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To Curb Truancy, Dallas Tries Electronic Monitoring
The New York Times is reporting that a school district in Texas is trying a new angle in combating truancy. Instead of punishing students with detention they are tagging them with electronic monitoring devices. "But the future of the Dallas program is uncertain. Mr. Pottinger's company, the Center for Criminal Justice Solutions, is seeking $365,000 from the county to expand the program beyond Bryan Adams. But the effort has met with political opposition after a state senator complained that ankle cuffs used in an earlier version were reminiscent of slave chains. Dave Leis, a spokesman for NovaTracker, which makes the system used in Dallas, said electronic monitoring did not have to be punitive. 'You can paint this thing as either Big Brother, or this is a device that connects you to a buddy who wants to keep you safe and help you graduate.'"
well, if you are house arrest and wearing an ankle tag you have 2 choices, as well:
1. Big Brother
2. a buddy who wants to keep me safe and help me make parole
Is there really any doubt in anyone's mind what this is?
In Soviet Russia jokes are formulaic and decidedly non-humorous.
Seriously, that principal just has it out for him.
You know, like an older sibling.
Big Buddy!
...Rob
The American Dream isn't an SUV and a house in the suburbs; it's Don't Tread On Me.
While Dave Leis' touching characterization of the device as "a buddy who wants to keep you safe and help you graduate" clearly comes straight from the heart, many students at the high school have expressed concerns this rule "cuts like a knife".
A spokesman for the school administration added that "We can't stop this thing we've started.".
I see, it's all a matter of Marketing.
Those aren't "shackles", they're "Safety Restraints" designed to make sure you don't injure yourself while trying to escape!
This isn't "hard labor", it's "Exercise Time"!
That isn't "gruel", it's "Nutrient Density Compound"!
That ankle bracelet, it's not "Big Brother", it's "Big Brothers/Big Sisters" (minus the Big Sister)!
Or, better yet, a truancy bot!
Then maybe you should, Hold your horses!
yuck yuck yuck yuck
See what I did there?...I made a stupid joke! How do you like it mcgrew?
Virginia is for lovers. EVE is for griefers.
While many Canadians will be glad to hear that they are monitoring Bryan Adams, the rest of us are left to wonder, wouldn't it have been more in the public interest to monitor Celine Dion?
You know, like an older sibling. Ah, memories. My big brother and I used to get high before school. I wonder if this device will help with that!
There is no "I disagree" mod for a reason. Flamebait, Troll, and Overrated are not substitutes.
sarcasm
It doesn't hurt to be nice.
How long will it be before that poor little bastard who always used to get stuffed into his own locker will be sitting in class with nine or ten of these things strapped from his ankles to his knees, and the threat of severe bodily harm hanging over his head if he complains.
I've calculated my velocity with such exquisite precision that I have no idea where I am.