John Hendrix » high

Florida High School v. Rainbows

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:35:54 +0000

February 24 marks the 40th anniversary of the Tinker decision, a landmark Supreme Court case affirming students’ First Amendment rights to free speech in public schools. In honor of this anniversary, the ACLU has released a short video about a Florida high school that banned students from wearing clothing supporting equal rights for gay people. The principal at Ponce De Leon High School censored Heather Gillman and other students after they began wearing clothing with rainbows and other symbols of support for gay equality in response to anti-gay harassment at the school. After a trial, a federal judge ruled in Heather’s favor, finding that the school violated Heather’s First Amendment rights. Heather and countless other courageous students have followed in the footsteps of Mary Beth Tinker, her brother John, and their friend Christopher Eckhardt, who were suspended from Des Moines public schools in 1965 for wearing black armbands in protest of the Vietnam War. With the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, the students filed a lawsuit, Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, which was eventually appealed to the US Supreme Court. In a landmark decision on February 24, 1969, the Court ruled in favor of the students, holding that students don’t lose their constitutional rights at the classroom door. The Tinker precedent is still used to determine whether a school’s disciplinary actions violate students’ First Amendment rights.

August 11, 2011 GOP Debate (High Quality) in Ames, Iowa

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:17:02 +0000

AMES, Iowa (AP) — In Iowa Thursday night, the Republicans commanded the spotlight. Seven candidates – former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum and businessman Herman Cain – sought to separate themselves from the packed field and emerge as the chief alternative to lead candidate Mitt Romney. Pawlenty, who hesitated in a June debate to criticize the former Massachusetts governor, this time accused him of sharing views with Obama on spending and health care. “We’re going to have to show contrast, not similarities” with the incumbent president, Pawlenty said. He sought repeatedly to tie Romney and Obama together by poking at both. “Where’s Barack Obama on these issues? You can’t find his plans on the most pressing issues in this country,” Pawlenty said, promising audience members and TV viewers he would “come to your house and cook you dinner” if they could find Obama’s proposals. “Or if you prefer I’ll come to your house and mow your lawn … In case Mitt wins, I’d limit it to one acre.” Romney, who has several homes, smiled and took a pass when given a chance to respond, saying, “That’s just fine.” He kept his focus on Obama, saying, “Our president simply doesn’t understand how to lead and how to grow the economy.” He also criticized Democrat Obama on the downgrade of the nation’s credit rating. Appearing in …

Mitt Romney – High Prices, High Anxiety: Americans Feeling the Pain at Pump

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:16:54 +0000

The economic issues related to high gas prices. Politics are turning to the effect on the economy and the disapproval of the president. High Prices, High Anxiety: Americans Feeling the Pain @ Pump.

Former Gov. Sarah Palin’s son marries high school sweetheart in Hatcher Pass ceremony

Wed, 25 May 2011 20:15:56 +0000

Former Gov. Sarah Palin’s son marries high school sweetheart in Hatcher Pass ceremony
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Track Palin, the oldest child of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has married. Palin, 22, recently married his high school sweetheart, 21-year-old Britta Hanson, People magazine reported Thursday.

Obama earns high praise, even from political rivals

Tue, 03 May 2011 08:16:46 +0000

Obama earns high praise, even from political rivals
The day after the daring raid that killed Osama bin Laden was mostly full of congratulations for the man who ordered it, President Barack Obama.

What will the government do when Americans quit smoking due to high taxation?

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:01:56 +0000

What will the government (State and Federal) due when Americans quit smoking due to high taxation?

What will they tax to replace this large source of revenue at the same rates?

I’m a freshman in high school and very interested in politics. How can I get started?

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:02:40 +0000

I am doing these clubs this year:
Model U.N., Young Democrats, Debate Club

How can I get started so I’d be able to pursue a political career when I’m older?

I’m passionate about politics and I volunteer a lot- and I think it would be a great
job for me and I would be good at it. So, how would someone my age get started?

How come Ron Paul has high online support and miniscule voter support?

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:07:14 +0000

They even fly Blimps for him and make dozens of fan websites.

Then, these people don’t bother to get off their rumps to vote for the man. What is wrong with these people?!

(Not a Ron Paul supporter. I’d like to see him drop out now, for his sake).

How can I become more involved in politics while in high school?

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:05:27 +0000

Now that the election is over, I don’t see a lot of things I can do to become more involved in politics outside of high school clubs. I wanted to volunteer to a campaign, but now I don’t know what to do. I’m EXTREMEEELY interested in politics, but I don’t know how to make this known. What can I do?

Should teenagers who attend public high schools have a right to “free speech” while in school?

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 17:08:44 +0000

Should teenagers who attend public high schools have a right to “free speech” while in school?