,behind her husband's back. Talk about hypocritical humor. Would you agree?

Why is it that if someone presents a fact that nobody else brought up that it has to have been "goggled"?

I suppose this is the "Michael Victor" school of thought, that actually knowing historical facts makes you an "intellectual egg-head"; which is pretty hilarious, as he's one of the biggest supporters of MVRCS. Pretty interesting overall, if you ask me.

Let me guess, Bruce. I bet you also endorse giving every kid in Little League a trophy, even if they came in last place. If that's the case, why stop there? Let's give the Red Sox a trophy for being a champion of LAST place in their division. Secondly, Valentine's Day is not a holiday. It's a tradtion! Do you know anyone that gets paid for being off on Valentine's Day? I sure don't. Hate to tell you, Bruce....but there are a few of us left who actually still have a spine, and tell the minority in a group that they aren't getting their way, when it is the majority that rules. Oh, and a neat thing about elections.....the majority always wins. Clearly, being Miss Keenan's student has done you somewhat of a disservice if you can't tell the difference between a 'majority' and a 'minority'.....and you're welcome!

Paul, the condition on weather or not we define something a holiday isn't the question here, infact your "Tradition." is just a bs hallmark holiday to sell greeting cards. I just don't like the idea that any future children of mine should have to be subjected to any "Tradition." that will make them feel self-conscious.

And you're right, Michael. This latest incident at Salemwood is but another thread in the fabric of continued political correctness. I grew up atheist, but our family always embraced the tradtional Christmas holiday. Now you can't get a retail employee to say Merry Xmas anymore. That's bull ---- to me! The 'giving tree'? What the hell is that? And this one kills me the most. Usually we atheists are blamed for the uproar over roadside crash sites that have a crucifix or two. Personally, I could care less. Truth be told, it's the 'secularists' who are vehemently against ANY religious reference in public, and not the 'average' atheist. I think the secularists are another spectrum of 'political correctness'. The bottom line for me. These are MY traditions, and I won't let some dolt tell me what I can and can't embrace as a tradition!

Good statement Maureen ... indeed, why do we have to change to please the powers? Far as I can tell, no kid has complained at all, but if I were one of the kids in this school I sure would ... Valentine card exchanging is nothing more than fun and there is not a thing wrong with having fun even in school. That's what makes going to school worthwhile for some kiddos, a chance to interact spontaneously and carefree one day of the year. How wrong can that be? Not at all, methinks.

Exactly HMaz, that's been my entire point throughout this whole ridiculous saga, and it's why I still have the $100 that I had bet to see if anyone could tell me where it said anywhere that someone complained or was offended by this "tradition", or by any "American traditions".

You know, there are very effective medications available to manage paranoia and other anxiety-related symptoms.

Diana, that is just needlessly snarky and insulting to say you disagree that there is no slippery slope.

SNARKY?

KUDO's well said !!

That's next on the list, it's coming - FYI, I don't think that person you referred to is imaginary...

curious....are you really just an innocent poster? are you getting paid to stir the pot? You know, just upset the balance or maybe rile things up a bit? Or do you really feel the way you do...nah..impossible!

Do I really think that the majority of you must have had a brain tumor for breakfast? Absofreakinlutely.

You can do whatever you want on YOUR own property. Public property is a very different story.

Could someone please explain to David about the Easter Bunny? I just don't have the heart.

David, the Easter Bunny was created by Karl Marx. Sorry.

Kill the Wabbit..... Kill the Wahbiiiittt

Be vewwy vewwy qwiet.

Well, who invited Captain Bringdown?

For my argument to influence your opinion, your opinion would have to be considered and reality-based. For your opinion to influence my opinion, your opinion would have to be considered and reality-based. Surely, you can see we've reached an impasse.

Antoine, you miss my point. I agree with you more than Diana and was simply acknowledging that she is like a dog with a bone, a champ at chewing on peoples' comments and keeps on rolling on and on and on ... does it on all posts while correcting writing skills and spelling, punctuation, etc., etc. It's her way to make points (she thinks).

Points with who? You people? That's more hilarious than getting your panties bunched about Valentine's Day cards.

Diana, I found these sides launching across the galaxy -- I think they're yours.

Thank you Mike, nothing fits right without them.

Actually, it is "gist." See, I'm an equal-opportunity spelling corrector! ;)

Both Principal Keenan and Dr. DeRuosi pointed out that the diversity of the school was a main component in arriving at and supporting the decision.

