Adults in positions of authority must set good examples

In response to Amy and Ron Ballen's letter defending Principal Jeff Rickert of University Elementary School over the October ducttaping episode, I admire their loyalty, but they missed the point. I'm sure Mr. Rickert is an upstanding citizen, a nurturing educator with the best intentions for his students.

He would have to be extremely secure in his own skin, to encourage and endure such a stunt. But it's not his character and integrity that are in question but rather his judgment for sending the wrong message.

I'm sure it was conceived as harmless fun for all, but, unfortunately, it wasn't in good fun nor taste. Having a human being hog-tied on a pole in the manner of a living effigy is, to say the least, a disturbing image.

Perhaps innocent on the surface, the act exudes symbolism of a horrific kind, likely evoking in some spectators thoughts of kidnapping, hostages, hanging and lynching. Is this a good introduction to our youth as a reward for achievement?

Empowering kids is one thing, but do we really want to be associating feelings of excitement with captivity by mob rule, suffering and subjugation? A parent's choice not to have their children play with guns isn't made out of fear they will grow up to be criminals, but rather to eliminate aggressive behavior and the association with causing harm.

Now, you might think this is all a far stretch, a gross overreaction, taken out of context and ascribing it to the worst in mankind.

Yet we owe it to ourselves to respect those who have been victims of tyranny, lest we minimize the suffering they have encountered. No matter how distant the symbolism, conjuring up feelings associated with harmful acts shouldn't be connected with what would otherwise be a day of celebration.

I'm fairly certain that Principal Rickert felt his activity was innocent and well-meaning. You might say he was even attempting to "bond" with his students. As such, an apology or contrite rationalization isn't called for, nor the need to ask for a second chance.

Mr. Rickert should be expected to simply reflect on how his image may have stirred certain negative emotions in a portion of the community and whether it was prudent and tasteful to do so in a world gone a little bit haywire. Ken Winters Westlake Village