The Bluffer - Red Bluff, CA
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/47863
November 18, 2011 Viewpoints 2 campus during school hours. This means: once students are on the school campus, they must stay on campus until final dismissal at 3:12 p.m. On first thought, we were outraged by this A proposal; considering the local economy and our personal desires to leave campus for lunch. Even though this action would not affect any current student as it would be progressive beginning with the class of 2016, we felt obliged to investigate the situation for future students and staff members. We talked with many faculty members; we discovered that not only were they very rational in seeking a closed campus, but that there are substantial reasons to close the campus. Scholarships should be given for academics C The argument behind closing the campus at lunch... For example, it has been brought to the school's s some may know, the RBHS administration and faculty are considering closing the attention by the R.B.P.D that the vacant houses surrounding our school have been being abused. The police and property owners in past years have discovered used condoms, remnants of alcohol abuse, and drug paraphernalia, including used syringes. It is believed that most of this abuse has been at the hands of RBHS students during school hours. Furthermore, many students litter residents' lawn on their trip to Sunny Side Market. For years, home owners along this route have complained about the immature behavior and blatant disrespect of our community displayed by RBHS students. Also, keeping all of the students on campus could result in an increase of school spirit. Currently, there are lunch time activities on campus during The internet has evolved olleges expect a lot of the people who want to get into them. We have to get grade point averages about a 4.0, (all A's), be involved outside of school, be involved at school, be artistic, be caring to the community, be athletic, and show leadership. This isn't easy, but I have always thought it was fair. If you applied yourself, you could get in. Lately, I have realized that might not be so true. There are scholarships you get simply for being born with all kinds of circumstances. If you are born into a minority, you might automatically get a scholarship over someone who wasn't. It doesn't necessarily mean you are the better choice, but that the school wants to be able to say it's ethnically diverse. When the world was just stepping out of the dark ages of segregation, this made sense, and I would have supported it whole heartedly. No so much now, when all races are basically equal. Something else that bothers me about scholarships is that there are so many for sports. Not that I think athletics aren't important, but don't we go to college to learn? If they are going to be spending a lot of time at the school practicing and playing on the school team, it's understandable that they should be compensated, but things like golf? How does that benefit the school? Why aren't there more scholarships for the kids who ace the SAT's, or who go to school at the college during the summer to get ahead? Sports are important, and there are some exceptional situations that people must overcome, but should we forget the people who are academically gifted, or who fall between the poverty level and the land of the filthy rich? Alaina Rudnick into an outlet for hatred W hen people log onto Facebook, they don't plan on seeing statuses that torment others or inappropriate words that don't need to be used on the internet. Some may think it's fun to sit there, wherever they may be, and watch others suffer, and some may think that it's funny to sit back and watch it happen. I mean, really? When that person sees the negative post, they feel a little hurt, but when there's more than one status about them, they just think "you're pathetic, and obviously have nothing better to do, but say stuff about me." I see statuses saying things that I'm not even allowed to say here, but basically it's something like "I'm going to kick your butt" or "(enter name here) is a (enter inappropriate words here)." I've had these problems before and I'm sure I speak for most of the teens (mainly girls) who think it's pathetic "Don't make a status regarding another person, it's just pathetic. The internet was not made for cyber bullying." that they have to call you out on Facebook, but won't say it to your face. Act tough behind the screen and avoid the person out in public. The other thing is that some people will comment on others statuses or pictures and say something either just pointless or stupid, and then other people get into it and now look what is started! Obviously, they took their time to look at the post and think about commenting it, so in a way they're kind of jealous. Instead of taking offense, you could just look at it as if that person just wants to get your attention. So, people who post mean or inappropriate stuff should find something else to do with their time. If you really have a problem with someone, you should confront them in person. Don't make a status regarding another person, it's just pathetic. The internet was not made for cyber bullying. Veronica Smith lunch that many students miss because they are off campus. Keeping everyone on campus could increase involvement in these sorts of activities. The reason that this idea is just now being considered is that the enrollment at RBHS has been decreasing for the last few years and is projected to continue to decrease, making it possible for the school to keep all of its students on campus. Obviously, there are many different reasons why we should keep our campus open and just as many that we should close our campus. After weighing both sides of the argument, we are open to the idea of a closed campus, as long as certain conditions are met, such as improving the cafeteria food. Also, it only seems fair to close the campus if the money made selling cafteria food is funneled back into students' clubs and extracurriculars. Letter to the Editor: Illegal immigration is not to be taken lightly, it's immoral A s a student of Red Bluff High School, I would like to express my disagreement with what was stated in last week's article titled "Immigration reform needed." Before reading the article, I was not aware of the mentioned "Secure Communitites" program, and was surprised to find out those measures were taken regarding immigration. However, what I found appalling was the statement that American government is deporting