Time to ditch the dirtbag
Dear Annie: I’ve been chatting with a guy online for a few weeks now, nothing serious, just light, “getting to know you” conversations, with some flirtation sprinkled in.
Well, today, he decided to randomly mention that I reminded him of another woman he’d been talking to, who he ended up having an “amazing sexual connection” with, though they didn’t end up seriously dating.
I found this to be way out of left field and pretty offensive. Yes, we were just casually chatting online and hadn’t even met in real life yet, but I believe that there still should be some basic sense of decorum. Am I crazy? I’m a very open person, but this just seemed wrong to me. I did let him know, politely as I could, that I felt that his comment was unnecessary and not something I needed to know. He responded with an “LOL” and that he’d be sure to never be honest with me again. Was I overreacting? Should I give him another chance?
Dear Peeved: This proud peacock wasted no time putting his sleazy colours on full display, and thank goodness. You didn’t even have to waste a date on him. Now that he’s shown you who he is, believe him, block him and move on.
Dear Annie: I read with interest the letter from Dawn W. about the disproportionate number of persons with learning disabilities who drop out of school. The other horrifying reality is that a disproportionate number of people with learning disabilities enter our nation’s prison system.
While I agree with her point of view and most of her recommendations, as well as your suggestions, she did not mention many options that parents have access to within the public school system. Additionally, FAPE is short for Free and Appropriate Public Education NOT Free Access to Public Education, as you stated. Big difference! Parents, persons with disabilities and advocates have fought long and hard for this specific language to be included in the IDEA law. As an educator with over 40 years of experience, these are some options that I recommend parents consider when working with their local public school:
Once the psychological evaluation
■ has been completed, attend an Individual Education Plan meeting to make sure that your child is eligible for special education services, under your state guidelines.
Request an advocate to
■
attend the IEP meeting with you. Advocates are available upon request through the public school district or state protection and advocacy organization.
Dear Wyoming: I truly appreciate your expertise, and I apologize for the error regarding FAPE. Thank you for taking the time to write.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at creators.com.