The Grizzly Gazette is proud to publish incoming letters and comments from individuals both on and off the Granite Hills High School campus. Being that this is a high school newspaper, we ask that all letters contain comments appropriate to a high school audience and that they also maintain a sense of respect and decorum. Letters containing personal attacks and inappropriate or unintelligible language will not be published. The Grizzly Gazette staff has the right to not publish letters deemed unsuitable for a high school newspaper and also has the right to edit letters due to crude language, racism, sexism, and libel.

Xjenai, when I first read this story I was in awe. You write with so much emotion and are so capable of conveying a story with words. This story was melancholy for me. I’m looking for the words to describe my thoughts but I can’t find them right now. Other than my previous thoughts, good job Xjenai. I really love your story.

Well, I agree with what you are saying. I am one of those people [who uses] the restroom here about twice a day. The boy’s bathroom is disgusting. It’s always filthy dirty. But we don’t need any fancy soap, just some soap to do what we [have to] do and that’s it. Also for the seat covers, the same thing as well. I think we should have more attention towards the bathrooms. I'm a sports guy and just to let you know sports is one of the most important things at any school campus, so leave sports out of this conflict.

Think of all the other people in this country who made a difference. No offence in any shape or form, but Cesar Chavez wasn't the only man who changed someone’s life, so our school shouldn't feel bad for not celebrating it or making it a holiday. If high schools students want to celebrate it themselves on that day, then go for it. But if we sat down and counted up all the 'forgotten holidays' I don't think we would be in school.

OK. Abortion is wrong, no matter what way you put it!!
Many people say, "Well, abortion is ok because it's not a baby yet."
NO! It's not 'ok.' Even though women usually have abortions within a few weeks of being pregnant, that doesn't mean that it wouldn't have formed into a child. It's killing a poor innocent child who will never get a chance on earth. God sends us children and to just kill it with no care seems real selfish to me. If you're 'mature' enough to have sexual relations, then you are 'mature' enough to carry that child and have it.
And like Beverly said, if you feel you can’t take care of it, then set it up for adoption! Don't kill a baby just because you messed up, for pleasure.
So in conclusion, abortion is wrong, and I feel sorry for the people who believe in it. It's like saying it's ok for someone to murder another human who is already living. THINK ABOUT IT!

OK, the situation is a little grim, but sports should be one of the last things to go. Obesity is on the rise after all, and students would not stop trashing bathrooms just because you give them toilet seat covers. I am also almost one hundred percent sure that it does not matter what type of soap there is as long as there is some. So tone it down a little with the rancid grainy powder, there are more worthwhile things to gripe [about]. I for one would be happy with some darn soap, and I think that (except for hand soap) if kids break it, they can go without. It would be stupid to repeatedly replace toilet seat cover dispensers if they are just going to get torn off.

Dear Grizzly Gazette staff,

On behalf of The Feather we want to congratulate you on your Pacemaker award. We feel honored to be included in the list amongst a paper of your caliber. The Grizzly Gazette contains numerous creative approaches to showcase your sections. For instance, your staff page seems more personal and interesting with the inclusion of goals and additional pictures. Our staff appreciated your inputs at the round table discussion last Saturday. We trust we will see you next year.

Editor-in-chief Mary Kneefel and
Senior editor Jennifer Sherfield

I really offer my utmost congrats to the Gazette staff for winning NSPA!! You guys really worked hard. From Caryn and Jeremy to our photographers to our writers and cartoonists - you all did great!! Each person’s work, no matter how miniscule or infrequent or how great and multiple, you all contributed equally to our success. I also would love to thank everyone for their letters to the editor; they were a great read and very helpful in securing our nomination and trophy.

Good Luck next year!!!

In response to the article, “Cesar Chavez Day: Is it celebrated enough at Granite?” I was a little disturbed by the commentaries. As a Granite Hills High School alumni and current UCSC (University of California Santa Cruz) slug, I realize that the only reason why the youth of Porterville lack solidarity amongst each other is for the simple fact that we as a community do not look past our differences. Our history has not taught us well. This is a big issue not only in the community, but also in the education of our youth.

We grow up learning history from a Eurocentric perspective, in which the textbooks educate us about the “truth.” In reality Eurocentric history has not taught us anything. The only things it has taught us is to discriminate each other among our race, class, gender, sexuality, etc. For instance, minority communities have a long history of being discriminated and oppressed. In order to create social and economic change, we must stand in solidarity by first educating one another upon our differences. Why not start learning the 100 pages that vanished from our history books?

With this being said, if Cesar Chavez Day could not be celebrated enough in our public schools, then I highly encourage for this day to be acknowledged in our schools. It will be the beginning of recognizing those who do deserve [to have] their voice heard, regardless of their presence with us today. This day will not only continue to educate and acknowledge the struggles of the Mexican/Chicano/Latino community, but it will unite the struggles of all communities. If you think Sr. Chavez is “not all as important” as to the men and women who have previously been acknowledged for their historical contributions, then you have it all wrong. If it were not for Cesar Chavez and his ideals and courage, we would not have this nation today. As a Mexican American labor leader and a civil rights activist, Cesar Chavez not only battled the labor injustice for the Mexican/Chicano/Latino community, but he also served the Filipino community. It might surprise you that [Chavez] along with Dolores Huerta, Martin Luther King Jr., and many other historical activists, worked [in] collaboration to unite similar struggles. Surprised? This is only a taste to what your history books are not teaching you. Begin to question and ask yourself, why do we always learn about the good things the United States has done? What else is the United States hiding from us?

