thumbs_up [ By Dave Wielenga ]DO YOU MIND THIS GUY WAITING FOR KIDS OUTSIDE THEIR SCHOOL?

It is good to make the students aware of what’s going on around them and especially to be able to discuss it in a classroom setting. Unfortunately, people have a right to the public sidewalk just like the students do and this will probably not change. This is why the students need to walk together in pairs or groups whenever possible when leaving the school. / CLAY BOGGESS

This teacher is a keeper. She is showing the students how to apply their knowledge to real life. These students are excited and are learning to be proactive and participatory citizens. I hope Ms. Salaya won’t be laid off since she has less than 10 years in at LBUSD. Ironic that this is a real possibility, eh? / LESLIE GILPIN

Based upon the description of his actions here, like it or not, “creepy-cowardly man” was lawfully exercising his constitutionally protected rights of freedom of speech and assembly. He also has a right, as do we all, to not be photographed if we prefer to not be. How about teaching our children to offer a polite “no, thank you” when offered material by such people or, perhaps better still, teaching our children to physically avoid such people altogether? How about we dispatch a school security officer to each LBUSD school where such people appear, or assign a staff member at the school, to monitor the activities and behaviors of such people and then report them—and make sure they are cited or arrested—the moment such people violate the law? This alone may be sufficient to discourage such people from these activities. But I think we should all be very careful about advocating for an abridgment of anyone’s lawful right to freely speak or to freely assemble, particularly on the public thoroughfare. / JOHN B. GREET

 Mr. Greet’s statement that “He also has a right, as do we all, to not be photographed if we prefer to not be” does not seem to be applicable in this case; where the individual has a right to be on public property there can be no rationale reason to expect privacy. / PUBLIC PHOTO MOMENT

 No one’s right to free speech is in the least bit abridged just because they might be asked not to use the sidewalk in front of a school campus. They can go down to Second Street or pass out their flyers in front of Trader Joe’s. Those are truly public venues. I argue that the students have no choice as they are required by law to attend school. When these kooks station a member of their coven at every entrance the kids cannot avoid them. It is very easy for a 50-something guy to say “No” to people like this, but put yourself in the shoes of a 10-year-old kid who has been taught to be mindful of their manners at all times with adults. It isn’t a fair situation to the student. / JEANINE BIRONG 

MURDER OR MERCY: WHAT DO WE REALLY MEAN BY THE SANCTITY OF LIFE? [ By Greggory Moore ]

Dementia runs in my family. In my eighth decade, I am keeping an eye out for it. My mother had it and died peacefully at nearly 101. It was not as totally disabling as in the Laird case, and yet for the last 5 years of her life, at least, my mother frequently expressed the wish to die. She was a stubborn willful woman, and so had many unpleasant encounters from her disability. No, the last years of her life were not a blessing. She had provided well enough for herself that she had the benefit of trained nursing. Still, at best, it was a matter of enduring life. My children have my signed documents indicating that I certainly wish no heroic measures be taken to preserve my life. I wish I could add to it that I wish for euthanasia when I can no longer recognize my surroundings. Is Kevorkian out of prison yet? I would appoint him my attending physician. But it just goes to show how dangerous it is to be ahead of your time. / REX

 Greggory Moore writes, “I would humbly offer that any application of legal or moral principles in which the minimization of suffering does not trump all other concerns should be discarded.” I would humbly offer that as long as you pledge allegiance to that half-baked idea, your world view will remain childish. / JASON

 I would humbly offer that as long as Jason pledges allegiance to his half-baked idea, he will remain senile, and by the logic of Roy Laird’s actions, should be euthanized in order to end the obvious mental suffering. Just kidding. But really: If a legal system does not recognize the minimization of suffering as a top priority, then it aides and abets the opposite, which is the perpetuation of suffering–something our society has not figured out yet. / STEVEN

 COMMIE GIRL: IT’S NOT VERY JESUS-Y OF ME, BUT I DON’T LIKE DRUG ADDICTS [ By Rebecca Schoenkopf ]

Wonder what drove “Dad” to drink in the first place. I can see how some parents love their animal companions more than their adult children. / DWR

 A HOUSE-TO-HOUSE SEARCH PARTY FOR SCOFFLAW CATS? GET MEOWTTA HERE [ By Louise Cunningham ]

I did some research to see if there is any law that makes our city proceed with going door-to-door to see if owners are getting their cat licensed. This is what I found: Door-to-Door canvassing has been a regular activity in the City of Long Beach since the 1960’s. Periodically, the City contracts with the County of Los Angeles to supplement license compliance efforts. The Federal Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends dog and cat licensing, and door-to-door canvassing as an integral method to enhance rabies control (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, April 18, 2008). The process of license canvassing results in direct contact with pet owners and provides the opportunity for education about animal care issues. It also provides residents with the opportunity to report animal-related violations such as neglect, cruelty, barking, defecation, off-leash and excessive numbers of animals on a property. A quick survey of animal control directors in Los Angeles and Orange counties identified (48) agencies utilized door-to-door dog license canvassing during 2009-2010 to ensure compliance with state laws. For additional licensing information call 562-570-7387. / NANCY FOSTER

 ONE QUESTION (ABOUT PUNCTUATION) FOR RYAN ZumMALLEN [ By Dave Wielenga ]

 Um, random. / MORGAN