Why There Are Pages and Why We Must Turn Them

                  There were many interesting facts laid down by our reading: Why There Are Pages and Why We Must Turn Them by Robert Bringhurst. Due to the technical age, the way of publishing text has come from sewn together hardbacks to pure electronic words. The author seems compelled to deny the usefulness of any type of computers or any electronic reading devices. Unfortunately, I believe that in this day in age, we as a nation and world are one of speed. Many things are improved not by the fact that it can give us a better product, but give us the same product faster.

                  Running with this notion, let’s look at something else, the mail. When mail first started, horse drew it from one town to another; this may have taken weeks if not months. Now through new inventive ways of mail travel, we are able to get the exact same product just in a faster time, i.e. Same-day air. This same principle is applied to the electronic reading devices of today. We are able to search for any title no matter the location that we may be at. As well to add, we are able to handle hundred’s if not thousands of books at once. This new inventive way of reading brings a whole library worth of sewn together hardback books directly into our palm at a moment’s notice.

                  Within the recent months there are many bookstores such as Boarders Books are going out of business just because of the ease that is known as their electronic competition. I feel frustrated by this, as I still buy paper book’s simply due to the fact that I personally like holding the text within my grips and being able to physically turn the pages and doggy-ear the corners to keep my place. However, throughout time, I feel as though the next generation will not have the option of reading without their portable electronic devices. Is this sad or disturbing? I guess it is sad, yet unfortunately that is called the progressive invention for tomorrow. As a United States Army Recruiter, I am able to go inside the High Schools within my area, and I notice that even true textbooks are diminishing from the shelves of our schools. Computers are invading the shelves due to the mere fact that space is limited and the price is to cheap to compete. This is a sad way of life, soon, electronic devices are all that we will have to rely on. 

School's Authority Outside of School

            This blogging topic almost makes me laugh. Why would a school’s authority on-campus follow the student home, off-campus, or online? This is ridiculous that schools throughout our nation are trying to expel or punish students for purely first amendment acts, i.e. Freedom of speech.

            Let’s jump back just a second before I dive in too deep too fast. Do I believe that students should talk back, or mock teachers anytime of the day? For a quick and definite answer, absolutely not! I believe students, no matter what grade and age, should have respect for the teacher who are trying to teach. For the faculty at any given school should feel safe while they are within the confines of their own school, however what happens outside of school is and should be dealt with only by the correct authorities. These authorities outside of a school are absolutely not the schools.

            Let’s use the example that is given to us by the text. A student randomly sees a teacher at a local restaurant. This meeting has nothing to do with school or any school function. Whatever the student does, as long as it is legally okay, should be legally fine to do. While flicking someone off may be very rude, I can not think of where this action is purely illegal. Should this student be punished? I believe so… by the PARENT at least. Once again, the school board will have no authority under this type of situation, and I think it is ridiculous that they jumped to expelling this student for this act.

            My answer is very basic, the reality of the law is that the school board has no authority outside the boundaries of the school, or perhaps they would if the area where the incident was at a school function outside school limits, then the boundaries of the school will be changed. However, once again, if it is outside of school and not within a school function, then there is absolutely no authority within the school.