What an honor to have had a labor leader and civil rights activist in the Central Valley. Cesar Chavez brought hope and encouragement to ALL communities in the Central Valley. As a community, we learn from empowering historical leaders that the creation of social change and the power to the people comes in numbers. We never walk alone because we all come from similar struggles, whether it is race, class, gender, sexuality, etc. We must acknowledge each others differences and learn from our ancestor’s mistakes. For those who fear to celebrate or even acknowledge the social struggles in our history through our education system, I inspire to open up and pay attention to what is really going on. Students of color must break away from a consciousness of inferiority and take a stand to an education that is also theirs. It is their white peers turn to now listen and open up to these voices. We are ALL ignorant to the true historical events but ignorance should not be the issue of creating change. Solidarity only comes in numbers.

Sincerely,
Micaela Lara

I couldn’t agree with this article more. I believe it to be disrespectful not to salute our nation's flag. The flag is a symbol for freedom and should be cherished by all Americans, especially by the students at GHHS, who many of their parents are or were illegal inhabitants of this country at one point, and were not better off in the native land. This is the land of opportunity, and [we should] at least show some gratitude by doing a simple act like a morning pledge. All people should salute the flag as a sign of respect and patriotism.

We had such a great trip. It was a wonderful tour and our AVID students were able to see some of GHHS's alumni. We were able to talk with Christina Hackett, Katie Lopez, Lauren Rabaino, and Lukas Kisling. After this college trip, I think quite a few students are interested in applying to Cal Poly SLO.

This letter is in reply to Arthur Sides' Letters to the Editor about abortion on Sunday, April 6, 2008. I believe in God but I do not have to use my belief in God as a reason [for] why I am against abortion. Rather it is my knowledge of biology and the Constitution that is the foundation for my pro-life stance. Protection of all human beings no matter in what stage of development they are is critical to a civilized society. Human beings go through many stages of development throughout their life. A human being's worth should not be based on their stage of development. An old man is no more valuable than a 3 year old child, or a six month old fetus for that matter. All human beings deserve equal protection in a civilized society. It is a biological fact that human life begins at conception. Once the egg is fertilized, biologically speaking, everything is present for a human being. The only thing needed is time. A human being that is a product of a rape should not be punished because his or her father is a rapist. The unborn child of a rapist is innocent and has no culpability in the rape. Why pick on the innocent in a horrible situation? Rather a civilized society should investigate the crime, arrest and try the rapist, and give the mother all the support she needs. If she cannot bear to raise the child, understandably, she can give the child up for adoption. What is solved if the mother aborts a child conceived due to a rape? Now she feels horribly because she was raped and just received an abortion. At least the woman who was raped and goes through the pregnancy and the adoption can feel some consolation that she gave life to an innocent victim just like herself.

Editor:

I feel that in this editorial the author should have realized that it is not just Cesar Chavez who is being "forgotten" in Porterville. I could name off several people throughout the history of the United States of America that could be honored through holidays similar to that of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

For example, we do have holidays for George Washington's birthday and Abraham Lincoln's birthday, but they have been pushed off to "President's Day." But, why should we care here in the valley? Neither of these men even went to the Central Valley! But, without these men, without their ideals and courage, we would not have this nation today. So, why not celebrate what they stood for on their birthdays, February 12th (Lincoln) and February 22nd (Washington)? Or what about figures such as Thomas Jefferson for penning the Declaration of Independence, James Madison for writing the Bill of Rights (which gives freedom of speech), Frederick Douglas for helping abolish slavery, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton for working towards woman's suffrage in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century?

Frankly, Mr. Chavez is not at all as important as these men and women. They have affected the lives of every American in some way, shape, or form. For us as Americans to recognize someone who has truly affected the lives of all Americans, we should remember these figures who have helped give us all as Americans the rights and the liberties that we hold so dear today. Cesar Chavez does not need to be recognized on a national holiday for creating "more sanitary food products" (For one thing, people were working for that long before Chavez stepped on the scene to promote higher wages for farm laborers).

For someone to be recognized on a certain day of the year means that he or she has affected the lives of all present and future Americans in a positive way. Though Cesar Chavez means a great deal to the Hispanic population of the Central Valley, it means little to the rest of the American population in the whole scheme of American history. For example, for those a part of the Sioux Indian tribe, a day commemorating Sitting Bull's life would mean much to them, but for us here in the Central Valley or on the East Coast it means very little, so what would be so important about us celebrating that certain day? 

I lament that such an emphasis has been placed on celebrating Cesar Chavez day here at Granite; we should realize that there are greater, more profound figures of American history that should be recognized and applauded for their achievements so that future generations can realize how important our freedoms are that we possess today as citizens of the United States of America.

Sincerely, Karen Harriger

I think that going over to the schools is a great way to get student involved in AVID. They can see how we get involved in getting good grades and getting involved in clubs. AVID has personally helped me through high school so far, especially my AVID teacher Mrs. Silva. Mrs. Silva has helped me through all of my problems with school and also personal problems. I believe a student who is committed and wants to go to college should join AVID.

