In Winnipeg, a white nationalist mother thought it was fun to draw a swastika on the arm of her seven-year-old daughter. When a teacher rubbed off the mark, the mother drew it back on. The second time, the school reported the incident and child welfare officials took both the daughter and a two-year-old boy away from the mother. It is a case that raises very serious questions of free speech balanced against child welfare.
Recently, there have been some alarming attacks on free speech by Canadian agencies, click here. This story, however, is the first involving the removal of children.
Schools are given a great deal of leeway in prohibiting hateful or inappropriate clothing. Presumably, this would also include body messages. However, the penalty is generally suspension or expulsion — not removal from the home. Moreover, so long as it is lawful for a child to receive a tattoo, a family is allowed to put a cross, star or other religious or political symbol on their children. The school may require that it be covered up, but it cannot prohibit a family from exhibiting their political beliefs.
The mother in this case is obviously pretty creepy with a house full of Nazi symbols. She now admits that it was a mistake: “It was one of the stupidest things I’ve done in my life but it’s no reason to take my kids.” Yet, Child and Family Services has removed the children because it considers such views to be potentially harmful for the children.
There is no greater form of government punishment for speech than taking away one’s children. This mother has a right to raise her children in a Nazi home. The school has the right to regulate some demonstrations of speech that are clearly inimical to the educational mission — though such limitations have to be narrowly tailored.
Canadians need to take a serious look at these attacks on free speech and the future of free expression in the country.
For the full story, click here.
April:
are you serious? I think there is just a tad bit of difference between a Vegan and a Nazi.
I don’t think I would want my ancestors trotted out if they had been involved in mass murder, but then that is just me.
Telling children that they cannot be proud of their race and ancestry is also child abuse. Modern multiculturalists and egalitarians will accept and encourage racial pride in ANY race but the white race. Liberals think Freedom of Speech is great as long as it is for their own personal use.
What is the difference between the ” indoctrination” of the parent who teaches their children to be vegetarian, Christian, Jewish, or raises them in a openly homosexual household? That also effects a child’s belief system and can create lifelong “scars”….
What was that case about the Yarmulke and the military. Ok, I understand that. Then the Arm Bands on school property. Why could not a bandage been applied over this childs arm? This is BULL S**T.
The government has absolutely NO right in stealing other peoples children, because of there personal beliefs… this is a complete undermining of our rights and freedoms…
I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it…
We must remain steadfast as our rights and freedoms are being taken away by government…
Firstly, I love how we respond to a facist symbol in a tolerant and free society with facism.
I agree Ms. Mespo is another do as I say not as I do liberal, “Does society have no interest in ensuring that families are producing well adjusted citizens capable of handling freedom and tolerance? I agree that schools do socialize children to some extent, but the advent of home schooling vitiates this beneficial product of education. I have civil liberties concerns here as well, but this doctrine of hate seems egregious enough for me to equate it with mental abuse.”
Every study shows and logic dictates that children are best adjusted growing up in a household with both a Father and a Mother, yet the goverment schools are “socializing” our children to accept and revere homosexuality. A stable family headed by a man and woman is in the best interest to society.
Ms. Mespo asserts that homeschooling vitiates governemnt education! If only that were true. Religion is love and understanding that the world does not revolve around you. It allows values and judgements to keep us all on track. How is religion not of great value to society. Ms. Mespo wants, I’m OK Your OK, except if you don’t agree with her. She is the only one who can judge.
It was not a swastika. She drew a sunwheel, a religious PAGAN symbol.
Not too many people want to make the effort. Ignorance is bliss – until the knock is on YOUR door.
Ich glaube nicht.
PS. Hitler lost the battle but won the war. Think about it.
First of all, I’m sure the hundreds of millions of people freed from British rule would disagree with you. Just listen to how the British were “thanked” at the official ceremony when their “100 year lease” over Hong Kong expired. Btw, the killing of innocent people should never be called “important” by any civilized people.
And secondly, do some research, Jews think they are the Chosen People by birthright, so if the terrorism is Israeli, I’d agree with you.
zakimar:
“The most important thing that Hitler ever did was to destroy the British Empire, …”
You might be surprised to learn that Hitler lost WW2, and the Empire was converted into Commonwealth status by agreement. I doubt many of the victims murdered by the Nazi’s, or any of those who fought that barbarism (or their offspring) would thank the Nazi’s for anything. Your suggestion is akin to “thanking” the Klu Klux Klan for the increased sale of rope.
