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Editorials

 

You’re Missing The Point
by Casey Dryden

Do you know where you came from? You’re probably very confident that you know exactly where you came from. Well, you don’t. More to the point, you never will.

Countless billions of dollars have been spent on scientific research programs in order to try to gain some insight into how existence began. Billions of dollars that could be used to shelter the homeless, feed the starving, and solve a multitude of other ongoing problems that most of the world chooses to ignore. These are the things worth investing in, problems that can be resolved. Finding the origin of existence is an endless struggle, regardless of the amount of money we waste on it.

For the sake of argument, let’s assume that it is possible to come to a conclusion about original existence. Even so, I cannot imagine what someone might gain from knowing such a thing. At most, obtaining the knowledge may scratch the curious itch we all have regarding the subject. I can hardly justify dumping enormous amounts of time and money down the drain for one measly itch.

There are some people who will argue that we have already figured it all out. Why continue to try and explain original existence scientifically when it’s already been explained very clearly in the Bible? It is true that the Bible provides an explanation for how existence began. The Bible does not, however, provide concrete evidence or reason behind its statements. Religions are based solely on faith. They ask their followers to accept certain things as fact in order to give them a more enlightened view of life. For all of the people who have faith and believe in God, I ask you this: if an alternate explanation of existence was offered to you, supported with scientific evidence, what would you do with the information? Would you alter your beliefs, accepting the new explanation, or would you plug your ears in denial?

You wake up, turn on the T.V., and see on the news that scientists have made an extraordinary breakthrough. Somehow they have discovered the root of existence. You stare at the T.V. for a moment in awe, possibly disbelief. What now? Breakfast still needs to be cooked, the dog still needs to be walked, and you still have to get to work on time. Life goes on, just the same as always.

Rather than questioning how and why you exist, simply be content to know that you do. Rene Descartes said it best: “I think, therefore I am.” Let that be enough.

 

Kingswood Has a Problem
(And It’s You)
by Ariel Taschereau

Welcome to Kingswood, a school with almost no diversity and home to closed minds.

I haven’t always lived in the district and when I moved, just in time to begin freshman year, I was horrified. During my first week on the bus all I heard were racist jokes and threats fueled by prejudice. I didn’t understand then and I’m frustrated now. Why do people think they have the right to persecute someone who doesn’t fit their expectations?

Whether or not you realize it, there is something in every one of you that would allow you to be the target of some prejudiced group. Maybe you do know this and that’s why you make yourself the aggressor, or maybe why you watch people around you be targeted and say nothing. People in this school are attacked for just about any reason you can imagine, but let’s focus on some biggies.

Appearance. Woe to the girl who wears all black or the boy who dyes his hair blue, but even worse, the overweight kid or sufferer of some deformity. Race is such a large issue because we have such an obviously small minority. Let me ask you, why do you care? Does what someone looks like affect you in any way?

Who’s the most frequent target in this school? I bet you have the answer in your head already and you don’t need to read the next sentence. Homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgenders.

I joined our Straight and Gay Alliance (SAGA) last year and was surprised by how small the group was, especially by the clear lack of males. I know there are a lot more people that fit into the gay/bi/trans community than attend those meetings, but they’re afraid and they have good reason.

In my first few days at this school I heard talk of genocide, of killing all the “fags,” or of tying them to the backs of trucks and dragging them to death. Does that sound funny to you? It didn’t to me. I first joined SAGA precisely for that reason. It’s not a gay club; it’s a Straight and Gay Alliance. Why not support your peers?

Maybe you think it’s “wrong” to be homosexual, bisexual, or transgender, and that’s fine. You have that right, but let me tell you my philosophy: Everyone has the right to believe whatever they want, but with that right comes the responsibility to respect the beliefs of others, unless those beliefs harm non-consenting individuals. A belief isn’t a license to inflict pain. Think about it, because someday you may be the target. If nothing else, maybe realizing that you also may be targeted, will open your eyes to the truth of this hate.

