In response to Amy's response  I suggest you re-read my first post and clear up some of your misconceptions about what I said. I am a Christian, this is the truth.  But I do not force my beliefs on anyone.  If they are willing to hear, then I will tell them.  If I were to force faith on them, it would not only go against the meaning of the word 'faith', but it would also go against my faith which gives everyone their own choice.   No one is making anyone read these posts.  They read them because they are interested in the discussion, and I was merely offering them knowledge so they can pose a valid or better argument.  Nowhere did I tell someone to believe what [I] believe just because [I] think it's right. 

My advice to anyone who is getting sick of this old, and worn out discussion is to skip to the posts about bytch kiddy and phat momma pie... it might prove to be a better read for you. 

About the teacher's predicament.  Some people may not be aware of exactly what's going on.  Basically teachers will be forced to teach 7 of 8 classes a year.  You may be saying, 'big deal', but I want to tell you some of the repercussions this will have on our school. 

1.  If anyone has been on a sports team this year, you know how hard it is to find coaches or supervisors for the team.  The reason was because the teacher didn't have time to do it (don't forget that teachers have families).  Add the extra work, take away prep hours, you have a BUSIER teacher... kiss some sports teams goodbye. 

2.  Band.  We have but three capable music teachers in the school who would give time for band.  It's a huge job if you look at it.  Music students will remember trips to Musicals, New York, Music Competitions... add the extra work, take away prep hours, you have a BUSIER teacher... kiss New York, Musicals, and half the competitions goodbye. 

3.  Extra Help.  For those that take advantage of this, you know how difficult it is to catch a teacher for extra help.  Try spending around 240 minutes a day with 90 bratty (sorry) little kids, and see if you want to stick around.  Now tell me you want to spend _320_ minutes a day with more of the same kids... 

There are obviously more things that will be affected, but these are just a few.  Now, what to do about it?  Might I suggest, not force  )   prayer.  For those of you who are interested, it does work, and I'd be happy to tell you how I know. 

God Bless, 

Josh Lake 

First of all, Amy I aggree with you that this school could really be in trouble next year if the teachers teach 7/8. It think a lot of things would happen...Classes would become (yet) more boring, teachers crabbier, there would be a lot more vandalism and smoking ( hey what else would there be to do?) and grades would slip without extra help and attention.thank you for realizing this. I heard that there could be (another) strike. ( deja-vu anyone? ) 

I think it would be really cool if on this webpage we could get a list of all the students e-mail address.... 

something to think about.... have a nice evening 

Emily Ahlgren 

First of all, I just wanted to comment on Josh's post.  If I want to ask questions about your religion I should be able to, without you telling me to go and read the bible.  The reason people don't read the bible is because they don't believe what you do, and they have their own faith.  You don't have the right to tell anyone what to read, in order to debate a topic.  True, you should know informtaion from both sides to discuss a topic, but you can't tell someone to believe what you believe just because you think it's right. 

Austin, I'm glad that you feel that you are responsible for this huge discussion, and that you thank everyone for their posts, but the truth is....people's opinions would come out whether you started anything or not.  You can't thank people for their opinions, especially if you're not being real. 

I'm glad this discussion started, it's been good for everyone, but it's getting old, and worn out.  Now, some may say that it will never get old, but it has.  I was just wondering if the comments could stop.  I hope everyone has learned something, and I hope that we can move onto discussion which effects us here and now. 

Now onto something that is going on right now.No one has responded to my post about the teachers.  I'm a little worried about that, I'm wondering if anyone actually knows whats going on in the school?  Guys, we are gonna be in some serious trouble next year if anything happens.  Some teachers have already been let go from this school for next year.  That means that these changes are already taking effect.  We need to do something, I'll be on later, with more information about this topic, and ideas of what we, as the students can do. 
 
Amy Grant 

i just wanted to let everyone know about the concert happening this friday at the area, it's only 6$ at the door and jeff and chris from bytch kiddy, and daryl and jack from phat momma pie will be some of the bands playing, doors open at 7pm and it should be good. hope to see you there, 

Seanna Davidson

Austin Taylor here again.  Well it's been a while and there has been a lot of response to my post and others.  Thank you all. 