According to the letter send to the parents from Principal Keenan last week, the school (does not celebrate holidays and or birthdays during school hours, citing the "more than 67 differnet cultures and languages represented there.

We welcome and celebrate our diversity (few believe that statement) however she goes on to say , to insure equity of all beliefs we are unable to acknowledge specific holidays".

There is enough circumstancial evidence from these statements alone that any reasonable citizen could conclude that someone may have actually complained to school leaders and they were not taking any chances and threw the baby out with the bath water, by their decision, in my opinion.

Scott the author saids that the Prin. and Super. need to admit this was a poorly planned attempt at AVOIDING any backlash or it was provoked by a very small issuance of complaints from a distinct minor amount of people who the Principal and Superintendant did not take the time or go through enough discussion to reach an educated decision.

The statements made by School leaders make it reasonable to assume by the circumstantial evidence alone, that someone may have complained or that the leaders acted on fears that someone would complain. Either way, enough is suggested by their statements to infer what you claim is non existent.

Bingo, HMaz. This entire thread is based upon the notion that someone complained, or that this was done to appease a certain segment of the population.

For all anyone knows, this was the decision of one dopey person to avoid complaints BEFORE anyone actually complained, but it's easier and more convenient to lash out at a group of people and blame them for all the problems. Anyone who spends more than 5 minutes on this site reading the comments can see that the majority of people around here have a huge problem with immigrants.

I know, nobody wants to admit it, and you'll all feign outrage - "that's ridiculous! My (parent/grandparent/cousin/best friend) is an immigrant!" but it's blatantly obvious, evidenced by the immediate reaction of "OMG IMMIGRANTS GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM", despite no mention of any complaints by any ethnic group.

Seriously, the majority of these comments can be summed up as "An imaginary brown person is threatening our way of life!!!"

"There is enough circumstancial evidence from these statements alone that any reasonable citizen could conclude that someone may have actually complained"

Note to self: commit public service, intercept Leo's jury duty notices.

I asked because you assumed the change was made out of "indoctrinated guilt" rather than a number of factors including a sugar ban in the schools and poverty. Please don't let me stop you guys from whipping yourselves into a frenzy. Maybe you ate all the Valentine's candy. I don't know.

agree wholeheartedly, not only crude and thoughtless to the rest of the children, but a completely stupid decision...I do not feel this is minor...I feel this is a major change along with all the rest which includes holidays and birthdays, it's scary that people who are in charge here are agreeing to such change! Who does Valentine's Day hurt for Heaven's sakes?! How does this day go against any religion, race or creed?! It's so ridiculous I can't even believe what I've read about here and furthermore I cannot believe how some actually agree to what is going on today!

Activia is good for you Paul, it keeps you regular.

I bet she didn't realize one of those cultures was so obsessively devoted to Valentine's Day, else she might have made a different decision.

KUDO's Listen here Boy...Have a Cigar..Your going to go far..No need to complain...Your going to ride that Gravy Train LOL :>)

Paul, I wish that it were a stretch, but that is how I truly and honestly feel.

You know what, I get that your beef is with Principal Keenan - but the vast majority of backlash and outrage is not directed towards her, it's directed towards a group of people on whose behalf it's assumed she spoke for.

Absolutely, Mike, and I find it a little frightening myself.

Here, here, mats. I would say amen, but somebody might get offended :(

I'm an idiot - I know not what I do..

Here's a Valentine's Day kiss for all who disagree! :) smoooooch!

So I'll take the chance at offending ... AMEN, and amen again!

Mats your absolutly correct. You give em an inch and they take a foot! They allready took their inch. Like Anna says you have to think like a child so they can be one like we all were. Fox News channels made them look like idiots so they are the ones who made fools of themselves.

I'm an idiot who got to enjoy holidays, bithdays, Valentine's Days, celebrations that made life/school/work something to look forward to...I'm an idiot whose children thankfully also got to enjoy the same...I'm an idiot who is outraged that our future generations will be that of robots who will celebrate NOTHING and never know the excitement of a PARTY for the hell of it...Jeez, Diana, have you never watched Michael Scott?!
Guess it paid to be an idiot in my small world...after all if we were all as smart as you, you wouldn't be able to look down upon the rest of us.

