Kindergarteners Shouldn't Learn to Spell "Gun"?

[Johnny Rico]

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/education/155655/ny1-exclusive--queens-parents-outraged-over-daughter-s-gun-spelling-assignment

Two parents in Queens were outraged after their five-year-old daughter was asked to complete a spelling worksheet that featured the words "gun" and "rob," but officials at the Department of Education said Wednesday that the teacher, who brought the offending worksheet from a previous school, has apologized. Many parents are concerned about gun violence, so Lawrence Gillman almost hit the ceiling when his 5-year-old pulled out a surprising homework sheet.

"I looked at it and I seen the word ‘gun’ on it. The first thing I thought was ‘oh no no no,’ I don't want you reading it, I don't want you spelling it. I don't even want you looking at the picture," said Gillman. His daughter goes to P.S. 201 in Queens and is learning sounds and letters, but Gillman says teaching words like “gun” and showing a cartoon image of one is out of touch. The same sheet had a picture of a robber running with a gun and a bag of money.

"You're teaching them that guns are okay because you're putting it in their homework, you're teaching them that robbing is okay because you're putting it in their homework," said Takiema Reynolds, the girl’s mother.





(more at link)

Oh, the horror of learning to spell a three-letter word! Won't someone think of the children?

[JoePhilly]

1. Reminds me of this great movie clip ....

[Hoyt]

2. Lots of parents aren't into the kind of gun crud that consumes members of gun culture's lives.

If it were me, I'd propose teaching young children that guns are very dangerous and not desirable in a modern society. And people who are obsessed with them or strap them on to venture into public can be too.

[fightthegoodfightnow]

11. GREAT IDEA

I agree. THAT works for me.

Now on to math.....let's have them start with zero and count up every time someone is killed with a gun in this country.

[Hoyt]

16. That's even a better idea.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

21. Why not count the number of legitimate uses of firearms in self defense

The number will get a lot higher and faster.

[fightthegoodfightnow]

23. Math?

I guessing you don't teach math?

[eqfan592]

45. Grammar?

I *sic* guessing you don't teach grammar? And lets not even talk about math (or logic, or even basic reasoning skills...)

[fightthegoodfightnow]

46. Gosh

Ok....you are smarter than me.

Why talk about topic when insults are easier.

If it helps you....go for it.

[HALO141]

42. Outstanding.

And when we're done with that we can start teaching them to be afraid of their shadows.

[Hoyt]

44. You mean like grownups who can't venture out without a gun or two strapped to their bodies?

[HALO141]

51. No, I mean like sanctimonious zealuts

who think their own irrational phobias place de facto limits on the rest of society.

[Hoyt]

53. Phobias? Who can't leave home without a gun or two?

[beevul]

55. Who can't stomache it when others dont leave home without a gun? N/T

[Hoyt]

57. Weak.

[beevul]

58. But true. N/T

[DWC]

59. Touche' n/t

[fightthegoodfightnow]

47. Right

....because it's so much better to fear your shadow than the reality that thousands are killed from guns each year.

That's not fear. That's an education.

[HALO141]

52. Bzzzzzzt

Sorry, but I award you no points. Thanks for playing.

[fightthegoodfightnow]

54. Wow

.....another Post that has nothing to say other than I'm right and you are wrong.

Are you a player or a ref?

You can't score if you are a ref.
You can't ref unless you are impartial.

So much for your game.

Shall we talk about guns?

[shadowrider]

13. I have 3 daughters in Georgia. They all passed NICS, they all carry

They've all had training and can outshoot many, many people. Heck Hoyt, you may have stood next to one of them at the store.

Let me ask you a question. Since you're so askeert of guns, do you ever leave your bedroom considering you live in a shall issue state?

[Hoyt]

15. "Askeert?" -- Shadowrider, I don't need a gun to be comfortable venturing out.

Guns in society are a much bigger issue than you are willing to acknowledge. It's not being "askeert" to want to tackle that issue.

[ProgressiveProfessor]

22. Your sure about that

I want to remember seeing that he is in California...

[shadowrider]

32. I'd swear Georgia. I remember him saying he'd been by

HiCaliber shooting range which is very near my daughters house.

[spin]

14. Would you also ban access for children to all books in which characters used firearms?

As a youngster I enjoyed reading the Sherlock Holmes detective series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle which I borrowed from the local library.

