Speech in the Daily Bulletin by John Renehan

Speech on the Daily Bulletin

Mr. Principal: No student thinks more highly than I do of the school spirit, as well as the academic accomplishments, of the very distinguished students who have just spoken to the student government. But different Bulldogs often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not offend those students if I speak my opinions of a very opposite character to theirs. This is no time for a pep assembly. The question before the school today is of overwhelming importance. I will speak my mind freely and without regards for their consequences.

For my own part, I consider it a matter of freedom and slavery. This is the only way that we can hope to arrive at justice – fulfilling the great responsibility which we hold to Bulldogs of posterity. If I were to withhold my opinions at this time, I would consider myself guilty of treason toward my peers, my state, and of disloyalty toward the majesty of Rick, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Bulldogs, it is natural to students to indulge in the illusion of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against the painful truth of the attendance policy. We are apt to listen to the song of that megaphone till it transforms us into Roughriders, Beavers, or, worst of all, Quakers. Are we somehow lacking students who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not?

I know of no way to judge the past besides by looking to the past. And in judging the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the Garfield administration’s attendance policy for the last three years to justify those hope that many Bulldogs have of weekends without Saturday school, passing periods where earplugs aren’t necessary, and afternoons without phone messages from the attendance office.

We have done everything that could be done to avert the storm that is coming on, but it is now irreversible. When will we take action? Will it be after an administrator is standing guard with a stopwatch and whip at every door? Will it be when Ms. Lopez chains us to her window with our every attempt to excuse an absence? An appeal to arms and to the God of Bulldogs is all that is left for us! There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged!

Why sit we here idle? What is it that Bulldogs wish? Should we acquire the means of effective resistance by sitting supinely in our classrooms when we don’t want to be there? Shall we gather strength by going to class every day? This war is inevitable – and let it come, Mr. Principal. I repeat, let it come! Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of mandantory education and compliance with truancy laws? Forbid it, Almighty Bulldog! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!