In the 1960s principals had common sense

I've carried a pocket knife every day since I was a Cub Scout at age 10. And like the Goldberg boy, I had one confiscated by my elementary school principal ("There should be exceptions to every rule," T.O. Acorn, Nov. 1).

Fortunately, that was back in the '60s when school administrators had brains and knew how to use them.

When my knife was taken, the principal told me that if I was good for the next year, he'd give it back to me after sixth-grade graduation. On graduation day, my mother and I met up with the principal in his office.

He opened his desk drawer and with a smile handed my knife back to me.

That simple act taught me a lesson that I will carry with me for my entire life.

What lesson are the dimwits at Los Cerritos Middle School teaching?
Howard Gantz
Newbury Park