Pondering the News

Rating: NSS
Today would have been the day--too bad Congress did something about it. The DTV countdown would have expired, had it not been prolonged. Perish the thought someone might miss an episode of their favorite reality show. Ah yes, the government is requiring the switch and does not want anyone to not have access to important information. All well, fine, and good, yet we all know that the news is not top television viewing priority for many.
In other news, GM and Chrysler are cutting around 50,000 jobs. What can one say? I suppose I could make a glib comment about the triumph of capitalism, or I could make sarcastic remarks about bailouts. I could, but when it comes to 50,000 jobs, something gets lost under a sardonic tone.
A school district in the metro St. Louis area has "seclusion rooms," according to the local evening news. Part of me says, "Gasp!" Part of me says, "What were they thinking?" The teacher part of me says, "I'll believe 50% of what comes to school if you, the parent, believes 50% of what comes home." Don't get me wrong: Putting children in a padded room is not an acceptable form of discipline. Still it leaves me to wonder: what recourse does a teacher have these days to discipline a disruptive child? Teachers are caught between "you can't make me" and parents who defend their children to a fault. Love and Logic calls them helicopter parents--ones who swoop in and save their children whenever times get tough. Forget your homework? I'll fax it to you. Tardy again? I'll make your excuses for you and tell your school how they should understand how it is difficult to get to school on time. Get in trouble? It must be because your teacher is mean. Sorry if I sound exceedingly cynical, but the 50/50 rule (see above) is exceedingly applicable.
I suppose it could be worse: A train station in England has posted "No Kissing Signs"to avoid traffic congestion. No smooching your sweetie goodbye. . .