One of my favorite stories in the series was The Hound of the Baskervilles. In the climax, Holmes and Watson dispatch the hound using handguns. I will post a short excerpt:

There was a thin, crisp, continuous patter from somewhere in the heart of that crawling bank. The cloud was within fifty yards of where we lay, and we glared at it, all three, uncertain what horror was about to break from the heart of it. I was at Holmes's elbow, and I glanced for an instant at his face. It was pale and exultant, his eyes shining brightly in the moonlight. But suddenly they started forward in a rigid, fixed stare, and his lips parted in amazement. At the same instant Lestrade gave a yell of terror and threw himself face downward upon the ground. I sprang to my feet, my inert hand grasping my pistol, my mind paralyzed by the dreadful shape which had sprung out upon us from the shadows of the fog. A hound it was, an enormous coal-black hound, but not such a hound as mortal eyes have ever seen. Fire burst from its open mouth, its eyes glowed with a smouldering glare, its muzzle and hackles and dewlap were outlined in flickering flame. Never in the delirious dream of a disordered brain could anything more savage, more appalling, more hellish be conceived than that dark form and savage face which broke upon us out of the wall of fog.

With long bounds the huge black creatwe was leaping down the track, following hard upon the footsteps of our friend. So paralyzed were we by the apparition that we allowed him to pass before we had recovered our nerve. Then Holmes and I both fired together, and the creature gave a hideous howl, which showed that one at least had hit him. He did not pause, however, but bounded onward. Far away on the path we saw Sir Henry looking back, his face white in the moonlight, his hands raised in horror, glaring helplessly at the frightful thing which was hunting him down.

But that cry of pain from the hound had blown all our fears to the winds. If he was vulnerable he was mortal, and if we could wound him we could kill him. Never have I seen a man run as Holmes ran that night. I am reckoned fleet of foot, but he outpaced me as much as I outpaced the little professional. In front of us as we flew up the track we heard scream after scream from Sir Henry and the deep roar of the hound. I was in time to see the beast spring upon its victim, hurl him to the ground, and worry at his throat. But the next instant Holmes had emptied five barrels of his revolver into the creature's flank. With a last howl of agony and a vicious snap in the air, it rolled upon its back, four feet pawing furiously, and then fell limp upon its side. I stooped, panting, and pressed my pistol to the dreadful, shimmering head, but it was useless to press the trigger. The giant hound was dead.

Sir Henry lay insensible where he had fallen. We tore away his collar, and Holmes breathed a prayer of gratitude when we saw. that there was no sign of a wound and that the rescue had been in time. Already our friend's eyelids shivered and he made a feeble effort to move. Lestrade thrust his brandy-flask between the baronet's teeth, and two frightened eyes were looking up at us.
http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/acdoyle/bl-acdoyle-hound-14.htm

Undoubtedly reading such literature might convince a young mind that firearms do have a legitimate purpose in society.

[Hoyt]

17. No, I hope publishers/authors show TBaggers and other yahoos packing and playing with them.

Just don't romanticize things that pollute and harm society.

[spin]

18. But of course you would discourage the publication of pictures or stories that show or depict people

responsibly using firearms to be published. Such as these:

Lessons From The Olympics
August 11, 2008



I just spent an hour watching the women’s trap final thanks to the impressive streaming web broadcasts at nbcolympics.com and couldn’t help but be impressed by the level of shooting on display. This should really go without saying, of course, as the Olympic shooting disciplines are the world’s toughest.

***snip***

Also, congratulations to Corey Cogdell (pictured above) on capturing the bronze medal in the event. It was an inspiration to watch her fight back after dropping behind the leaders in the beginning part of the match.
http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/gun-shots/2008/08/lessons-olympics

Winchester Ammunition Supports United States Biathlon Team

Posted By admin on April 20, 2010


Photos Courtesy of: USA Biathlon (above – Sarah Studebaker)

(Editor’s Note: Becoming a member of one of the US Olympic shooting teams is an outstanding objective for a junior to reach toward. We therefore support, and promote, all of those involved in promoting youth shooting sports and the US Olympic teams.)

After competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C., the United States Biathlon Team recently gained more momentum with the support from Winchester Ammunition’s announcement to become a “Gold Inner Circle” sponsor.

“These are fine young men and women who represent the shooting sports extremely well and Winchester is proud of our U.S. team for representing our nation with honor and determination at the 2010 Winter Olympics” said Brett Flaugher, vice president of marketing and sales for Winchester® Ammunition.


