My daughter was hit at school for saying she was happy President Obama won.

[Mortos]

This is what happens when you teach your children to hate. My daughter was hit by two girls at school yesterday for saying she was happy that President Obama won re-election. She was verbally put down repeatedly and told he (Obama) was a communist and a Muslim and was destroying America. Several kids told her he should be assassinated and that they would be happy to do it. She had a teacher talking down to another student who said something nice about the president in front of the entire class. This type of behavior is fucking ridiculous an cruel and I have had enough of it.

My daughter is 12 years old.

My daughter is a sweet natured, gentle compassionate kid who has never intentionally hurt anyone but because she loves her gay friends and relatives and wants them to have equal rights she has been called a lesbian, because she supports the lawfully democratically elected president she is called an America hater and slapped in the face. Because she is not a christian she has been told she is going to hell and is not worthy of friendship. What is wrong with people?

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Deep red land?

What is wrong is that this country is moving ever so slowly to something ugly. That is what is wrong.

Oh and don't take it to the principal, escalate to the school board...some of this behavior does not belong in school.

[AndyTiedye]

23. Agree Except for the "slowly" Part

More like at warp speed.

[goclark]

138. s

Start at the top..take it to the Superintent if you think the Principal is a Rethug.

[villager]

2. Where is this?

And is there anyone you can take a complaint to?

[Mortos]

5. Rural Oklahoma

I feel partially responsible because I didn't warn her to not celebrate or be happy about the election in front of her redneck classmates.

[LondonReign2]

12. Oklahoma

the only state that makes me happy to live in Texas

[catrose]

135. ditto

I told my husband that after seeing OK's election results.

[cpamomfromtexas]

143. My husband and I left skidmarks leaving that state. Hard for us to go home.

[cui bono]

38. Sad that you even have to feel that way.

If you are able, you might want to consider home schooling.

Good luck to you and your daughter.

[sakabatou]

71. My girlfriend had some bad encounters there. Usually racist slurs thrown at her

[citizen blues]

73. No, it is not your fault.

That's like blaming a woman for being beaten by her husband because she dared to have an opinion. Don't buy into that mentality. You're better than that, and so's your daughter.

[Hubert Flottz]

77. Your little girl has EVERY right to express her opinion.

She has every right to be happy that the president won. You need to tell her that it is the other kids and that teacher who are dead wrong. If you let people like that push you around, they will never stop. Let your little girl know that she is right and that you are 100% on her side. Keep us informed about the outcome of this and I wish you and your bright little daughter the very best of luck.

[Seedersandleechers]

86. As a child I moved to Oklahoma

from Boston and was put in a remedial speech class because I couldn't speak properly. It was only as an adult did I realize it was because I had a Boston accent. I was bullied because of it and all my classmates made my life hell. I loathe Oklahoma!

[AAO]

88. You gotta get out of there. FAST!!

[Spitfire of ATJ]

110. I know of some heavy duty Liberals from Oklahoma.

In particular is the Oklahoma Bureau Chief of the Mike Malloy Show. I used to kid him about his back hair. Told him it would be easy for him to escape to Canada. All he would have to do is strip down and walk naked and he'd just be another Bigfoot sighting.

You folks are NOT alone.

The school needs to deal with this and if they refuse you need to report them directly to the Department of Education.

[srichardson]

123. So sorry.

As soon as I saw this I thought, that could happen here. I live in rural Ok as well and I am sorry that happened. I'm hanging my head in shame.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

125. 'Nuff said

Remember when we heard all that bullshit about "You better respect the President or you hate Amuuurica and our troops and mom and apple pie, you commie!"?

Well, guess that's done now.

[vaberella]

129. That's an even sadder response. n/t

[TeamPooka]

146. No! Your daughter has a right to speak. I'd also take legal action...

I'd sue the shit out of that school, and teacher.
As well as press charges against the kids who assaulted your child.

[appleannie1]

3. You need to take her out of that school and seriously consider consulting a lawyer.

[ReRe]

69. I agree

with you appleannie1. First away, contact a lawyer. Do what the lawyer says.
If the lawyer says leave her in that school, get another lawyer. Get the 12 yr old girl
out of that school pronto. Don't be thinking that it won't happen again. It will. Move to a blue state for Christ's sake! If she can't move to a blue state, find a democratic district in another town nearby. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING is more important than the psychological well-being of your children.

[jtuck004]

79. Where is this mythical place where you can avoid hateful people?

Is there a Google Map?

[the devil]

93. You may not need a map to find a place without hateful people...

We're called Canada.

We may have some who are hateful, but they're really sparsely distributed.

[jtuck004]

100. There is that. But then I'd have to live with socialized medicine.

Oh, wait, maybe that's partly WHY there are so few hateful people

[tavalon]

153. Hey, don't tease me!

I only live about 100 miles south of the border and whenever I go up there, my heart aches with the desire to stay. Alas, I am poly, so while they might want me (nurse), they wouldn't want my husbands or my wife or my kiddo. Emigrating to Canada is really, really tough. I looked into it, a lot, in the darker years.

[ReRe]

119. I beg your pardon?

(looking over my shoulder)...you talking to me? What kind of response is that?
So what would you do? I tried to find your suggestion to the OP, but I couldn't find it.

[jtuck004]

121. Yes.

First, the author didn't ask for advice. so I didn't feel a compulsion to offer any. ( I know, this is the Internet). Also, the author is fed up, preparing to take the situation in hand, and sounds basically capable of handling it.

