Asbury Park, New Jersey is known as a mecca for musicians and artists. Bruce Springsteen carved out a mammoth career paying homage to the seaside community. It's also known for its progressive gay scene and a recent cultural revitalization. And no, I'm not on the pulse of what's what in cultural America. I didn't know any of this until I read Wikipedia. However, I'm impressed with Asbury Park's school district. It recently charged teacher Desly Getty over twenty thousand dollars for making a four-minute call on her cellphone in class.
The Asbury Park School District does not tolerate cellphone use among its teachers and will rip out fifty percent of their salaries to prove its point. Now that's some deep-down crazy. Teachers rarely make enough money as it is. I know. I couldn't afford anything more than a Hoopty during my tenure in the Oakland Public Schools. But I must admit, I like the idea of charging folks for inappropriate cellphone use. Yapping on the cell during a summer blockbuster: $5000, no question. Answering an incoming call during a funeral, wedding, or baptism: $10,000. Now I don't advocate for taking a teacher's salary, but I do think the Feds should follow Asbury Park's lead and do something about these inappropriate cell users. Wishful thinking? Maybe.
Thoughts?
Keith Josef Adkins is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and social commentator.