(above – Tim Burke)

Biathlon is a sport that captivates and fascinates nearly all who see it. The world-class Biathlete attempts to combine the physically demanding sport of cross-country skiing with the intense precision of rifle marksmanship. The opposing disciplines collide with unique drama at the shooting range. With hearts pounding nearly three times a second, athletes struggle to control their breathing as they attempt to hold their rifles steady and squeeze off a successful shot, knowing that each shot, and the number of seconds it takes to make it, will determine who stands on the podium that day.
http://www.juniorshooters.net/2010/04/20/winchester-ammunition-supports-united-states-biathlon-team

Sara, one-on-one with GYSGT Brian Zins, USMC, retired,at our 2009 NRA Bullseye Pistol Competition Camp


It looks soooo easy to be the 10-time National Champion

http://juniorpistol.com/photo-gallery/

[fightthegoodfightnow]

19. Content and Appropriateness

If a five year old can read your post, he can see your pictures.

But of course, a five year old can't. It's simply inappropriate at that age.

[Callisto32]

24. What?

Are you suggesting that the pictures of the shooting sports are somehow inappropriate for small children?

If so, what are your thoughts on letting them watch contact "sports" like football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, et cetera?

Those sports are FAR more violent, frankly.

[spin]

27. So you are suggesting that shooters should leave their young children behind...

when they go to the range?

I disagree. Obviously the children have to wear hearing and eye protection and have to be closely supervised by an adult. But in my opinion, exposing a young child to the shooting sports can provide a foundation to his learning firearm safety. He gets to watch responsible shooters handling firearms in a safe manner.

[fightthegoodfightnow]

28. Different

I think you can make a distinction between what a parent teaches and what a public school teacher teaches.

And I think there are far more important things to teach a five year old.

Yes....sure....a young person should learn respect for a gun....but five years old is too young in my opinion.

[Johnny Rico]

31. In a recent thread I was discussing whether an 8 year should handle a gun.

My opinion is that some 8 year olds are responsible enough, and some aren't.'

But 5 year olds? I'm as in favor of teaching children to shoot as they come, but I agree...that's a bit too young.

Although you could let them try using an airsoft "gun"...hm....

[shadowrider]

33. You're kidding, right?

Letting a 5 year old use an airsoft gun will distort their young minds and they'll grow up to be violent killers. We should ban all toy and real guns. It's for the children.

[Hoyt]

20. Olympic photos are nice. Most others are folks training to kill (you can call it self-defense IYL).

Finally, as the photos demonstrate, shooting is really not a "sport" -- at least not one that helps control the participant's weight and promotes health.

[Callisto32]

25. Yet more vitriol.

[spin]

26. Physical conditioning is important if you wish to improve your ability to shoot...

Does being fit make you a better shooter?
By Caleb December 8, 2011


Military presses are a great way to build upper arm strength for shooting

The short answer to that question is “yes, duh.” Shooting is a physical activity, and like any thing you do that involves muscles and coordination, being in better condition is going to make you better at it. Please note before you flame me in comments, that if you are in poor condition, I am by no means saying that you shouldn’t carry a gun or compete in action shooting or anything like that.

However, if you’re serious about developing your shooting skills as a competitive shooter, you cannot ignore physical fitness. Guys like Dave Sevigny and Bob Vogel certainly don’t, and their physicality is part of the reason they’ve been so dominant in the shooting sports in the past couple of years. Yes, they’re excellent at the simple mechanics of shooting as well, but having good sight alignment and trigger control doesn’t help you when you’re running 15 yards in Florida in July trying to whack plates during the Pro-Am. If sprinting 5 yards gets your heart rate up so high that your gun hand is jumping around, it might be time to consider supplementing some of your range time with a little bit of time on the treadmill.

***snip***

Increasing your fitness will make you a better shooter; and more importantly it will improve the quality of your life. I’ve never met anyone that made a lifestyle change to get in better shape that regretted being stronger, faster, or having more endurance.
http://gunnuts.net/2011/12/08/does-being-fit-make-you-a-better-shooter/

Running as part of Shooting Training!
February 6, 2012 2:33 pm gabbyfranco

Back when I was training for and competing in Olympic shooting, there were athletes from other sporting disciplines who didn’t understand why running was part of my daily training. According to most of them, shooters need to work on one part of their body: Their trigger finger.
…Far from the truth!