On the other hand the post above suggests moving to a "blue state". I'm not sure even an attorney wouldn't be overreacting, but it's best to find out a little bit about the person one is attempting to advise first. Are they on food stamps? Do they have the money to move? They might read that, think about it, then begin to feel terribly inadequate or like a bad parent if they aren't able to move. I'm sure that wasn't your intention, but some people actually take unsolicited advice to heart.

And what if they DO move to, say, the blue state of Washington and wind up in the red area, Spokane? (Well, ok, Northern Idaho right across the border is worse, but there is an underground railroad that brings them here when the heat's on over there). I can guarantee there were some incidents today at schools - perhaps even in a few workplaces. I taught driving and a LOT of the kids ape their Rethug parents political views, at least until they can drive and tell the parent where to stick it.

So what happens if she gets punched here? Move to a bluer state? Think they don't have Rethug teachers in blue communities?

And the whole "Nothing, and I mean NOTHING is more important than the psychological well-being of your children." seems a little over the top. I doubt very seriously that kid's mental status is going to be anything but good with a parent like that, and, frankly, if it's the last time she gets hit I will be surprised. But if she is taught to run away from conflict instead of dealing with it as calmly and thoughtfully as possible, when that is possible, how the hell is that gonna help her in life? I was mugged at knife point twice in 10th and 11th grade, we had kids shot - it was a rough school. White parents incited their kids to riot and turn the black kid's buses over. That was in the late 60's btw. One learned to cope because there was no place to go to escape. (probably why I joined the Navy nuclear program in 11th grade. Safer). And when I ran into real conflict, I was better able to cope.

"So what would you do?". (See, you ask).

Since you asked, I would be talking with the teacher, the principal, the kid, maybe even the parents. The kid would learn how to watch around her, not to go places at school alone. Maybe boxing, because not everyone gives a flying rat's ass about conflict avoidance, and they will hurt you. And I would find some ways to teach her about non-violent strategies for change, when they work and when they don't, maybe get her on the debate team so she learns to think on her feet and use her ideas, persuasion and perhaps charm to deal with conflict in such a way as to avoid getting punched.

If...if ,it continued, and it was dangerous, I can see a situation where I might move, assuming I had the means. But I think that's a bad first step. I would not, for dog's sake, teach someone to run away as a knee-jerk response to conflict.

Besides, I suspect the parent above has had their fill, and the next person that should watch out is that teacher

Not beating you up, just thinking there were a lot of potential unintended outcomes, maybe another way to deal with it.

[ReRe]

148. Hey...

Thanks for reminding me that you weren't beating me up. I guess I have strong feelings
because my two youngest sons (grown adults now) were bullied in elementary & jr high. I was exactly in the situation that you describe.. not being able to move. It was the most terrifying thing in the world to send them off to school every day. One of their friends was bullied to the point of getting thrown down the stairs & went home with a broken arm. One of my sons was jumped and beaten by four jr high kids on the way home from school and ended up in the emergency room (they concentrated on his head, he had a concussion, and had to have a CAT scan to be sure he was alright). The school would not let me send him back to school without a Dr's note that he was alright. Anyway, they lived through it, as children ARE resilient. Back in those days, even if you complained to the school, not only was the bully reprimanded in some way, the bullied child was reprimanded too.

Anyway, I digress, as a friend I hope

ReRe

[Major Nikon]

133. The problem with your suggestion is that is just doesn't work

When you live in wingnutland, your choices in this regard aren't all that great. It's not as if you can just take your kids out of one public school and move them to another. They are all that way. You're talking about a part of the country that still believes beating children is the best method of discipline.

So if you decide to take your kid(s) out of school, your options are...

1) Home school your kids, which is not a good option for many.

or

2) Put your kids in a private school, which the vast majority are religious based or prohibitively expensive, or both. This is also not a good option for many.

I get where you are going. If this isn't a good idea, what is the alternative? Unfortunately there just isn't a great alternative no matter what you do. This is one of the penalties that those of us who live in wingnutland have to suffer.

[ReRe]

147. You're right...you're damned if you do and damned if you don't

I personally could not home-school.. I might consider Catholic elementary, because I know there is almost -0- bullying there. Well, I will stand by my feeling that we should guard our children's psychological well being, however that can be done. I guess another thing would be to teach our children to never utter a word about politics at school, even by wearing a political t-shirt.
Yeah, it's pretty sad....

[evilhime]

95. Sadly I agree

You need to do something definitive about this, because now that she has been identified by the bullies, she'll be bullied again . . . my opinion for what it's worth.

[PowerToThePeople]

4. tell the cops, get an assault charge against assailant. n/t

[Amaril]

99. ^^ This! ^^

Maybe having to stand before a judge on an assault charge will knock some sense into the other girls AND their parents.

BUT, don't expect that this will solve the problem -- in truth, it will probably escalate it -- so you're going to have to make an alternative plan for your daughter.

I wish you much luck! My son was bullied, and I feel like I spent his entire school career fighting with teachers, guidance counselors and principals. It's exhausting, but there's no other option. If you don't stand up for her, who will?

[vaberella]

131. I support this. n/t

[Oubaas]

6. Sorry to Hear That!

That's just so wrong I don't know what to say.

Why is indoctrinating your child to hate not considered endangering the welfare of a child?

I hope your daughter remains a sweet natured, gentle, compassionate child despite the fact that she has to attend school with the spawn of haters.

[SammyWinstonJack]

7. So Sorry.

[NOLALady]

8. Were the kids

who hit your daughter suspended? Do you know if the teacher was reprimanded?