people who aren't guilty of any serious crimes. In case the author wasn't aware, or perhaps forgot to mention, crosiing the U.S. border illegally without a VISA or Green Card is a very serious federal crime. Families may be seperated, but that is a consequence illegal parents are aware of. it is the responsibility of every parent to secure the future of one's own family, at home or abroad; being illegal shows a lack of responsibility. Besides breaking international immigration laws, illegal aliens compromise national security because any individual can cross the border without documnetation and pose a potential threat to the country. This threat include both the members of Middle East religious groups, or Latino criminal groups with smuggling drugs or weapons. affiliated Investigators believe Staff Writer Behind the Podium A teacher's perspective online for the most believable disease which could possibly get them out of yet another boring visit with the relatives. As an adult who used to be a child, I can definitely side with the youth on the potentially less than J awesome vacation or visit headed your way. The world of the youth is full of video games, the internet, the ipod, the cell phone and that one youtube video…you know that one where the one guy gets hurt by the other guy…yeah…that one. So, I get that the idea of rehearing your uncle's story about that thing he did a long time ago for the 6.02x1023 time is not that appealing. The classic "How have you been?", "Look how big you're getting!" and "How's school?" isn't exactly the highlight of your year. And don't even get me started about having to eat your aunt's famous holiday dish one more time. Although these gatherings might not seem so appealing, I can assure you the memories are. Looking back, I really can't tell you a lot of real specific details from any one year. Yet, I have a plethora of positive memories about burnt turkeys, bizarre stories from old relatives about their youth, good times with cousins who I don't get to see very often anymore, really really bad sweaters worn by my aunts, jokes that are only funny "if you were there" and card games with football in the background. I look back so fondly on those times with family; although, I can remember in my teenage years being too cool to join in on the family fun. As time goes on, people start to leave us, people move away, families split up, and people just can't make it this year. So, even though you wish you didn't have to go this year, you know your parents are going to make you do it anyway, and you might as well take advantage of time with family and friends. I promise that every gathering has the opportunity to create lifelong memories as long as you are willing to be a part of the event. If you have a crazy uncle, a badly dressed aunt, or even a mom or dad to be with during the holidays, you should feel lucky and be thankful. So, this might be the last year you get to hear that story from Lukas Kennedy the uncle, hang out with a cousin, sit at the little kids' table, or eat that special holiday dish. You have the rest of your life to be cool, so enjoy being with family and friends this year. You never know…maybe your relatives have spent all year just waiting to see you this year, because you are their favorite memory. StaffWriter Aaron Vasey News Editors Marissa Chase Viewpoint Editor Connor Ross Eddie Spidle A&E Editors Natalie Almond Ashlan Brunello Austin Chase Shantell Estrada Features Editors Egan Meagher Sports Editors Shelby Keeler Topic Editors Editorial Policy: Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the district, staff, or student body. We welcome signed letters to the editor. Names may be withheld upon request. We also reserve the right to edit submission based on length and/or clarity. -Lukas Kennedy THE BLUFFER Austin Chase Editor-In-Chief Editor-In-Chief Staff Writers Xarayna Sekscenski Bailey Patchen Veronica Smith Laurel Shoop Alaina Rudnick Carson Dunbar Nick Rienhardt The voice of Red Bluff High School since 1901 Aaron Vasey Alisa Pelanconi Adviser Shantell Estrada Advertising Director Teacher ust like that another Holiday Season comes upon us. The adults are making plans for every day, meal and relative who is soon to bombard our lives. While the youth, on the other hand, are looking that approximately 2.2 million kilograms of cocaine were smuggled into the United States through the Mexiacan border in 2005. By allowing illegal immigrants to stay in America, we also permit them to take our jobs and get a free ride on the backs of middle class tax payers. Hardworking people pay out of their checks for illegals who intentionally elude the government. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, the illegal immigrant population of 2008 stood at 11.9 million, with 7.7 million illegal aliens employed in U.S. jobs. Regarding America's dependence on illegal labor, it is hardly something we as a country should want to continue doing or supporting. Lastly, the amnesty program which was proposed in the article is completely immoral. Granting amnesty to illegal immigrants is like spitting on the faces of those who work hard and pay a big amount of money every year in order to legally come to America. A life in another country is not a right a foreigner is born with- it is a privelage. Illegals give up that privelage as soon as they break the first U.S. law concerning immigration. Granting amnesty also sends the message that it is perfectly right to cross the border illegally, because all would be forgiven and no punishent exacted. Aside from the unethical component of illegal immigration, giving illegals amnesty would tremendously increase government spending, seeing as more government funded programs for illegals would go into effect. We as a country should not allow illegal immigrants to remain in America; looking the other way would be immoral and a crime on our part. Sincerely, Irina Fazleeva Grade 12 SPARTAN THUMBS • Thanksgiving Vacation , w ʻR Sports lik• Wilnter sports are here e basketball, wrestling, and the Alpine Team are finally starting again. • 'Romeo and Juliet' While students are happy for a vacation, the break is too short and only lasts three days. ʻRomeo and Juliet,ʼ put on by the high school, will be making its opening debut Nov. 17th. in the PAC. •Uneven pavement on walkways Students find that the uneven pavement around campus is hazardous. • Long lines during lunch *These thumbs came from Mrs. DiSibioʼs 4th period class. The lunch lines during break and lunch are too long. Staff Editorial