Today I continue to run as a part of my marksmanship training, and for those who don’t understand why I do, here is my answer:

In any shooting activity your physical fitness is just as important as it is in all sports. You must work on your strength, endurance, and cardiovascular ability in order to keep yourself focused, effective, and most importantly to make yourself a better shooter.
http://gabbyfranco.com/2012/02/running-as-part-of-shooting-training/

[Simo 1939_1940]

29. Agreed.

Here's a handy little device I should be using more often:

http://www.gripmaster.com.au/index1.htm

Edited due to damn autofill feature.

[spin]

30. I know several shooters who own one...

I have an older hand strengthener on my computer table but your version looks better.

[PavePusher]

35. Your definition of "sports" is far too narrow, and is outright erroneous. n/t

[HALO141]

43. heh

That's the funniest thing I've seen in quite a while.

[GreenStormCloud]

39. Much important literature features guns.

Huckleberry Finn
The Grapes of Wrath
The Deerslayer
The Last of the Mohicans
Gone With the Wind
All Quiet on the Western Front
Shogun

I could easily go on for hundreds of books but you get the idea - maybe - nah, probably not.

[aikoaiko]

40. Another good example of the failure of anti-gun culture.

You wrote, "If it were me, I'd propose teaching young children that guns are very dangerous and not desirable in a modern society. And people who are obsessed with them or strap them on to venture into public can be too."

And this is why its not up to you.

[derby378]

49. I foresee a "smirk and sneer" campaign

Anyone who buys a hunting rifle and a shotgun within a month - smirk and sneer.

A rape victim who now carries a pistol for protection - smirk and sneer.

Anyone who owns a pistol that uses an 11-round magazine - smirk and sneer.

Meanwhile, gun owners like myself will simply press on and build on our gains. Virginia's "one gun a month" law is now kaput. You're welcome.

[ellisonz]

56. What does the one-month-a-gun law have to do with any of those examples? n/t

[gejohnston]

3. if you replaced a noun and one verb

"You're teaching them that guns are okay because you're putting it in their homework, you're teaching them that robbing is okay because you're putting it in their homework," said Takiema Reynolds, the girl’s mother.

It would be something Rick Santorum would say.

[Hoyt]

4. But I doubt this mother would say that. She made a valid point.

[madmom]

5. What are these poor kids going to do when they get out into the real world?

[1monster]

6. Well considering that folding three fingers under, pointing the index finger and holding the

thumb straight up can get a kid suspended from elementary and middle school, or expelled from high school, maybe those objecting have a point. Even just using the word "shoot" in a sentence can carry grave consequenses in the schools these days.

[SteveW]

36. Probably respond like one-cell amoeba when probed by a sharp instrument...

always reacting, always fearful, always demanding safety.

And accuse others of "paranoia."

[Callisto32]

7. Sounds like...

they are trying to raise a future university administrator....

[BiggJawn]

8. When she grows up to be a bank teller...

...and somebody hands her a note that says "I am going to rob you. I have a gun." she can stand there like a deer in the headlights repeating "OK, so, like, what can I do for you today?"

I see a fishing rod on that sheet, too. Oh, the horrors! teaching the kiddies that it's OK to rip innocent fish out of their homes!

And a JUG!!! They're advocating alcohol consumption, too! The HORRORS!!!

[shadowrider]

12. And that fishing hook drags that poor fish out of the water

by its mouth. Disgusting. We ought to outlaw fishing too. (It's for the fish ya know).

[SteveW]

37. Heavens! Let us not turn on our beloved Sea Kittens. nt

[Remmah2]

9. Get a job!

grease gun
nail gun
staple gun
water gun (alternate: water cannon as on a firetruck)
gun the engine

son of a gun

[slackmaster]

10. Ignorance is Strength!

[ileus]

34. spelling g u n kills people. It's the prepractice before heading to the range.

[aikoaiko]

38. Those parents are idiots.

facepalm

[DWC]

41. Learning 3 letter words is tough.

It's the 4 letter words that are easy.

[Oneka]

50. Guns?

[krispos42]

48. I think in light of the September 11th attacks, having jet planes on their is totally inappropiate.

After 8 years of BushCo telling me that I'm not over it, that means that I'm not over it. Sorry, Charlie.