“Also, wouldn’t you say it’s evil indoctrination if parents told their children that only they, by virtue of their birth would go to Heaven and ALL other people were condemned to Hell because they weren’t fortunate enough to be born into that race/religion?’
**************************
Yes indeed. That is really the crux of this war against terrorists wouldn’t you agree?
Personal attacks are childish – enough said.
Also, why only point out the negatives of the Nazi government? The most important thing that Hitler ever did was to destroy the British Empire, which enslaved hundreds of millions of people (India, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt…). In fact EVERY country that didn’t get rid of the British by the 19th century is still a Third World country. Thanks to the Nazis, now the sun barely rises on the British Empire.
Also, wouldn’t you say it’s evil indoctrination if parents told their children that only they, by virtue of their birth would go to Heaven and ALL other people were condemned to Hell because they weren’t fortunate enough to be born into that race/religion?
mespo727272
1, July 14, 2008 at 1:52 pm
This is really too easy
Words no doubt oft repeated during your conception.
russ:
There’s that buzzing again. It may be time to cue your poem just one last time. Apparently, it’s having a deleterious effect on someone’s affect. This is really too easy and we need to quit tugging on “Superman’s” cape, lest he declare victory over us yet again and fly off to Krypton to join the other invincible superheroes — as his head explodes. LOL
Gyges said…
For every sermon about being a stranger in a strange land there was one on helping the poor stranger on the side of the road and one on Jesus eating with the Tax collector. Were there people who ignored the parts of the Bible that started with sentiments like “what ever you do to the least of these?” Yes, but they were a small percent. Mostly it was just a bunch of people who were trying to raise their kids to pray before going to bed and to be nice to other people.
Yes, today theres thousands of churches doing likewise. There members hear beautiful sermons, right before their encouraged to go out and vote to bomb 20 million people in the middle east back to the stone ages.
Its all in perspective, and therefore, the slippery slope of permitting the perspective of people like messpot to make the rules the rest of us live under, is of course a no brainer.
Just like messpot.
Messpot said.
I think secular hate and religious hate are from the same tree and believe that to be abuse if taught to children.
Of course you would.
Because you like police state rule. You’ve demonstrated that in here, by your ridiculous demands that I not be permitted to speak unless you first decree that I can.
You, like your friend there, are “busy-bodies”.
Cackling hens with big mouths, bigger egos, and a desire to control the thoughts, actions and lives of all those around you.
You are the greatest danger to democracies everywhere. Because people like you, don’t appreciate democracy, or freedom.
You’re too worried about keeping your fat, precious, mini-van driving, T-ball asses “safe”.
My suggestion?
You and the rest like you, purchase one of those steel “Panic rooms”, climb in, shut the door behind you, and we’ll call you big heroes when its “safe” to come out.
😀
Might be a while though.
mespo727272
1, July 14, 2008 at 11:55 am
Gyges:
Eavesdrop away. My comment referred to those not in the conversation or not welcome to participate in conversations I am having. I don’t consider my posts a billboard at all times especially when I am talking with someone directly.
Oh look Gyges.
Messpots given you permission to post without his “by” or “leave”.
How utterly benevolant of him, to permit another blogger to comment.
He has of course decreed that I cannot comment however, without his first “inviting” me to do so.
Whether I’m speaking to him or not.
😐
Good thing he’s a two bit punk with a big mouth, that doesn’t have one ounce of say so over who speaks in here, or who doesn’t, ay?
But its always fun to watch him stomp his little feet, and throw a tantrum when Bartlebee ignores his demands, and comments in this public blog, in spite of his impotent demands.
Dumb and Dumberer.
Like for example, how with each post Bartlebee makes in any thread, regardless of its content, russ starts the attack and or recites his infatile pejorative poem, and messpot jumps on and declares, “good one russ”.
I’m guessing russ is the big dog, and messpots the little yapper dog lapping at his feet?
😐
They do however make a cute couple, I’m sure.
Messpo said..
If you look carefully on this blog you might even see some evidence of that.
Yea.
Like in the constant unwarranted attacks for example, from you and your mental midget common-law partner, russ on Bartlebee, each and every time you see him post a comment.
That would be a good example of attempts at mental abuse, if of course you two pinheads didn’t get your ass handed to you, each time you open your mouths to put your own feet in them.