[csziggy]

27. When it got to a physical attack it is a criminal matter IMO

I'd call the police and have THEM discuss with the girls and their parents then penalties for assault and battery.

[TahitiNut]

102. I agree. It's time we stopped apologizing adolescent crimes.

It's ENOUGH that their records are expunged when they reach the age of majority. Crimes like assault & battery MUST be addressed!

[eridani]

126. If the parents of the girls who attacked your daughter slapped a co-worker for a similar reason--

--they would be in jail. It sure the hell isn't OK for adolescents to do this either.

[NOLALady]

117. I agree 100%.

[snacker]

9. Sounds like it's time for a trip to the principal or administrator

to have a discussion about tolerance and bullying. Your daughter (or any child) should NEVER have to feel intimidated or endangered at school.

Hugs to your daughter!

[patrice]

10. What is wrong with people? Many churches are bu$ine$$e$ $elling feel-good $elf-aggrandizement.

[WinkyDink]

11. Get back to us with what you did about it; or it didn't happen. Sorry; call me a cynic.

[coalition_unwilling]

21. Cynic - n/t

[Mortos]

28. Forgive me if I don't give a shit whether you believe me or not

or feel the need to prove it to you and "cynic" was not the word that came to my mind.

[jberryhill]

32. A crime against your child was committed and should be reported

To police.

Not to DU.

[avebury]

40. Give Mortos a break. I live in Oklahoma and can

believe the situation her daughter found herself in.

[KittyWampus]

45. I can believe the situation too, but do hope any parent would take REAL ACTION 1st

before posting about it on the internet.

You know, like calling the police to file charges.

[avebury]

47. I agree. 1st phone to police and 2nd phone call to Secret Service. nt

[jberryhill]

49. CALL CONGRESS RIGHT FUCKING NOW!!!

[avebury]

90. Did someone forget the scarcasm smilie? nt

[Sherman A1]

76. Agreed

Those are the phone calls that need to be made.

[mahina]

140. Logic error: false dichotomy.

It's not an either or choice. She's gathering info.

[jberryhill]

142. Lol...

Then the other instruction is "if you post a dramatic personal story on a web forum, don't get upset if people do not believe you or express skepticism."

Logic error: believing everything anonymous strangers say on the Internet is true.

[mahina]

155. I don't remember that logical fallacy. Checked your post count and I see you post a lot, thought

you might find this useful. Hope so!

Bye now.

http://www.logicalfallacies.info/

Logical Fallacies
An Encyclopedia of Errors of Reasoning

The ability to identify logical fallacies in the arguments of others, and to avoid them in one’s own arguments, is both valuable and increasingly rare. Fallacious reasoning keeps us from knowing the truth, and the inability to think critically makes us vulnerable to manipulation by those skilled in the art of rhetoric.
What is a Logical Fallacy?

A logical fallacy is, roughly speaking, an error of reasoning. When someone adopts a position, or tries to persuade someone else to adopt a position, based on a bad piece of reasoning, they commit a fallacy. I say “roughly speaking” because this definition has a few problems, the most important of which are outlined below. Some logical fallacies are more common than others, and so have been named and defined. When people speak of logical fallacies they often mean to refer to this collection of well-known errors of reasoning, rather than to fallacies in the broader, more technical sense given above.
Formal and Informal Fallacies

There are several different ways in which fallacies may be categorised. It’s possible, for instance, to distinguish between formal fallacies and informal fallacies.
Formal Fallacies (Deductive Fallacies)

Philosophers distinguish between two types of argument: deductive and inductive. For each type of argument, there is a different understanding of what counts as a fallacy.

Deductive arguments are supposed to be water-tight. For a deductive argument to be a good one (to be “valid”) it must be absolutely impossible for both its premises to be true and its conclusion to be false. With a good deductive argument, that simply cannot happen; the truth of the premises entails the truth of the conclusion.

[jberryhill]

156. I'm quite familiar with that.

However, you need to learn to recognize a logical proposition in the first place.

If someone asks me what my opinion is concerning what they should wear to an event of some kind and I say:

"You should wear gloves and not a hat"

That is not a false dichotomy. Yes, you surely can wear gloves and a hat. But the framing of the statement was not that some principle of logic which excludes wearing both at the same time in the first place. It was my opinion on what that person should or should not wear.

Have fun.

[mahina]

137. Three things

1. what a great response.

2. re the future with 'those people'. If you're. pressed for time the last two minutes are on point. http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the-rachel-maddow-show/49736294

3. As far as next steps for your daughter, I am not experienced in dealing with this kind of situation so am just pondering with you. Does she feel safe at school or not? Does she have friends, siblings, cousins who are at the same school? Can she defend herself?

One process idea is to map a range of possible actions. Take a piece of paper and draw a big L taking up the whole sheet. The corner of the L should be in the bottom left corner of the sheet.

The draw a line from that 90° angle going 45° up the whole page.

Along that line you and your daughter can map your choices going from the least escalation in the bottom left to most on top right.

For example the least might be ignore it and wait for it to go away. (not endorsing)

the highest level of action might be to be the next Rosa Parks, organize solidarity movement. and publicize. it, sue the school or district, etc.

Along that diagonal line you can identify lots if choices in a. range of responses. and find the one you two are comfortable with starting with. you can escalate from there.

Its helpful identify what some ideal outcomes would look like. You sound like a very wise and loving Mom She is lucky.