So celebrate and party, no one is stopping you. A bunch of kids handing out "friendship" cards instead of "Valentine's" cards at school is NOT an assault on your freedoms, and if you think that it is, well... bless you for having no real problems.

Diana, I think it's time to leave them to their rants.

this is a legitimate rant - roll over people, your rights are being sucked away by the tornado known as liberalism or call it what it really is or is about to become - whatever floats your boat - glad I'm old and won't see it when it really takes hold!
- danger will robinson -

Hey Grinch, i mean Snarky, sorry i mean Diana, it looks like Davy is getting sweet on you. Please go and have a good time.

Someone is sweet on Diana!
Said no one.
Ever.

far from hysterical, just disgusted by the way so many just roll over and accept what is thrown at them...so sooooo many spineless jellyfish out there to educate!

Yes Geezer got all their CD's...My very favorite is Meat Loaf's "I Want My Money Back" They should make it Malden's Theme Song..LOL

Hey some real news! Thanks, David.

Dave, I had an old cockaspanial, snarky. She would growl and snap at you one minute then cuddle up and lick you the next. (great girl) Now if you and Diana hooked up, you would have to be careful of her snarky side, but the rewards will be gratifying.
Your right Mike g, this is getting weird.

With any luck they'll ban boiled dinner and cheap green beer, because that stuff is vile. My Jameson they'll pry from my cold dead hands.

Celebrating that would infringe on our American culture though, so no Coronas, just Budweisers all around.

I'm gonna sip Patron though rolled-up creepy Valentines.

Rick and Mike G....I have to say...I am thoroughly disappointed in the two of you. Somewhat intelligent folks, and you drink that swill? Anyone who uses adjuncts like rice in their recipe (which folks like Anheuser, Miller, Coors, and Corona, to name a few) do , will always get a scorn from me. Talk about bad tasting beers, or no-flavor beers. They use rice, they say, to lighten the body. That mindset started back in the 50's, as they geared those products towards female drinkers. And let's not forget to mention using cheap hops. Anheuser-Busch has an excellent QC program, to consistently make a lousy tasting beer! Before any of you say "what do you do?",,,,I brew beer as a hobby! And you're welcome. :)

Whoa whoa whoa, back up the truck Paul, who the hell said that I drank that? Trust me, my fridge is well-stocked with much better beer than that - let's not get into libelous territory, you guys might actually hurt my feelings.

For an interesting read, check out "Ambitious Brew" by Maureen Ogle. Great book that details the history of American beer.

for the record , I dont always drink beer, but when I do I drink Yeunglings

See Ricky, I knew I liked you despite our restaurant differences. I have a friend who brings Yuengling back from PA for me all the time. Great stuff.

We picked up our grapes (usually Zinfandel) at the market it Everette (sp?) after calling from the mid Sept. to check when the grapes would arrive from CA ... each box weighed about 45 lbs, we'd get as many as 75 boxes. The temp in our old farmhouse cellar (in Templeton, MA.) was perfect and we never had a bad batch. My husband tutored classes in winemaking @ Mt. Watchusett Com College and I have videos of our venture ... it really is not as hard as you'd think but it is a lot of work with careful steps to follow which fell mostly to my husband since the others knew he'd take care of business and just took advantage of him, good natured soul that he was.

LA LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU

Seriously, I don't understand the decision. It's just fine in bottles.

Oh no you caught me!

Aw man... I wish I was important enough to have an ARCH ENEMY.

Jellus. :(

Does this mean I need a cape? Does Malden have a cape store?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/104690525/super-gs-superhero-cape

Ok, maybe I can see if people want to be able to bring a six-pack to an area that might not allow glass bottles, but man..... I just hope they got this right and that it doesn't dilute the brand.

A report from Berlin on NPR tonight reported that beer consumption in Germany has declined considerably over the past few years, that people are drinking more wine and soda (of all things). Beer consumption is still somewhat high in G, 28 gallons per person per year and in America we drink a mere 21 gallons per person per year (I sort of doubt that last figure). Anyway, attributing the decline to a cause is not clear, could be their economy which is slow, less $ to spend on beer (but they can afford wine and soda??), however, the overriding theory is that there are fewer young people in Germany, who would be the greater consumers of beer. Just a tidbit of nonsense information I thought to pass on.>:) (Paul, B&H in Woburn does do mail order, so that must be where my sweet ol' man ordered from.)