The invisible line trips us again

Where do individual rights begin and end?

Facebook, MySpace, and all of these social media have caused alarm within the school system and business world.

Santa Rosa County wants to create a policy stating what students can and can’t do after school hours.

But students are not under the guidance of the school system after school hours unless they participate in an extra curricular activity.

School Board members and a handful of others are trying to dictate morals, principals, and ethics.

Sounding like Big Brother a little?

Of course there is nothing overtly nefarious about the School Board’s desire to control what happens on line. It is all done in the name of safety. And we’re sure if parents follow the rules set forth by the Board, it would result in a much safer environment for all Santa Rosa County school children.

The problem is: nothing actually gives the Board the power to dictate how a parent will parent or how someone will act when they are away from the community environment of the school.

There are children who happen to be friends with teachers in other non-school settings. Perhaps they are neighbors or maybe they go to the same church.

The Board wants to limit this contact.

Parents should ask: just what is the motive here?

Is the Board trying to limit any criticism it might receive? Is it attempting to nip in the bud any potential impropriety or illusion of impropriety?

Remember what Harry Truman said, “If you can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen.”

Criticism of officials is one of the great checks and balances we have.

Despite what many Press Gazette readers and callers have stated, the school board seems to be enjoying a great deal of support.

Two incumbents were up for re-election last week and both won with over 50 percent of the vote.

What the Board appears to be doing is trying to take on the role of parent and that, we find, is upsetting.

Throughout history, there have been good parents and bad parents.

The school board wants control, but if you allow this step, what will be next?

Perhaps the Board will say only Toyota’s or Hyundai’s can be driven to school.

Maybe everybody will have to eat tofu.

Board members should take a good look before it goes down a path that resembles Fahrenheit 451.