Someone should honestly do an article on the class cutbacks, especially the music classes such as band and choir. [T]hey [want] to cut chamber choir and personally, some of us take that class because we have a passion for singing, but can’t take it during the normal school day, so we take it zero period. Cutting out choir from a lot of our lives would be hectic because so many of us feel relieved of all the stress during and after we have our daily choir class. I don’t know about band members, but I’m pretty sure they feel similar to how I feel [about] losing one of my favorite classes! So please, someone write a convincing article so we can keep our classes!
Sincerely,
Adrienne Rowell

Dear Austin Jones:

I recently read your comment concerning the selling of Link Lanyards. I just have one thing to say in reply. I have TWICE written articles on the Genocide in Darfur, and both times I wrote the articles they received little to no consideration or attention from the Grizzlies. Also, at the bottom of each of my articles there is a link to a site where you can donate funds to Darfur or buy clothing where the proceeds go to Darfur.

The Gazette does focus on larger issues then Lanyards. But it is also the Gazette's job to bring global and LOCAL news to Grizzlies. What better way is there to advertise the selling of Link Lanyards then to advertise them on the SCHOOL'S page?

Sorry, but I am disappointed that you cannot have the same respect for an article written to raise money for the school for some written to raise money for other purposes. As articles go, they both served their point and both deserve equal spotlight, seeing as how BOTH took time and effort to write.

I agree with you that Cesar Chavez [was] a great man, and that we have all forgotten how to appreciate and celebrate his success. However, I do not ask for a great celebration here at school since I know not everyone was affected by Cesar Chavez' actions. I do however believe that if we can have a minimum day for "National Pie Day" and a day off for Martin Luther King [Jr.] Day, we should also include Cesar Chavez Day.

Everyone in music theater and in chamber choir have work[ed] hard to make this all come true. And that’s not all. Some students from our school have also taken the time to come and help play extras in the musical "Les Miserables" as well. So I just say thank you to everyone who made this come true and a special thanks to the choir director, Ms. Efseaff.

The simple response is: It's not the school's responsibility to celebrate [a] holiday, people or events. If you feel you should have done more to celebrate someone you consider a hero, you should do it on your own time. School isn't supposed to be about the things we students turn it into. It's about the learning. Celebrating Cesar Chavez would have detracted form that.

As far as a speaker goes: The school doesn't have the money to go and pay someone to speak on an [non-educational] topic. The motivational speaker is for the standardized testing. The better the scores on that, the more funding the school gets. That leads to better educational materials. Better educational materials mean better opportunities for students.

Now, as far as remembering: With those better materials, we can include Mr. Chavez and make it part of the curriculum. We shouldn’t forget, but school is not the place to celebrate it. That should be done on an individual basis, not on a state or even district level.

It was still a good game. The game was a lot better than the score shows. It’s ok though, cause we beat Delano and the number 1 pitcher in the league.

Craziness. You know that you are good writer right? Maybe I should say a great writer. I mean, I know this is all true and that it is how you truly feel, but putting that aside for a moment, the way you put the information together and the words you use are exquisite. You not only write the paper, you write it so that all you have to do is read it once and you get it. Not like a lot of people that write. But anyway, I know your life sucks. I wish I could get you out of there. But let’s face it: I hate it over here, and I know that if you and Jen can’t get along for two days (Disneyland) then how would you live together? I wish I could get out of here. I mean, I have actually been thinking about moving back to Grandpa’s house. On more than one occasion, I have told Jen too. And you know what she had to say: "Go ahead, if that is what makes you happy." But then she made sure to tell me that on the days I go to work she would pick me up and drop me off. So basically, I lose my car, you know, the car I barely get to drive now. Well, I will let you go. Love ya sis. Steven

Okay. It's great that we are trying to support link but I don’t think this is article is worthy of the cover of the news page. We should have an article about "Rape in the Congo" (it premiered yesterday night at 8pm) and ways that Granite can help, or updates from Darfur. I think the Grizzly Gazette should organize an event to help raise money for Darfur or Congo. I'd be more than glad to help in this event, and I bet that Granite would be more than glad to help too.
Sincerely,
Austin Jones

You guys used sound slides! I love the battle of the sexes page! Now you just need to get some audio to go with the slideshow. Well done guys.

I loved the adventures of Pasty and Oddment! It’s well done and so creative. I can't wait to read more and, yes, I also loved the randomness. It was random! Good job Jerica and Matthew!

That’s so awesome. What a great opportunity for young journalists to see what their future job will be like and what they'll do! Thanks for the info Ashley.

I look forward to the day that I can read an article on the Gazette that doesn't use the Bible to back up the writing. It is nothing more then a long story that people continually use to control their lives and the lives of others.

If you want to argue using God as your defense, why does your "God" give free will to people?

Thou Shalt Not Kill
Eye for an Eye

The Bible is a big book of contradictions. I don't understand how Mr. Hackett can continually allow the Bible to be used to support the articles that are written on this site.

I do not condone abortions, but being a man, I do not feel that I have the right to tell a woman what she can or cannot to with her body. I do believe that if a woman has sex and doesn't use protection then yes, she and her partner should be responsible and take care of the child.

Would you still have the same stance on abortions if the woman getting one was raped? Or we could make this a lot more interesting and see if you really stand by your writing: if you were attacked by a man and raped and you became pregnant, would you keep the child? I've asked many people, men and women that question and all of them have answered the same: no, they wouldn't.

Some could argue that the fetus isn't considered "alive" until he or she is born from the mother’s womb.

One thing is certain, we live in America. It's not quite the "Land of the Free," but one thing it is not is a religious country run by the Bible. We still have a choice to become teachers and lawyers, doctors and politicians, and for the time being, women have the choice to keep or abort an UNBORN child.

