Right Decision, Wrong Consequence

Darin Simak, a 7 year old from Pennsylvania is currently suspended and could face expulsion for doing the right thing. A bit confusing, isn’t that? Little Darin’s mother gave him a backpack to bring to school that unbeknownst to both of them had a toy gun in it. As soon as Darin saw the toy at school, he brought it to his teacher to let her know of the mistake.

Normally, people don’t get in trouble for things they didn’t do. Darin did not choose his backpack or even know what was inside it. And right when he realized that there was something wrong, he immediately reported it.

So how did the school react to his integrity? They slapped him with a suspension and possibly an expulsion along with it to come.

This is absolute insanity to me. The boy, who we should remind ourselves is only 7, did something that most adults wouldn’t do. He was honest to his school when he discovered something that wasn’t allowed. This kind of behavior from a little kid is something that should be rewarded with ice cream or a new toy. Instead he was forced to stay home for his horrible offence.

To me, Darin Simak is someone that should be looked up to for his brave actions. Both young and old can learn from this boy. I just hope that the next time someone faces this kind of situation, they will choose the same route as Darin but not get punished for it.

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Everyone's Watching

If you are in the public eye, just about every part of your life can be scrutinized by the media. Everything you do will be judged. We see this all the time with politicians, musicians, and athletes. The fact that millions watch you means that you have an extra responsibility to conduct yourself in a presentable way.

Kobe Bryant, one of the best basketball players of all time, knows this full well. Back in 2003, he was accused of sexual assault in a huge scandal that drew the attention of just about everyone in the country, basketball fan or not. Kobe knows the pressure and the invasion of privacy by the media.

The fact that millions watch you means that you have an extra responsibility to conduct yourself in a presentable way. Young kids look up to those in the spotlight as role models.

So what did Kobe Bryant do this time to get some negative attention? Smush Parker, an ex-teammate of his from 2005-2007, recently told ESPN of comments that Kobe had made to him during their days together. Here is the report from Parker:

“I tried to talk to him outside of basketball . . . And he looked at me in practice and was dead serious and said, ‘You can’t talk to me. You need more accolades under your belt before you come talk to me.'”

Kobe Bryant completely disrespected and shut down his teammate who wanted to have a simple conversation. Kobe thought he was too good to waste his time speaking with someone who hadn’t achieved the same greatness on the court that he had.

So what kind of message do the kids at home take with them after hearing this? They learn that once you’re the best, you don’t have to respect anyone. They learn that it is cool to be arrogant. They learn to be rude. Kobe Bryant’s true self was exposed by Smush Parker, and I don’t think he will be too happy about it.

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'Till Death Do Us Part

“‘Till death do us part”. Perhaps one of the most recognized lines from a marriage ceremony. This is a promise to stick together through thick and thin. The best and the worst.

Sadly, many Americans do not follow through with these vows. A shocking 41% of 1st marriages end with a divorce (McKinley Irvin). Yet all of those people said the exact same phrase on their wedding day: “‘Till death do us part”. This high divorce rate sadness many people, including me. That is why it is so encouraging to hear stories of successful marriages.

Rocky Abalsamo was the man whose story encouraged me earlier today. Rocky Was married to his wife Julia for an astonishing 55 years, until her death in 1993. How did Rocky respond? for the next 20 years he would walk to the cemetery she was buried in every morning, set up a lawn chair, and sit beside her grave. When asked about his amazing devotion he responded, "Being here makes me feel better. Not good, but better. I do it for Julita, and for myself." Rocky’s love was so deep for his wife that he was willing to sit by her for 2 decades as a symbol of his feelings.

This act of love for his wife sends a powerful message to the world. If you make a commitment, stick with it. Divorce rates have been falling since 1996, but 41% is still too high (McKinley Irvin). Maybe Rocky’s story can help the divorce rate to continue to fall and American marriages to become healthier.  

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Worth it?

How far should you go to save the life of an American soldier? That was the question president Obama was recently faced with as the situation with Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl unfolded.

Bergdahl allegedly deserted the U.S. Army and was captured by Taliban forces. There are reports that while in prison, he converted to Islam and taught Taliban members certain skills in making bombs. His search led to the deaths of multiple American soldiers. Obviously there is a large amount of controversy surrounding this man.

So what did the president of our country decide to do? He released 5 Taliban Guantanamo Bay prisoners to get back the deserter. Mohammad Fazl, Khairullah Khairkhwa, Abdul Haq Wasiq, Norullah Noori, and Mohammad Nabi Omari. The “Taliban Five”.

This was done in the name of sticking to the no man left behind rule. I happen to agree that we should not leave our own soldier behind. I also believe that if the soldier abandons the army, converts to the religion of the enemy (note: I firmly support our right to choose any religion. What I am pointing out here is that Bergdahl converted to the religion of those who captured him, which obviously means he connected with them in a way that a soldier should not connect with the enemy), and helps them make bombs, the person is not a “hero” and should not be celebrated and is not worth releasing 5 Taliban members.

It’s great that he is safe now, but his safety comes at a hefty price.

Read a similar editorial here.

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