I find it stress relieving to know I have many options.

schools like Harvard Stanford and MIT look for leadership in young people. (6 years away, not long). Not joining clubs,but founding clubs or events esp that address social needs. Wouldn't it be cool if this began something incredibly positive for her? Debate club for instance? Is there anyone who would be a mentor for a debate team? Creating a way explore rational argumentation would be really cool. I have a few resources (ok one really smart friend and founder of the University of Hawaii Debate team) that Im sure would be able to talk with you and your daughter if this is an executing idea
for you. I wonder if the high school has a debate team. If so I bet the coach would consider how to help develop a feeder team in your middle school.

I apologize for getting if the immediate topic of safety and hope your daughter is ok. wish you both the best.

[heaven05]

81. WRONG!!!!!!

[quinnox]

13. damn, just, damn

this sounds like the school from hell. "Ok, kids, who would want to assassinate President Obama?" -- "Me!" "No, Me!" "Please, pick Me!"

[siligut]

14. The use of bully personalities to push conformity

The desire to fit in is overwhelming at that age, fear of change and loss of position is what is wrong with people.

Edit to add, hug and kiss her for me, she is wonderful, strong, intelligent and special.

[heaven05]

83. those

who did this to your child had a mentor. Romney. He pushed conformity with a couple of buddies and a pair of scissors. File complaints in as many places as you legally can. Then see a progressive lawyer. May your child's heart stay peaceful.

[burnsei sensei]

89. Bullying, informal authority, intimidation,

I've seen it all.
These peers of your daughter are trying to make her like themselves. To remove every bit of her own personality, to hollow her out like a shell. Don't allow them to do it.
Tell her, first of all, that she's RIGHT and they are WRONG.
She is right to speak for herself.
They are wrong because they are mouthpieces for hatred of their parents and community.
Irrationality is ugly.
William Rivers Pitt wrote a piece on being bullied when he was a child. You might want to find it in the archive here or at Truthout.
It might be useful reading for you and your child.
She is not at fault.
And whatever loss she may experience there has to be countered and then crushed by your acceptance of her.

[get the red out]

15. Their parents are what is wrong!

Probably Fox News addicts who think treating anyone who disagrees with them like your daughter was treated is justified; which trickles down to their kids. This is what this insane (and I do mean insane) right wing hate mentality is getting us.

As my Mother would say, those kids weren't raised right.

[Marrah_G]

16. If at all possible you should move

Those ignorant teachers and administrators won't change and they reflect the community and accepted behaviors.

[immoderate]

17. Your daughter will be OK. You did your job.

The teacher needs to be educated though. When I taught kids, I had what I called "rule #1, which I kind of stole from Patrick Swayze in Road House. It went "Always be nice." It's a variation of the Golden Rule which appears in every society, as I'm sure you know.

As a teacher, that person is responsible for enforcing it, and following it.

--imm

[yellerpup]

18. I see you are flying the flag of the Sooner State.

I'm originally from Oklahoma so I know how knuckle-headed and violent kids can be to anyone who is different. A kid doesn't even have to be THAT different to be targeted. I've been away for many years, but when I've spoken to FB 'friends' from my youth I am amazed at how bullying and intimidating they are in exchanging views and how they also obnoxiously inject their religion or politics into most arguments. Not all indulge in jackass behavior, but most do, and it seems they peer-pressure each other into doing their worst -- and this is the adults! The smartest thing I ever did was get the hell out. I still love people and places there, but that blood red conservatism seems to get worse as the years go by. Your sweet natured, open heart and minded daughter deserves better.

[CrispyQ]

139. I think this is an excellent description of most of teabagger types, where ever they are. -nt

[moondust]

145. Agree. Better to move if possible for the child's sake.

Six more years in secondary school there vs. starting over someplace more hospitable to go through high school.

There are plenty of blue areas, both urban and rural, that would be more sane and accommodating.

[coalition_unwilling]

19. I'd be consulting a private attorney and considering suing the shit out of the

school district.

Put those assholes under the harsh glare of judicial discovery.

I'd also call the Secret Service and relay the assassination threats. If the kids are saying it, you know they heard it somewhere . . .

[Dem2TheCore]

20. I feel your pain

My 8 year old son went to school yesterday happy as a clam that Obama won reelection.

His class did a mock election, the day after the election mind you. My son was the only one who voted for Obama. His teacher "jokingly" gave everybody an A and told my son he got and F.

My son is a sweet kid, the only one in his class who says yes ma'am and no ma'am, please, and thank you. He volunteers to help a disabled boy walk to classes and the bus. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He's just a really good kid. I'm a tad bias, so sue me.

I volunteer two days a week in his class reading with kids who aren't reading on grade level so they can have more one on one attention. My wife supports several class projects. I have taken bags I snacks to his teacher so she can have snacks on hand for kids who forget or can't afford to bring snacks.

In short, my family goes above and beyond at this school and in this class with this teacher. And that's the way my son is treated?

All I could do not to go down there and rip his teacher a new one.

[newspeak]

30. it seems that the teacher may, also be responsible besides some parents

about twenty years ago, there was a university study on group and leader influence. they picked a class and had the teacher talk about the superiority of people with "blue" eyes and the inferiority of people with "brown" eyes. students who were friends, after prejudiced comments at recess no longer associated with each other; and then the bigotry escalated before the test ended with the teacher explaining about prejudice.

a teacher can influence children's perceptions, especially, if those perceptions are validated by the parents ideology. if there is a stronger parental influence on the child and goes against the teacher's perceptions; the teacher can use group intimidation against that child.

so, your story and the one above-it seems these teachers are influencing their students in things they have no damn business doing; and i'd take my child out of that class.