Dear Chad, I find it very sad that you defend the murder of innocent children in such a way. There is another option affordable, actually FREE, for women who are not "ready" for a baby: ADOPTION!! There are many couples who cannot bear children and are on adoption waiting lists for years. Sometimes these parents never get to adopt. So how is adoption "rarely an option" when there are adults all across the county, the world, desperate to love and raise children?
And how dare you say "What is one less life anyway?" If your mother or brother or best friend or girlfriend was murdered, would you say, "Oh well, what is one less life anyway?"
You're forgetting that women don't just magically get pregnant. It's not a curse they get! When PEOPLE decide to have sex, they are also deciding to risk having a pregnancy. We should not try to justify murder just because some people find it easier to not take responsibility for their actions. As for women who are raped, that is completely different. However it is not the baby's fault that there are rapists in this world, and he/she deserves to be loved just like any other child.

Why stop at babies? Why not kill all life that is [not] up to our standards? Think of the money we could save if all "unproductive” citizens were eliminated. Three strikes? Just get rid of the red tape and eliminate all who get three strikes. Unemployment? No job, no life. Think of all the wasted humanity we could eliminate. I mean, what's one life?

That is very true. We just didn't get it done. We came out flat and just didn't play our normal Grizzly baseball. For the past few games we have done the same thing. Hopefully we can turn things around and get ourselves back on track to make playoffs.

I also believe that the bathrooms should be upgraded for our safety. I mean, no soap?! Ugh, disgusting! [My friends and I] all suffer [from] these horrid rooms. I refuse to use the bathrooms till I get home. The bathrooms here scare me! Anyone can get a serious infection here because nothing is protected. Everything is dirty, unsanitary, and a nightmare for students.

I know that the money for our school gets sent to core classes, like math, English, science, history, etc. Sometimes I question that as well. I think some money should go to protecting the students, and could loosen up on things like sports, but the art/music programs here also need attention as well*getting off track*!

The bathrooms at Granite Hills are a disgrace to bathrooms everywhere! They need to be cleaned; they need to be sanitized; they need at least toilet seat covers and hand sanitizers. I mean, come on administration, why let students suffer the horror of the toilet seat or the sink. Yeah, it may sound silly, but students do fear the GHHS toilet seats. If the school can offer to have hand sanitizers in each room, and have all the phones changed as well, we could at least put some stupid toilet seat covers and hand sanitizers in the bathrooms. Viva la Clean Bathrooms!

I want John McCain to win the election in presidential race in 2008 because [I think] that he will be a good president for the United States.

I like it a lot. It’s not overdone like it could have been. Very good writing. It was planned out well. I like how you got the characters images down without using too much detail. I love the story plot. It’s loveable [and has a lot of action], but not too much. It’s awesomely portioned. The brothers are cool. I'm sorry I sound like a critic! Good job.

What does it matter if someone has an abortion? Is it ok to let a kid starve, [be] abused, and then possibly killed later? Most cases of abortion are not only done by parents not ready but [those] who cannot support a baby. What about the people who can barley keep enough food to keep them selves fed?
I would be nice if our standards of living were shared with everyone, but most people who get an abortion live in a situation that is barley livable. Will you tell a young girl that she can not get an abortion, which will not only save her money but her very life?
What is one less life anyway? With some cities’ populations growing at an exponential rate, which can barely house and support the current population, and rising inflation, is one life really worth it? You are saying that everyone should keep their children on a moral [basis]? The problem with thoughts of that is that in reality the morally correct thing is rarely an option.
What would you do if you were raped and impregnated? Would you have an abortion? What would your parents make you do? Life is not that easy. Morals guide actions, but if you did not use them once I doubt that it would matter later. The best thing that I could say is keep your opinions of morals for your self. What is good to you is not the same as everyone else’s morals.
Sorry, but one truth does not rule all.

The school latrines are as bad as any other public restroom. They need to be improved, but the school is not entirely at fault. Of course, they don't provide seat covers, but what do you think the students will do with them? [Some] of the males will scatter them all over the school covered in something they produced in the latrine and decided to give it to the rest of us as a gift. The toilet paper is scattered all over the male restrooms after brunch, leaving nothing for those who wish to use it for its intended purpose. These same individuals take pride in urinating all over the walls, floor, and ceiling, if they can reach it. Remember that is what we are dealing with.

Let’s not be mistaken. They know how to get into the female restrooms and leave it just like the males. Even if they don't want to go in themselves, they will no doubt send a "friend" in who didn't want to go either. Through bulling and peer pressure, they'll have their way.

If the school just put all the proper equipment in the female latrine, it's sexual discrimination. The school has enough problems, and doesn't need to have law suits against them, especially over something so trivial.

Change needs to be done with the students who enjoy trashing the latrines. We can't put a camera in there, and having someone watch can lead to sexual harassment issues for the school. I think we should have formal charges pressed against them for violating the restrooms. This is the only way to truly be rid of the issue.

Wow. Look, you're stressing it too much. So being a senior is Dramatic, Stressful, and DISAPPOINTING? Being a senior is supposed to be fun too. DRAMATIC: It’s ok if YOU don’t want to pay for the things we, as seniors, have to pay for if we want to go on trips or prom but there’s nothing dramatic about it. DISAPPOINTING: It doesn't matter what other people say I mean let them curse or do whatever, it just makes THEM look bad. Quit worrying about other people. STRESSFUL: Yeah, [there are] the letters from colleges and what-not, but that’s not all. What’s stressful is making grades, completing credits, and graduating. But you just have to learn to have fun with all this. It'll all be over soon.

Sabrina,
Thank you so much for coming to Body Worlds with my classes. Your eagerness to observe and document the experience was very appreciated and I am so glad that you were able to make time in your schedule. Thank you and well done!

