The Rockdale News Rockdale News Digital Edition, December 17, 2014 | Page 13

Perspectives Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 Facebook Feedback Our Thoughts Your response to “An 18-year-old Heritage student is in custody for battery.” Tyler Holcombe: I know this kid personally. He is special needs and a nice kid. Renee Estes: If he knows enough to say he lost his cool and then apologizes - then he KNOWS better! This is happening everywhere, so very sad. Sharon Pharr: You’re right, it is a tragedy, and I hope the teacher is ok. I can’t help but feel a sense of loss for the student too. Just makes me sad. I wish we could come together for some real discussion and figure out how we can heal some of this anger as a community. Just so sad Watch the video MaryAnn Williamson: They don’t pay teachers enough. T. Pat Cavanaugh is the publisher of The Rockdale News and The Covington News. He can be reached at [email protected] Bill Nicol: Special Ed could refer to so many things though... Such a broad category. Even so, this is an inappropriate response and should warrant punishment and prosecution. Not to mention the disruption it caused to the other students. Sad but not surprising Jeff Gadell: Bill the young man in question is special needs. Special Ed is such a broad category and hence is the problem. I have personally been involved with the special needs program at Heritage since I am the legal guardian of a student that they teach. The teachers and faculty pour their heart into these children but the resources simply are not there. The main problem is the lack of specialization in the education of these kids. You might have one child with autism another with Downsyndrome and another with traumatic brain injury in the same class. Although they are all “special needs” they each need their own individual attention. I really don’t know what the answer is but would love to be part of the discussion since it really hits home for my family. The Power of a Pause Jackie Gingrich Cushman Columnist To find out more about Jackie Gingrich Cushman, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www. creators.com. The temptations of food and drink are too enticing to ignore. Rich food, sweet succulent desserts and holiday cocktails tantalize our taste buds and lead us into temptation and indulgence — and then to nights of unsound sleep. In my case, I often awaken the next morning filled with regret — wishing I had passed over the delectable treats, stayed at home and indulged in a bubble bath inste