[whathehell]

33. Your son sounds like a sweetie...Give him a hug from me.

If you can't "rip his teacher a new one", you can at least SPEAK to her,

and tell her you don't think this "singling" out on the basis of grown up politics is appropriate.

Don't let this go down without comment, or it WILL happen again.

[renate]

50. I ADORE your son!

I feel all mushy inside just reading your description. What a doll! No wonder you're so proud of him!

[Dem2TheCore]

64. It's his mother's doing

My contribution to his good nature was convincing my wife to marry me.

[truebrit71]

67. I think your son's teacher needs to (not jokingly) fired

..that isn't remotely "joking"...

[LiberalAndProud]

105. I am very impressed.

The integrity your kid had to stand alone at the age of 8 is astonishing. That is really something for him to be proud of. In the voting booth, there is nobody standing over your shoulder to register disapproval when you make your choice. There is a reason for that. His teacher needs an ass whooping.

[avebury]

111. Dem2TheCore you are a better person then I would have been.

I would have been up at the school demanding that the teacher make a public apology to my child. I think that I would have looked his teacher right in the eye and reminded said teacher that Ann Romney was in favor of dismantling the public education system which, if happened, would cost said teacher his/her job.


This is why some states don't want to teach critical thinking in the schools. God forbid it if a student actually thought for his self or her self.

[Zoeisright]

114. You really should get an attorney and have her contact that teacher.

And report this to the school board AND your newspaper. In fact, contact the ACLU.

[Dem2TheCore]

115. I appreciate the kind words.

Believe me, we are taking care of it. My wife and I are both trial lawyers, and neither of us is a wilting flower. I waited a cooling off period to ensure I didn't do something stupid, and to make sure I do something good and right. Tomorrow is game day.

Best part of the whole thing is my son thinks the kids in his class are lame for voting for the guy they knew lost. He really hasn't skipped a beat as far as I can tell.

One thing that I think is really interesting - my son is 8 and he doesn't remember any President other than President Obama. An African American president is the norm for him. That's pretty cool!

[kath]

120. Dem2THeCOre, where do you live? nt

[Dem2TheCore]

127. Wiiliamson County Texas, just North of Austin

[catrose]

136. holy carp!

So sorry. I homeschooled my son when we lived there. There were a number of kids in our nonreligious home school association who were fleeing Wmson Cty schools.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

22. I'm very sorry to hear that. I have a 12-year old daughter too.

I'd feel extremely angry if my daughter were treated this way.

I live in liberal Sonoma County, CA, and I consider myself (and my kids) fortunate. Here's how the mock election turned out at her school:

For President:

(Daughter's school)
Obama 71%
Romney 24%

California Students:
Obama 69%
Romney 23%

For Senator:

(Daughter's school)
Feinstein 70%
Emken 30%

California Students:

Feinstein 65%
Emken 35%

For Prop 30 (taxes to fund education)

(Daughter's school) voted Yes by 78%
California voted Yes by 65%

[d_r]

80. my sons 3rd grade class went 92% Obama

and we're in Tennessee, but a blue school zone. I guess there were two kids that went for Romney.

To the OP. I am so sorry that your daughter is experiencing this. This is terrible bullying, what a bunch of little shits. I hope that you are able to find some resolutions.

[WilliamPitt]

24. She's not likely to forget that.

Those assholes just gave her a strong memory to hold on to regarding having her convictions tested. That, in the long run, will serve her well.

Remind her of the old saying: When they're shooting at you, it means you're doing something right.

And give her a hug for me.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

25. Did you register a complaint?

With the teacher, the principla and the school board?

[Mortos]

29. I didn't find out about it until late last night.

I work 10 hour shifts that start at 6am. I will be going to the school tomorrow on my day off. I am seriously thinking about homeschooling my kids. This isn't the first time she has experienced bullying behavior at this school or the last one she went to.

[Tsiyu]

52. I had to homeschool when we lived in Racist, Fundy Hell in Georgia

Started out with Calvert program which made it easy.

Hope this can be worked out so she can continue in public school, but if not, you won't be alone in pulling your kids out because schools are too Rightwingnut.

Lots of Duers make fun of homeschooling, but it's sometimes the only option unless you want your kids to have to go to a living hell. Every. Single. Schoolday.

[xxqqqzme]

57. Home schooler here

starting in mid 70s.

[Tsiyu]

63. Of my four

One just passed the bar exam first try, one has a Masters, one is finishing up last year of Bachelors, one has a year of college but has chosen music as a career.

All liberals as far as I can tell....

[leftstreet]

104. 911 is open 24/7

[msanthrope]

26. Paper trail. Don't call about this issue--make a paper trail of emails of inquiry regarding this

incident, because it won't be the last.

[Baitball Blogger]

31. If the kids were promoting assassination, I think a letter should be written to a person

in authority who will come into the school and explain to them the consequences of what they're saying.

[avebury]

46. That would be the Secret Service and

I would make it a phone call. Having the Secret Service come down like a ton of bricks on the idiotic children might make for an important life lesson, particularly if the names of the threatening children was put in a data base and they are prohibited from entering Washington DC or within a certain distance of the President without prior approval from the Secret Service.