That’s true. A mariachi band does usually play. How depressing! Why didn't Granite celebrate as much? That’s cheap. Good point. I didn't even know it was Cesar Chavez Day, and I should have! Nice job Ebony.

I whole-heartedly agree with Jerica on this present issue. I for one used to be under the impression that the bathrooms were kept in poor condition on purpose. I figured the idea was to create as putrid an environment as humanly possible to discourage students from hiding out in the restrooms during school. However, as the years have passed, I am beginning to think that the state of our bathrooms are more so a result of lack of upkeep versus educational purposes. I for one have never seen the inside of the girls bathroom (and even if I have I would never admit it on the school newspaper), but I can say that the conditions in the boys bathrooms are eerily similar to the description that Jerica painted. While I can not vouch for what it is like to have to squat on the toilet seat while urinating I can say that it doesn’t look the least bit appeasing. I often cower at the thought of putting any part of my body within the vicinity of the bottomless pit known as the Granite Hills toilet for fear of some mutated creature popping out and devouring it. That being said the students are not free of charge when it comes to the conditions present in our bathrooms. It is amazing that even after years of practice some kids have still yet to master the art of aiming a certain part of their body when releasing liquid waste into the aforementioned bottomless pit. Of course, I could be totally off base on this and it could be more so a problem of education versus hand you-know-what coordination. Some kids could very well be unaware that you are supposed to aim for the big whole in the middle and not the porcelain ring that encompasses it. This is partly why I think we should have a “Bathroom Education” course instilled into our current academic curriculum. No longer should kids have to unknowingly violate the safety of our restrooms. Either way, whether it be through the students or staff (or both), change must be made.

Body Worlds was pretty interesting, though I wish that they had the exhibits that they displayed in the movie. Compared to the movie the exhibit was disappointing; but alone, the exhibit was a great learning experience. I really encourage future students to attend (The exhibit is in LA until September 14).

I think we should do more! A lot of students don't know who Cesar Chavez is and what he stood for. They think he's the boxer from Mexico! Gracias, El Capitan

I'm soooo proud of this year’s and last year’s Academic Decathlon teams!!! After being a proud member for three years, it is amazing to know that students are excited to be learning and excited to keep Granite Hills in the top spot!! Congratulations to Daniel Hensley for keeping the tradition of holding the Varsity trophy at Granite Hills! I can't stress enough how much Academic Decathlon meant to me, and how much it has helped me with my life in college. Mr. Harriger is an amazing teacher, and an amazing coach. It shows with how much hard work he puts into the team by the outstanding wins! Congratulations to the team for making it to state, and getting medals (yes, I read the other article!!). And congratulations to Mr. Harriger for another win!

I agree. The bathrooms are not in the best of shape. But even though there are no toilet seat covers we get used to it. Yes we should have them but it’s hard sometimes to restock them during school. The bathrooms are packed almost the entire time school is in session. I'm not saying we need to just suffer and live on. I hate using the restrooms at school. But if you have to go, you have to go, regardless of how horrible the bathroom is. Oh, and the soap! I hate the soap. Half the time the soap is no where to be found. The soap dispensers are usually empty half-way through the day. I realize it's hard to keep the bathrooms clean and supplied the entire school day but we do need soap. One thing I do disagree with in Jerica's editorial is how the school spends its money. The school is not "wasting money" on sports. Students need physical activity. And some that are talented enough can end up playing in college. Some of us can't pay for college and sports are our way there. You cannot say the school is wasting its money on sports. Schools need competition and students need physical activity. That’s that. We deal with things as they come.

Don't worry about these people. Remember people mature at different stages in their life. Often, it takes something really tragic to get people to realize how easy they really have it. It took me the realization that my life is in my hands and I have to start taking control and responsibility, or someone could die. I had to come to terms with my own death to proceed in my endeavors and become the kind of person I want to be. They may not be mature now, but most of them don't need to be, and when they do, they will be.

I agree with you that "family is being Hispanic" and that the color of your skin does not determine who you are, but I think to better make your point you could have asked another Spanish speaking person to edit it. I, myself being a Spanish-speaking person, found several errors in the parts where you decided to include Spanish vocabulary, unless you purposely misspelled these words because of the fact that she was a little girl.

Hi I’m Roman and I’m going to be a freshman next year [along with my friends Tyler and Jose]. The newspaper is cool.

I really like this article because it expresses the feelings of a daughter to her mother. Yet life is too short to regret things that happen for a reason. Does this have anything to do with your actual life? You have so much talent. [N]ever give up on your dreams. I wish you good luck in life and I'm happy that you received this award which represents all of your hard work. Good luck once again.

Name: Ana Moreno
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 03:05 pm
Subject: Never A Musician

I thought your story was really good. I enjoyed reading it. You are going to go far. Your story made me feel certain emotions; I felt sad, but it was so good. You deserved to win your award. You’re a really smart person and I hope you keep doing what you’re good at. You’re so intelligent. Don’t let people keep you down. You are so much smarter than that. Remember one day you’ll [be] running the store but they will just be pumping the gas to your car. Love you always, Ana Moreno. Congrats to you. P.S. if people are mean to you, it’s just cause they’re jealous that they don’t have your talent.

Why does it matter if it is celebrated in Porterville? I don't see a European history month or an Asian history month. This Black history month is a way for some people to feel better about themselves because of the guilt they feel for what they or their ancestors have done. Why emphasize one part of the American culture and not the rest? The American culture has aspects from [its entire] people [that should be treated equally]. The past can't be undone. We just have to stop it from happening again and learn to deal with ourselves and each other.

