Today's Opinions

Administrative law judge Lisa Nelson recently ruled that I, as former principal of Carter-Parramore Academy, was justified in using pepper spray during two altercations at the school in 2007. The Florida Department of Education had sought to revoke my certification as an educator.

However, after an evidentiary hearing, the judged ruled that I did what any reasonable person should have done to protect himself, his staff and students from two dangerous situations. Nelson confirmed that I had violated no laws and was not guilty of violating any of the rules of the FDOE.

I worked with the Gadsden County hospital when it was moved from what is now the Gadsden County Sheriff's Offices. In the 2 years I worked with the hospital, my hours were cut twice from 40 hours per week to 20 hours a week. This was in the mid-1980s. The hospital didn't make enough money then and hasn't since that time.

On April 26, 2007, I had an occasion whereby I had to use the services of the Urgent Care. I have Medicare and a supplement insurance that pays what Medicare doesn't.

Last week a young man from Florida A&M University called me. He said he was a journalism student and was interested in a career shadowing experience. My first thought was that I was busy Thursday with a trial, my regular work and a lecture at the art center. I did not want to be a babysitter for someone who, when they found out that journalists make no money, would run for a higher paying job.