[John D Harris]

Originally posted by Smeagol II: I find it amusing that when Americans don't like what they see of a story, they say that it hasn't been covered properly in the press or make assumptions that suit there view better. There is absolutely nothing wrong with raising a fist to show ones disregard towards something, and as for paddling school kids, thats just sick, why on earth would you paddle someone for anything except acts of violence or destruction of property. This is the first time I have heard of paddles being used on school children and I am appaled. As for the rather meaningless issue that has been raised about the raised fist represnting violence it seems stupid to suggest that the student had intended it to do so. The St Georges cross was used by far-right militants, but thousands of black and asians have been waving it throughout the World Cup and Wimbeldon, and even more will do so during the Commonwealth Games.

Smeagol II,
Majik and Cerek are justified in their distrust of the national (USA) press, I live less then 100 miles from Parrish, AL. I saw it on the local news where they did more in depth intrviews with both sides. The local press had more then the 30 sec sound bite to devote to the story.