I completely agree with this article. The school bathrooms are completely inappropriate and disgusting. I would agree that there needs to be an immediate change!

I read your article and I agree with you 100%.
If you live in America, you should be proud to live here and in this free country. If people keep complaining [so much] about [saying] The Pledge of Allegiance, then why do they live here? It's a simple question. It's shameful to know that half of America does\'t want to say our own Pledge. And I also agree, as well, it never says that we are pledging to our president.
I know many people don't like our current president, but it never says we are pledging to him. So in conclusion, I really wish people, could get over it, and move on to other issues!

This is an excellent speech. However, I have to disagree with you on your point that it is rare to have an opinionated teenager. Generally, they are just not very well informed or, perhaps, [have] misguided opinions. With good information and well constructed arguments, however, they are some of the most passionate debaters. Unfortunately, the first of these is really hard to come by.

Our country was founded by people with differing opinions. Partisanship has been, and continues to be, the driving force of what makes our country special. Propaganda, misinformation, and appeal to the masses has been a part our country long before the Federalist Papers were even written. Being labeled is something that comes along with that, especially if you GIVE YOURSELF that label. Don’t let that discourage you or misguide you. Our choices are not limited to what is GIVEN to us. They are innumerable. We don’t pick them; we create them. Keep developing and molding your opinions; they are what make us special.

I have to say, having been in the Gazette classroom: that there is a wonderful core group of students doing a great job. Keep up the good work guys.

Aw. I remember Lorin. I didn’t really know him, but in knew of him. He was a hard worker from what I know and I think that he motivates many people on campus. I know it wasn't easy for him but he got the job done. And I think students need to realize that they can accomplish the same thing.

Excellent article. It's so refreshing to see people, especially young people, not afraid to share their points of view. So often people, no matter what the age, just go along with whatever seems popular so they can be accepted. So often people don't even know why they believe what they believe. They have no facts to stand on, just, “That's what I've been told or what I think.” Like I tell all of you who have me in class, don't believe what you are told, find out why you believe something. Gain personal knowledge. Always look at both sides of all issues before formulating your ideas and opinions. Remember we don't have to always agree with each other to get along. Best of luck in your future, Bev. Don't ever compromise your beliefs. Coach Bowser

This was a very good writing I thought. Good work, EBONY! It gave me information on AcaDeca's performance. [They’re] so smart. They deserve three gold medals, a scholarship and a very nice review by Ebony Bailey. Thanks, and keep up the awesome work! COOLIO.

It was beautiful, truly. I got tears in my eyes, and chills. Well done, that’s all I can say, and very good work. This was obviously worked on with great care and skill. Excellent work!

I think Wendy needs to read a history book; she states the "the Fourth Amendment also says it’s appropriate for drug dogs to search vehicles on school grounds." The fourth amendment to the Constitution was adopted long before there were vehicles, long before the drugs were outlawed, and actually says nothing about drug-dogs. What it does say is that in order to conduct a search, that is, look through and for things that are reasonably considered private, they need a warrant, and that the officer exercising the power of that warrant bears all responsibility for the consequences. So, with the drug searches, there is barely, if at all, probable cause. There is no warrant, there is no responsibility, and there is an invasion of privacy. Sounds [kind of], I [don’t know], illegal maybe?

I completely agree with Wendy. The student illegal substance problem is out of control. Parents pay taxes to schools hoping that their children will go to a safe environment. Unfortunately, this substance abuse situation is not safe.
The school and administration should take drastic measures in order to reduce the risk and chance of students bringing illegal substances to school; this includes random drug searching and a canine unit.

Beverly Condgon,
Very good article! I think you did a good job with describing what is happening right now with the 2008 elections. I don't really have time to watch the news and this is a very good substitution. I also have to add that right now it is really too early to be drawing assumptions of who is winning at this moment.

I will agree that all of the methods of abortion a horrible, but if you want to offer a solution, at least offer a good one. If all these couples unable to have kids want kids, why are orphanages so full? Not having sex is laughable; you go and try to stop people from having sex, in this day and age where sex can be related to almost every aspect of daily life. I myself would not encourage anyone I knew to have an abortion. But it is obviously a choice, and if a young couple is prepared to live with the guilt afterwards, then I think that they should be allowed to have that decision. You cannot pretend to know the situation that some people are in when they make this decision. You live in a fantasy where everyone should be able to have and take care of their kids. I think that I would rather be put out of my misery before I was born than spend my life in an orphanage or with a horrible foster family, and I would not wish that on any person.

Yeah!!!! Woo!!! You know the band rocks your socks!!! I am the tenor sax in the band!!! The Granite Hills band is really progressing with the new director, Mr. Rexelle. He has a lot in store for us. By the way this year is going, hopefully each year will progress and maybe [we] will have a strong music program here [at] Granite Hills.

I am so proud of our Granite Hills band! For being such a small band [that] has hardly had a chance to be recognized, I'm proud for the all band members to be able to accomplish any kind of award. Without their dedication and faith, despite being trashed by other insanely large high schools, they proved that that no matter the size of the band, it’s the quality that counts. With that I give the band two thumbs up for sticking together and winning themselves an acknowledgeable title.

The Grizzly cheerleaders worked very hard for two weeks preparing for the little girls’ camp, and it showed. The little ones had a great time and the parents were all excited to see what their children had learned at the end of the day. Great day, girls! You represented Granite Hills High School in an extremely positive manner. Thanks to Ebony Bailey for coming out to Granite on her Saturday to take pictures and hang out! It was a fun day for everyone involved!

