Latest on cross-branding teacher: Board "considering" termination; supporters plan recall (insane!)

[Faygo Kid]

What the HELL kind of community is Mount Vernon, Ohio? They let this guy spew for 11 years, and people STILL back him even when it's undeniable that he branded their children?

What do you want to bet this Twilight Zone town went for Bush overwhelmingly?

Freshwater considered for contract termination
By Pamela Schehl, News Staff Reporter
Friday, June 20, 2008

MOUNT VERNON — After more than four hours of deliberation, the Mount Vernon school board Friday afternoon passed a resolution of intent to consider the termination of the teaching contract of eighth-grade science teacher John Freshwater. The board’s decision was based, in part, on the results of an independent investigation into various allegations of a pattern of misconduct on Freshwater’s part.

Board president Ian Watson said the board will proceed with termination at its meeting on July 7, unless Freshwater files a written request for a hearing.

Freshwater said a hearing will be demanded.

Of course, the reaction is a move to recall the school board. The local paper also has a forum. No, it doesn't ask if people think it's just swell for this guy to brand their children. It asks if readers think the school board should be recalled for taking action against him! http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/08/06/20/minutemen_recall.html

Here's an earlier photo of a town rally supporting him. Not sure if it's before the branding was revealed, but this asshole taught these people's children for 11 years, anyway.



There's so much on this. I will only conclude that here's a Columbus Dispatch article from MAY about the lovely tool he used to brand his students with a cross. You can surf around; there's more.
Yet he is still widely supported. Sickening. http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/05/11/Zapper.ART_ART_05-11-08_B1_4JA5TI2.html?sid=101

[TomInTib]

1. Them sure are some WHITE people.

How could anyone support that asshole?

And what were those idiot kids thinking (if, indeed, they are even capable of thought)?

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Minutemen United??

:wtf:

[Faygo Kid]

4. We live in frightening times. This is stereotypical "Middle America." Look at what it's become.

People have been so numbed by Bush, Limbaugh, Fox, et al, that they now accept branding of their children - so long as it's by an anti-evolutionist.

This episode has really opened my eyes. I should have known before how extreme this country has become, but Mount Vernon, Ohio, condoning this guy for 11 years, and many STILL supporting him even though the branding has been news for months?

This isn't my America. We have got to take our country back.

[proud2BlibKansan]

5. These people are nuts

“My daughter Arie told me about a Jewish child who brought his Torah to school when other students brought Bibles in support of Freshwater,” she continued. “He thought he was supporting freedom of religious expression, and the other kids just ripped him apart. ‘What are you doing?’ they asked. ‘You can’t support Mr. Freshwater, you’re Jewish.’ So they don’t get it.

“I don’t think people realize the depth of what’s going on between the students. It’s a mob mentality right now. It’s peer pressure. To not wear a T-shirt and to not bring your Bible when they say bring your Bible and wear a T-shirt, you’re asking for trouble.”

Murdoch said one of Arie’s friends wore a T-shirt to school that read, “I don’t need to wear a special T-shirt to be a Christian.” That individual was reportedly pushed into the lockers and called a “stupid atheist b****.” That is not acceptable in Murdoch’s mind.

http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/08/05/06/freshwater_upd.html

[Faygo Kid]

9. What?!? DUers, will you read this? "You can't support. . . because you're JEWISH?"

This shall not stand unaddressed on DU. Please post it on General Discussion by itself.

[LiberalFighter]

3. They should recall the parents!!

[bbinacan]

6. I lived in Mount Vernon

from 68-73 and attended K-3 at Dan Emmett Elementary. I have fond memories of the place. This news is sad indeed. Are the welts permanent? I hope not.

[Faygo Kid]

7. Some welts are permanent. Maybe not the branded ones, I don't know.

But Mount Vernon's reputation - and its failure to deal with this madman over the past 11 years, and instead to rally for him - is a welt that will remain for a lifetime.

You will no longer be famous just as Paul Lynde's hometown. Sad. I hope you will write a letter to the editor or something and talk some sense to these people. The rest of the nation is going to consider them insane.

I'm afraid I do.

[Leopolds Ghost]

8. Do I support the candidate who endorses warrantless wiretapping of liberals, or wants to Brand them?

Decisions, decisions.