[Tigress DEM]

122. Agree 1,000%

[countryjake]

154. It's not the kids, it's the homes where they learned about "assassination"...

that sparks interest from the Secret Service. With cyber-terrorism now being such high priority, I'm sure that they have their eye on any and all political message boards, looking for reports like this thread of threats against our President, whether it was coming from children or not. I doubt that any phone calls would be necessary to spark an investigation, they have keywords that would signal an alert.

[duhneece]

41. Agreed, Documentation may be needed nt

[Carni]

34. Wow that's horrible!

WTH is the teacher when all this is taking place?

A twelve year old is not capable of defending herself from this type of stupidity--what is the teacher doing?

My daughter is almost 17 so she can hold her own with the spawn of wing nuts. She has even been known to argue with RW teachers, so she's had lots of experience (wonder where she got that) but a younger kid doesn't stand a chance!

Sorry to hear this.

[reformist2]

35. You and/or the school should talk to the parents of the kids who did this.

[im1013]

36. Exactly the same where I live.

I'm just SO damned glad I don't have kids in school any more!!

My head would explode when they would pass out little bibles to all of the kids... in class!
Or at EVERY school band concert, football game and every morning on the intercom, when they would lead everyone in prayers.

This, in public schools!!

[ladjf]

37. Our 8 yr. old granddaughter had similar bad experiences in Georgia. nt

[txdemsftw]

39. Parents teach hate..

You've got to be taught
To hate and fear,
You've got to be taught
From year to year,
It's got to be drummed
In your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught.

You've got to be taught to be afraid
Of people whose eyes are oddly made,
And people whose skin is a diff'rent shade,
You've got to be carefully taught.

You've got to be taught before it's too late,
Before you are six or seven or eight,
To hate all the people your relatives hate,
You've got to be carefully taught!

from South Pacific

[CaliforniaPeggy]

48. This song is so right on.

Thanks for the reminder.

[ChisolmTrailDem]

42. Did you report these crimes to the police? eom

[JackN415]

43. sorry to hear, bring the matter to the principal as an issue of bullying.

[avebury]

44. You should contact the police and insist that

charges be filed against the girls who assaulted your daughter. I would also contact the Secret Service and report the incident. There is nothing like having the Secret Service pay a visit to the school to send a message to the students and their parents that you do not threaten the life of the President of the United States. I would also file a complaint against the teacher who talked down to the student who spoke favorably about the President.

[renate]

51. your daughter is so brave and smart and kind!

I'm so sorry that happened to her--how furious you must be!

She must be very, very strong and sure of herself to be twelve years old--an age when kids are so susceptible to peer pressure--and to speak her mind in an environment like that. She is, and is going to be as she grows up, absolutely amazing.

[hollysmom]

53. I am so sorry.

In some places, school is a refuge, in others it is a hell hole.
I hope you can get satisfaction.

[ciking724]

54. Report those little evil terrorists; send them to Guantanamo.

Seize their parents' assets and put them on the no-fly terrorist watch list. Problem solved.

[demhottie]

55. MOVE. Seriously.

[CountAllVotes]

56. I'd find THE PARENTS of these girls

Get a lawyer and press assault charges against them. They are responsible!

Years ago I was attacked by a boy in the neighborhood where I lived at that time.

I ran into the house and told my WWII father about it and he asked me where the boy lived. I pointed to the house the boy lived in and Dad asked me, "Are you sure?". I nodded my head and said, yes Daddy, I'm sure!

My Dad went over to that house and I do believe he kicked the boy's father's ass from here to hell in back.

I was about 5 years old when this happened to me and I have never forgotten it!

DO NOT allow them, meaning the parents of these girls, to get away with this crap as THEY are responsible and stupid at the same time. Maybe they'll wake up when they get served with papers being your child was assaulted and injured by THEIR children which THEY are responsible for until they are 18 years of age best I know!

In any event, what a sad damn world we are living in to even have to ponder such matters much less act upon them. You have my sympathy, believe me!

[redstatebluegirl]

58. I am so sorry but not surprised.

When I vented on the Oklahoma sectionof DU about living here I was shot down by someone who questioned if I had tried to do anything and suggested I just wanted to complain. Progressives in this state have no options. Are there pockets of decent people, yes, and most are terrified to speak out. This person said she could introduce me to some like minded people....

I am not the least surprised a child was bullied over this in Oklahoma, I wish it were different, but it isn't and she will not find any solice in elected officials or the school administration I assure you.

[OKNancy]

108. that would be me the host of the Oklahoma group

who offered to introduce you to like-minded people in Norman. I live in Tulsa now, but I was born and raised in Norman and have many friends still there. All liberals.
I'll leave it at that.

[JNelson6563]

59. Time to re-locate?

Sounds like that poor child lives in hell every single day.

Julie

[santamargarita]

60. Sue the shit out of the parents and the school.

We've got to stop this shit from these right wing terrorists! This is started by hate radio and handed down to children.

[lame54]

61. deleting post

signed on to hubbys and will repost under my name. But he does agree with me.

[TommyCelt]

62. It's not just the kids' fault...

The vicious, close-to-treasonous, reaction to the president's re-election I've seen from my 40+ year old peers frightens me. It frightens me that my children go to school with their children. I've taught my children to be tolerant of views other than their own (and we try very hard to encourage them to have their OWN views as they get older). Don't get me wrong - I can't stand Romney's political positions and what I know about him. I've told my children why I couldn't vote for him, trying to leave the personal stuff at the door. Some of what I've seen and heard in the last day and a half has given me pause.