This brings up a very good point. Why hasn’t there been any news on Darfur? Granite Hills should have a fundraiser for Darfur. I would definitely donate.

I think the college campus will look really nice whenever the new library [arrives]. It’s going to be bigger than the old one is. They should make more classrooms and see what else they can do to improve the campus…good luck with everything.

Sweet!!! I think it is pretty cool that Porterville College is extending! I can't wait to use the new library. I am attending PC [even though] I am still a junior at Granite Hills High school taking college classes for college credit. I always study in PC’s existing library and it is always crowded and the computers are always full as well as the study rooms. As a matter of fact, I am writing this message right now at PC's library. I managed to grab a computer; there are so many people in this library right now. I swear, I am just taking a break from studying and I am not just fooling around. I am a good student (or at least that is what I want you to think). But seriously, extending the library would definitely create a better learning and studying environment. With all the projects coming up in the future, who knows…PC might become a CSU. Which I think...is pretty sweet!

Marie, the cake is very good. This is the cake that I would want for my birthday, or that I would want to make for my birthday, especially if it has a lot of strawberries on top. Thank you for the recipe, bye.

Bev says that, "this nation was founded on principles of liberty, equality, justice." Would that be the liberty of blacks to work in horrid conditions for hours on end, with the only incentive to do it correctly being the fear of getting beat? The equality of women to basically be walking, cleaning, uteri who had to teach the kids? The argument is that this nation was founded on liberty, which of itself is a false assumption: it was founded on the idea of liberty, but if that liberty would be troublesome to obtain, then forget about it. And a note about the whole religious issue, Amy noted how it was against the Jehovah’s Witness religion, but in actuality, it is against any religion which holds the Ten Commandments in any regard. The Second Commandment states [to] forbid the making or worshiping of idols. Idols, according to Merriam-Webster, are "objects of extreme devotion." I personally do not know Bev's or Amy's religious affiliations, but I wonder if, by pledging allegiance to the flag with great devotion, they are themselves, religious hypocrites. Personally, being an atheist, I don't have to worry about the religious implications, but I still refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance, but for a logical reason: I don't pay any allegiance to this country. Plain and simple, and anyone who feels the same should refuse to say it as well.

I agree being a senior is a lot of stress. It’s a lot of stress because your senior year is the year that you decide what you’re [going to] do with the rest of your life. That’s the year that you decide where you’re [going to] work, if you’re [going to] go to college, or just free load off your parents. Then people start getting [senioritis]. That’s another thing that makes people stress out a lot. And that’s what makes [people want to] drop out and become a high school drop out.

Yeah, I think that being a senior is stressful, but not because of the letters from colleges. There are other things to worry about, like graduating from high school. We have to make sure that we get all our credits and make sure our attendance is caught up. Not everyone cares about going to big colleges or getting accepted. Yeah, it would be nice, I guess, but P.C. is right here, so why get all stressed over getting accepted into universities? Right now all that really matters to me is graduating.

Being a senior is stressful. But for most seniors, there's way more things to worry about. For example: getting all your credits. We have to have all of our credits to graduate. And our attendance: we have to be at school 90% of the time. And for those seniors who have missed a lot and can't miss school anymore, it’s pretty stressful. For me, I have to worry about my credits and attendance before I worry about a letter from college. Getting my high diploma and being part of the graduation ceremony is what I'm stressing about.

I think that Tulare County should do what it says. About a year ago they were planning to make Success Dam larger, but have they? Clearly not. Tulare County should protect the country lands; if they keep proposing projects like this, sooner or later we will not have enough land to go see nature. Instead of planning this commercial land in the middle of nowhere, they should think [of] doing this in small cities like Porterville or Lindsay. This whole idea of planning these projects is ignorant since other cities need the economic growth as well.

The Yokohl valley should not be destroyed!
We don’t have many places like the Yokohl valley so we should protect it!

I think that the land should be preserved in its natural state. California is already urbanized enough. Why should Porterville lose one of the few places in town where you can actually see the stars and hear the crickets? Nature is a thing that should be protected, and a thing that needs to be passed from generation to generation. Children need a place in the world where they can go and be alone: a place without electronics and the destruction of man. Porterville does not need to have our land destroyed to make room for useless golf courses and homes.

Well, we have a young team, and I can’t make any promises on our season, but I will try my best to make it to the next level. I hope I can represent Granite Hills in area. It takes hard work to be a champion and I will work hard to be one.

True, Cunningham using Obama's full name isn't wrong, per se, but the reason he did it is just dirty and Bush-ian. Cunningham was trying to get a reaction out there, knowing that the gist of the American populous is stupid and will remember Obama just for his middle name. And yes, he could have changed his name, but then the pundits would have had even more fun asking what he has to hide. Obama's in a catch-22 and the right-wingers are taking advantage of that. Shame on them.

To go from saying that because Obama's middle name is Hussein all the way to the conclusion that because he still has the name he is ignorant of the severity of the war is, to be quite frank, absurd. A name is just that and only that: A NAME. Of course if someone had the middle name Hitler or Stalin there would be some controversy, and I'm not trying to say that Obama having his middle name Hussein isn't going to do just the same, but we have to keep in mind that he neither chose nor consented to his parents placing that title upon him.
Just because his middle name is Hussein and he didn't change it means nothing about his views on and knowledge of the war. Many people were named George during the American Revolution, yet it wasn't dishonorable to share the name with the king that was at war with you. During the Civil War it wasn't frowned upon by either side to have the name of the higher ups from the other side like Abraham, Jefferson, Grant, or Robert. Bearing a name does not, in any way, show ignorance of, nor alliance with, a certain individual or moment in time.
Barack Hussein Obama, the presidential candidates’ full legal name. I believe that we should call him by this, in fact, I hope with full sincerity that he becomes our president and outshines many that we've had. At least then, maybe we will stop putting so much importance on a title and what background it may bear, good or bad.

