Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Physical Education Merits A Place In The Curriculum

If I had had my druthers, I wouldn’t have taken physical education classes in high school back in the ‘60s. I didn’t like running a mile after lunch to prove to LBJ that I could meet JFK’s national physical-fitness standards. Besides, the showers were cold. Yet, the four years I was forced to take PE instilled in me a lifelong desire to exercise and stay fit. That’s why the Idaho Department of Education deserves a Hot Potato for proposing to drop PE as a requirement. A broad education goes beyond rote recitation and intellectual training. It involves disciplining the body as well. At a time when there’s concern nationally about the fitness of youngsters, Idaho is about to take a wrong turn. The 1997 Idaho Legislature can and should shoot down this boneheaded idea.

Hey, how about sympathy for the kid, too?

Apparently, the shock of Bob Brown’s arrest last Thursday for child molestation is wearing off. The crude jokes have begun. In case you’ve been on the moon, the Kootenai County Democratic leader was arrested and admitted performing oral sex on a step-grandson last August. Incredibly, Brown told a sheriff’s deputy that his despicable action was taken to educate the 14-year-old and not for sexual purposes. It is equally incredible that no one in the community who has responded publicly about Brown’s crime has expressed concern about his victim. Sure, Brown has done some wonderful things in the community. Art on the Green. Lakeshore preservation, as a former Coeur d’Alene city councilman. But good deeds be damned. A sexual crime against a child lasts a lifetime.

Belle, Lemieux belong in jail, too

The Colville High School butt-head who knocked out a referee with a head butt after losing a wrestling match will go directly to jail - without passing “Go” or collecting $200. What a way to spend your first June as an adult, huh? But Chad Hilderbrandt isn’t the only one who should spend time cooling his heels in the hoosegow for sports hooliganism. Pampered professional athletes such as Cleveland Indians outfielder Albert Belle (who recently broke a much-smaller infielder’s nose with a forearm) and Colorado Avalanche hockey thug Claude Lemieux (who busted a rival’s jaw with a malicious check) should be charged and jailed for their assaults, too. A monetary fine and brief suspension don’t send an adequate message to these rich spoilsports and their fans. Besides, the damage these bullies do has far-reaching repercussions. Kids like Hilderbrandt look up to them and sometimes mimic their misdeeds. , DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125.

D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125.