I was afraid to write this article, not because I care what you think, but because I don’t want it to be meaningless. Nonetheless, I know that many of you will disregard this and forget you ever read it. Hate me all you want, but don’t forget what I’ve said. In fact, if you want to continue being closed-minded, judgmental nimrods, let me be your new target. I was once surrounded by so much prejudice that I didn’t accept or even know who I was. Now I don’t care. I’m bisexual and proud, so do your worst.

SAGA

is Kingswood’s “safe place” for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders, with straight members interested in supporting change and acceptance. All members of the Kingswood community are welcome to attend, whether curious and interested in coming once, or dedicated to making it every week. Meetings are every other Tuesday in Mrs. Wheeler’s room (123). The bulletin board across the hall presents club updates. Check it out!

 

A King_wood Connection
by Jes Kalled

The locker slams shut and your books fall to the ground. After securing the somewhat rusty lock you hurriedly pick up your books. Finally establishing a brisk pace you manage to hear the morning announcements; the pledge of allegiance echoing throughout the hallways. You’re late.

Knight Connection, informally known as KC, initiates the beginning of a typical school day. KC is the infamous acronym that replaced our beloved KAP. Unfortunately, most of the disciplinary issues such as harassment and skipping took place during KAP. One of KC’s purposes was to eliminate the concerns that KAP had created. Its other purpose was to create a connection between students and their advisors. But KC is detrimental to the average student day, and could be remodeled for a better convenience. The Administration believes it’s essential for student education. KC, apparently, is the solution for all students who are “disengaged,” as quoted in the KC handbook that was given to all teachers at the start of the year. In other words, it is for students who lack the motivation to succeed. The packet included paraphernalia such as teacher-student bonding activities, advice about bullies, and “Seven Secrets for Succeeding with Students.” Every paragraph was solely dedicated to the idea that KC is the rightful action that will result with high student performance by creating a unique relationship between student and teacher within the special amount of given time. Some goals of KC are to decrease the drop-out rate, increase attendance, and motivate students to take part and make decisions about the school and their own lives. KC, also, is now a pass or fail grade based on attendance. The changes made from KAP to KC were deemed necessary for student success.

Now you’re awkwardly running down the hallway clutching your books. It’s the third time this week that you’re late for school. Finally you reach your destination and you come to find that they’ve already taken attendance. You think of those precious seconds you wasted while picking up your books. The teacher looks at you with a somewhat disapproving expression, because you’re late, your privileges are about to be revoked.

KC is hardly a motivation to get out of bed in the morning. When KAP was still in business A-block was the first class of the day. Students were more inclined to get to school for their first class. But now students are less likely to want to get to school on time. And if students are late, how are students going to become successful? This defeats the purpose of KC in the morning. KAP used to split A and B block for a nice 15 minute breather. This time was used for club meetings, eating a snack, and talking with peers and teachers; it provided a mental break for students and faculty. But now club meetings are very hard to schedule because of the strict attendance policy, and athletes are also experiencing cumbersome ripples. KAP was a perfect time for students to eat, and retain some energy until the lunch hour. KC does not proceed during the same time of day, leaving no other opportunity for athletes to eat a snack because students are not allowed to eat or drink during class time. The administration “understands there are shortcomings” about KC and they are looking for student feedback. “The design and structure is still wide open” said Mr. Franson, a teacher who sat in on the meetings that designed KC.

The current time given for KC is inconvenient for the school and hinders KC’s initial purpose. It would be more suitable if KC was to begin at the same time KAP used to. The drastic time change from KAP to KC was unnecessary. An easier route would have been to change the outlook of KAP, and stress teacher-student relationships. KC has a good cause, but a disadvantageous time. Students also question the change in name. The name KC apparently presides over good old friendly KAP. It’s obvious that the Administration was trying to make some changes. And yes, changes were made; inconvenient ones. KC; it’s the anti-KAP; students will be the first to tell you that KC is pointless. Where’s the success in that?