Dear Gazette,

Jennifer, your essay concerning gay marriage is well written. However I find that one of your arguments ventures into dangerous Constitutional territory. The way that I read your argument is that you feel laws made that do not allow gay marriage are influenced by religion and that is therefore against the idea of separation of church and state and therefore against the First Amendment to the Constitution. You argue that the First Amendment counters or negates a religion’s right to public discourse. This is simply not true.

A look at U.S. history will show many instances when religion played a role in shaping public opinion about morals and therefore it influenced laws. The abolitionist movement to end slavery was mostly led by religious leaders. They viewed slavery as immoral even though the Constitution allowed it. They influenced the passing of laws that ended slavery. During the industrial revolution, the religious movement called the Social Gospel Movement played a big part in influencing laws to give workers better working conditions and to end child labor. In these cases religious social activism in no way took away the First Amendment rights of slave owners or business leaders.

Perhaps the greatest example of religion influencing laws was during the Civil Rights Movement. The Reverend Martin Luther King Junior, along with other religious leaders, formed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference which organized protests against racial inequality. This group even used churches as their bases of operation. As a result of their influence, many laws were passed to end racist practices. Was this an infringement on First Amendment rights?

Can religion make laws? No. Can [it] vote for laws? No. But, as we see from these cases, religions not only have the right, but the civic duty to publicly fight for what they believe to be morally right. Those who do vote for and make laws can choose to accept or reject religious ideas. This has been the case with these historical cases and it is the case with gay marriage.

Those who oppose laws that define marriage as a union between one man and one woman do not have to vote for those laws. They don’t have to vote for representatives who uphold those laws. Their freedom to speak out against those laws has not been revoked. Your freedom to print articles against those laws is obviously still intact. Those who are against these laws still have the freedom to worship or not worship however they choose. Not one single First Amendment or any other Constitutional right has been taken away because of current marriage laws.

On the flip side, say we were to take steps to avoid religion influencing public opinion. Should an organization such as Marriage Equality USA be allowed to protest in favor of gay marriage, but we cannot allow a religious organization to protest against it because they might influence laws? Should we not allow religions to speak in public? If not, aren’t churches considered public forums? Should we not allow religions to even talk about gay marriage in their churches because it might influence how congregations vote? Should we ban the Bible because it says that homosexuality is a sin? Should we take away the right to vote from religious people because their religious ideas might influence laws? Maybe we should just force people to vote for something that they find morally wrong. If the government were to do any of these things it would be taking away people's First Amendment rights. In your zeal to incorrectly tie the issue of gay marriage to the Constitution, you have actually proposed that the First Amendment should squash rather than protect freedom of thought.

I just wanted to say that you've made a former Grizzly Gazette editor very proud. I miss you guys; I miss you Mr. Hackett.

This is a great small story. I got teary-eyed. You’re a very talented writer, Lauren. I didn’t expect it to be this good. Keep up the good work.

I just wanted to comment on Juliane's story. I think she did a great job explaining what our long trips to Hemet were like (although, I'd like to think that I wasn't as annoying as she made me sound). Reading her story makes me remember all the times we would nag each other and then 10 minutes later we would be giggling so much because we were making fun of my dad and he wasn't aware. We still take those drives, only now we both help out with the driving. I can never replace the memories we made on those trips!

Good job, Sister! I'm very proud of you and I think it’s really awesome that you shared such a special part of our lives with the students of GHHS.

Mr. Z is an excellent teacher; he's a great artist and a very fun teacher. I really enjoy all of the art work that his class puts on the Gazette! I really like Kyle Ferguson's "Wolf" drawing. Congrats Kyle, that came out really good!!!
-Krystal

I like this poem. It's very different from other poems that I have read. It's really good. Good job, Adrienne.

Well, I think that you should not take the Marines out. They are cool and it’s not that bad. If they don't like it its not our fault. I think they should just leave it and continue there are lots more people that do like the Marines and it’s true they should just forget the whole thing.

Well first of all, my opinion on this suspension is not right. Teachers should understand that we just use our iPods because there is nothing else to do while we're on campus. In a way I understand the situation but in my mind I see it as a way of getting away from problems and people. It keeps our minds on the music. And as for the peircings, I say that’s a sense of style that should be allowed to any student. It might look wrong like in jobs and stuff, but we're still kids and sooner or later we're going to realize that it was all immature. We just need time!

I think that 12 days is too long to suspend someone for a piercing and headphones. I think it’s stupid because there are other people with headphones and they don't get in trouble. I think we should be able to use headphones on campus, but not in class. I also think that she shouldn’t have gotten suspended for that long.

You know,
I find this article "One-sided, and selfish," more than anything.
For one, she didn't follow the rules (three times in a row) which calls for discipline.
Two, she IS supposed to answer to Mr. Land because she's not a senior or a freshman and Mr. Land deals with sophomores and juniors.
And lastly, a simple mispronounced name should never call for a smart remark.
So in conclusion, this is a call out for attention and false justice.

Andrew Velasquez, GTV