"Time to take up arms against this godless commie Muslim dictator" (how one could be godless and Muslim at the same time baffles me)

"Fascist Catholic-hating, baby-killing BASTARD"

"I want to kill this f**k"

Now, I did my fair share of poking fun at W (There was sooooooo much material, you couldn't NOT do so!!!). Couldn't stand him. He was wrong-headed, he was simple...but he was still the President. I never advocated taking up arms, or hoping/planning for his overthrow anywhere except the voting booth. I CERTAINLY never hoped or planned for his assassination.

This goes beyond being an over-zealous partisan. Some of these people have the deep-down crazies, and they're right there in my suburban NY neighborhood.

[B Calm]

65. The republican party is dead!

[unapatriciated]

66. so sorry your daughter is surrounded by ignorance and hate.

I recently lived in Georgia and was constantly being called a lesbian because I support gay rights. I always thanked them for the compliment. This really un-nerved them. I don't consider it an insult and it takes the fire right out of them. I have an equal sticker on my car and get that one finger salute on occassion, I just smile and mouth thank you. Drives them crazy.

[louis-t]

68. It is a sickness, an obsession.

Some will eventually grow a brain but as long as people like Beck, Hannity, Limbaugh are allowed to spew their filth, these unfortunate kids will go through life like this. And they will be miserable, for the most part. It should be treated as a criminal negligence.

[lebkuchen]

70. One day Oklahoma will be blue.

Those bullies should get used to the idea.

[Hubert Flottz]

78. Hi Lebkuchen.

Hope everything is well with you. GTSY posting!

[skeewee08]

72. Sorry this happen to you Mortos,

shame on the parents for raising their children like that. I also live in Oklahoma if you lived in Edmond I would have my teenage boys (high schoolers) escort your daughter to school.

Freaking rethugs!!!!!!!

[Heathen57]

74. I feel so bad for your daughter

No one should have to put up with slurs, much less physical harm for voicing her opinion on the election. Those who are doing this will have to realize that the majority of the country does not agree with them, considering the outcome of the election.

I don't know quite how I would handle this situation, but I'm sure that it would involve swearing and possible legal counsel.

[Hubert Flottz]

75. I'd go to the School board and if they don't take care of it call the feds on them.

You don't have to take it...I wouldn't.

[Jennicut]

82. In my daughters' school, the kids were overwhelmingly for Obama in a poll taken

before the election.

But I live in Connecticut, where being a Democrat is really normal. I cannot imagine anyone hitting anyone even if Romney won. I don't understand Oklahoma but I feel bad for you and your daughter. Hang in there. There are Democrats and liberals in every state, even OK.
I would take this to the school board. It is wrong and would be wrong in the opposite way too.

[ashling]

84. Your final paragraph

describes treatment that my daughter got when she was 12. She loved her English class and her History class and both teachers. She brought a lot to each of those classes. We finally ended up homeschooling her.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

85. Go to the police!! File assault charges against whoever slapped her!!!!!

Also go to the school board.
GET A LAWYER to handle the civil lawsuit stuff.

[DirtyDawg]

87. Doubt...

...if the school would discipline the teacher in this instance - but if it was a guy, I'd add a butt kickin - and I'd probably find out who the other kids parents were and 'have a conversation' with them too.

[HooptieWagon]

91. Have a chat with principal...

About the teacher and girls who hit your daughter. Those girls should be suspended, and a letter of reprimand placed in the teacher's official file. If the principal refuses to act. hire an attorney and sue the school district for failing to protect your daughter.

[progressivebydesign]

92. I'm so sorry for your daughter. I've been lucky to love on the West Coast my whole life.

None of my daughter's or nieces had to deal with that, except for ONE school district in a pretty Red area of Central Coast California.

The Atascadero School District is pretty much run by the local Bible Church. They have a hand in everything, and most of the kids attend both. The 5th grade does a HUGE President's Day event. Where the kids dress up as their chosen President, and give a speech. There is a luncheon, (I taught them manners for a State Dinner, lol.) And it's a big deal.

Well.. my daughter chose Bill Clinton (this was in 2002.) The teacher, who was an absolute angel/progressive, called me over to talk about it. She said that she found that the school NEVER lets a kid be Clinton, because of the harassment that ensued by the other kids who hated him. They all wanted to be Bush or Reagan and yes, Nixon. But, the teacher told me that because of her maturity and knowledge about politics, and because she had a good family backing her up, she let her be Clinton.

And you know? She WAS totally harassed and called names, just as the teacher said she would. She did what she could to help her with it and back her up, but it was nasty. But you know, she stood her ground, and after some tears, she was more determined than ever to portray President Clinton. And Tuesday, she cast her first ever vote for President, for Obama.

We moved out of that District because we couldn't handle the school sanctioned bible studies, and the Board's refusal to do anything about them, etc. The experience made her a stronger liberal, but it's totally wrong for any school to allow that type of harassment.

If you're unable to move out of that State, then if you have the resources, perhaps you can look into home schooling with some co-op type social experiences for her.

[outsideworld]

94. thats Just Horrible

[DollarBillHines]

96. I'm with msanthrope - paper trail, don't leave it in the air.

Take it to the Principal (or whomever the correct Admin might be) and take along or insist on a witness.

If you have a mobile recording device, take it with you and let the Admin member know that you are recording (while recording).

Your daughter needs some action and reaction.

Good luck.
DBH

[Mariana]

97. Please call the police and file charges.

Your daughter was the victim of a crime. Just because it took place in a school doesn't make it any less a crime.

[Turbineguy]

98. That's what wingnuts love about America.

There are so many people they can hate.

