Robert Wilonsky at Unfair Park reports that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has ruled in favor of Plano ISD in the candy cane case I first reported back in 2003.
It should be noted that Plano ISD changed it policy in 2005 after this case began. The court found no issues with the new policy. According to Wilonsky…
In 2005, after the suit was filed, the district adopted a new policy concerning the distribution of materials: 30 minutes before and after school; during any of the three annual parties; during recess; and, yes, during school hours, “but only passively at designated tables,” as the court put it. The district said, Look, passing out anything during school hours is disruptive, K? To which the court responded this week by declaring the 2005 policy good and constitutional.
I wish the current policy was less restrictive, but it does give students the ability to distribute materials which the previous policy did not.
The courts full opinion (PDF) is available as is Plano’s Student/Parent Policy Guide (PDF).
Flickr image: Trevor Bradley
Earlier today I posted GOP raises White Flag on Immigration, RIP America?. While reflecting on it tonight, I realized I have never posted my thoughts on Fortress America. What is it? What do I mean?
Fortress America is my idea to secure America. In my mind, this should have been issue number 1 on September 12, 2001. Before we open the front door, we must lock the back door!
- Secure our borders—Every mile of land and sea with fences, technology, guards, etc. We should guard this country like a medieval castle.
- Identification program for immigrants that cannot be circumvented.
- Severe penalties for business that knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Shut down repeat offenders.
- While it is not PC, any illegal immigrant that is Arab/Muslim should be deported immediately. Why? Look no further than the recent Fort Dix terrorist plot.
- Any illegal immigrant who has committed a crime (beyond there initial immigration crime) should be deported immediately.
- Make any and all changes/enhancements to Homeland Security/Immigration/Border Patrol/etc. to make the security measures successful.
- Make English the official language of the United States
- Deport all illegal immigrant males 18-34. Why? Terrorism, crime, gang activity. Enough said.
- Deport all illegal immigrants with communicable diseases. DO IT TODAY. Health screenings must be required as part of any future immigration reform.
Only AFTER these steps are put in place should we begin to TALK about changes to our future immigration policy. On that point, I’ve got some ideas too:
- No illegal immigrants in America now should ever be given the right to become US citizens before people going the legal route.
- No illegal immigrants in America now should ever be given the right to become US citizens without returning to their homeland and follow the legal route to citizenship.
- The BEST illegal immigrants should come to expect is a permanent residence status.
- No social security benefits for illegal immigrants period. Only if, and when, they become citizens can they participate in the program. No exceptions. The program is in disarray now, we don’t need to make it worse.
Is it too much to ask for secure borders and respect for our laws?
(Update: Added English as the official language)
(Update #2: Added deportation for males 18-34, those with communicable diseases, and no social security benefits.)
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