[Pakid]

101. I have worked for a school district in PA

for over 30 years and I can tell you that behavior like this would not be tolerated here. Tell the school district, if they allow it to continue then sue them and sue them hard you will win!

[spiderpig]

103. These creeps have always harbored their hatred privately, but now they feel empowered.

I've never seen such widespread blatant, horrible social behavior in my life.

They throw everything they can at Obama. He's African-American (we know they're using the other word), he's Muslim, he was born in Kenya, he pals around with terrorists...oh, you know the routine. And thanks to that scourge of the earth Tea Party, they gin up violence among the ignorant.

As Mike Malloy says, if their savior Jesus, in whose name they claim to act, came back to earth he'd pinch their heads off and cast them into hell where Satan would use them as soccer balls.

BTW, while an atheist, I'm a big fan of what we know of historical Jesus and I respect the truly faithful. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. What you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me.

Wise words? Yes. Republican values? I think not.

Give your daughter a big hug. She spoke in kindness, and we can't get enough of that these days.

[EC]

106. Those aren't people.

They're monsters.

[Blue Owl]

107. A glimpse inside the Republican Family

Don't let those cold-hearted bastards get your daughter down...

[GoneOffShore]

109. So sorry to hear about your daughter.

Take the advice up thread.

And keep us posted, please!

[shcrane71]

112. I'm so sorry. Can you move your daughter to another school?

I doubt there are many options in Oklahoma. My heart goes out to you and your family.

[Zoeisright]

113. You need to report that school to the FBI.

Then I hope you press charges against that little asshole brat, his parents AND the school. Then sue the shit out of them.

[Whovian]

116. Bastards.

Talk to her about bullying, Barack and the ignorance of many out in the world. And give her a hug from one of the many who have been through similar travails.

[AtomicKitten]

118. Disgusting.

Give your daughter an extra hug.

[davidpdx]

124. I just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear what happened to your daughter

and I hope you find a way to resolve the situation.

[TBF]

128. File charges w/the police, hire a lawyer,

and let the Secret Service know about the threats. I think there are folks in Oklahoma who could use a reminder that threatening the President of the US is a class D felony.

[vaberella]

130. File charges...letting this pass and this sort of behavior is seen as acceptable. n/t

[Odin2005]

132. Jesus! Get the hell out of Oklahoma!

[mnhtnbb]

134. Report the assault to school administrators. Call the police and report the assault.

Hire an attorney. Follow his advice.

Remove your child from the school.

Get the hell out of Oklahoma!

[CrispyQ]

141. I'd call an attorney first.

I'm sorry this happened to your daughter. I hope her gentle spirit has some steel in it too.

[mikki35]

144. Good gawd, hard to believe in 2012....

First thing I would do is go to the teacher to find out exactly what he/she's take on the incident(s) is...what the attitude is...how willing are they to talk about it, etc. Look for an apology - straight out. Who knows? Maybe being immersed in batshit crazy 24/7 makes someone not realize just how hurtful/offensive/stupid/ugly/unprofessional such behavior is. If no satisfaction, go up the line - principal, superintendent, school board. (You need to go to the principal, regardless, with the assault on your child - THAT is completely out of line, no matter what. At the very very very least, those 2 girls should be suspended from school for a little 3-day vacation time-out.) Still no resolution, you can consider legal action then, BUT I don't know if you'd even be able to find an attorney willing to take on the school district with this - not because ALL the attorneys are batshit crazy - it's just, you have to realize that the vast majority of any jury pool, and whatever judge who would get the case WOULD be batshit crazy!! It would be a stinker of a case - there's probably zero physical evidence (I'm assuming that the face slap didn't leave any marks, other than on her psyche) and zero witnesses who'd be willing to testify for your daughter, including the teacher! So it would be her word against about 23 others, most likely including the teacher.

Unless, of course, somebody videotaped the event!!!!

Maybe, you could consider calling somebody in Justice Dept to look in to filing charges under a federal civil rights infraction - probably the ONLY way any of this shit will be stopped. The odds of them wanting to take that on is....slim to none, unfortunately. But, you never know. Could be they're looking for something to go after to slow down the rampant stupid, especially in RW heaven Oklahoma. Especially if it looks like the school and/or superintendent and/or school board is sanctioning the behavior.

[countryjake]

149. Your post, with the reported threats to our President, is a matter for the SS...

no matter what actions you might deem necessary to protect your own daughter (which, I believe, should be done soon), those kids who spoke of assassination should immediately be investigated by the Secret Service. It's not a question of what is wrong with people, it's the concern that any threat such as those your daughter was confronted with are taken as priority matters by those who are charged with protecting the president of our country. The cruelty she endured is sad and unfortunate, but the threats are illegal, whether it was coming from a school in Oklahoma or any other domestic terrorist hiding in the hinterlands.

You and your family have my sympathy and hopefully, the government is already on this.

[Angry Dragon]

150. I would report the teacher

I did read your follow-up post

[zentrum]

151. Wanting to assassinate the President...

...means they are hearing it at home. Terrifying.

[codjh9]

152. Just horrible and appalling. My ex is from OK, and I know in 2008 they were the only state to

have EVERY county go red, and I would suspect that just happened again. I don't know where you are in OK, but sigh... you have my complete sympathy. And of course as an aside, I wish we could somehow educate EVERY ONE of these crazy shits that keep saying this insane, offensive, and dangerous stuff about Obama. THAT's what some of that mega-campaign money should've been spent on - and of course some of it was, by our side.