Pat, Pat, Pat... What I said was completely accurate.  The Bible is all about love.  Love is the basis of morality.  However I will tell you that the Bible is not only about loving others on earth.  It is also about loving God.  About your comment that to say that the Bible is written from actual events is to say that there is proof that other life forms exist does not make sense.  I did not write that the Bible is written based on actual fact out of personal opinion.  You will not find a historian in the world, not a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Secular, or even Taoist historian who knows anything about middle east history who will tell you the opposite. It is a known fact.  If you visit the old city of Jerusalem you can walk through a tunnel that was built by king Hezekiah from the inner city to the spring outside the city so that when the Assyrians surrounded the city and tried to force the Israelites into submission by starving and dehydrating them.  This is just one of many historical facts described in detail in the Bible.  Archaeologists are now using the Bible to find sites to dig because it is far more accurate than any other documentation of the period (before they used egyptian scrolls and had a hard time finding the sites).  It is also inaccurate to say that we are not to live our lives by the Bible.  The Bible says that we are not to let the word depart from us.  It is pretty clear on the fact that we are supposed to live our lives by the teachings of the Bible.  Regarding the statement that if I believe that God exists then I must also believe in Buddha.  I haven't any idea where that logic comes from, however, you are right.  I do believe in Buddha. I believe that Buddha was a human by the name of Suddhartha Gautama.  He lived in India and went on a quest to find enlightenment.  He sat under a tree and didn't eat for a long time.  This is humanly possible you know.  Then he had some visions and thought he had achieved Nirvana!  I do believe in Buddha however I do NOT believe that he was anything more than a man who was hallucinating. 

To Sabrina 

Yes you are right that the Bible is about heaven, which God has graciously allowed us to choose.  It is not by his choice that we go to Heaven or Hell but by our own choice.  To your question why won't God allow anyone who believes in the afterlife to get into Heaven?  Well think of it this way... Heaven is God's house.  Would you allow anyone to come in if they knocked on your door and said I believe that this is your house and it is a beautiful house but I don't believe that you exist!  That is illogical. 

To Melissa 

I agree that cults are not funny and I applaud you for recognizing that.  By the way, I haven't been made fun of yet (besides Greg) and it really doesn't bother me. 

Good day and God Bless, 

Austin Tayler 

Shawn Lund 

While a lot of the arguments have been validly questioning Austin's faith, others have been malicious, attacking, and offending, not to mention ignorant.  I have not mentioned any names, so hopefully Big Brother will let this through, and no one will be offended, but I would just like to see some more VALID arguments from people, rather than, Oh, maybe my mom could bake cookies for your cult, Austin.  I mean, come on.  Do some homework and read the bible.  Then you can join the argument with a valid disagreement (provided you find one).  Try to keep personal quarrels and emotional outbursts out of this debate, or any debate for that matter.  They just don't fit. 

Well, that's enough about that subject... now for a little Astra complaint.  Oh, hold on, no, the Astra was pretty good this year, especially under the circumstances.  Astra crew should be credited for their work.  I'm just a little sore about the Sr. Boy's Basketball photo/write-up.  Call me a suck or whatever you want, but I didn't see my picture in there, and neither was my name.  You'd think there would be a little more respect given to a captain and sr player.  I can see myself in 20 years trying to convince my children that I actually did play on that team.  Figures you get screwed your sr year. 

'tis all for the moment. 

Josh Lake 

BTW, this site is a heck of a lot better than some University sites I've been to. 

(I am not a hypocrite i just see things from both sides) 

Melissa Morrison 

Allison Rush 
SAC Athletics Chairperson

What a disappointment this year has been.  The only thing now to look forward to is this year's prom.  Wendy and the prom committee are going to make it terrific.  What is really disappointing is the limited number of people running for SAC.  I remember last year when the hallway outside the cafeteria was sooooo crowded with posters etc. that no light even got in from the outside.  Those were the days.  Where is everyone's involvement in school activities?  Come on kids, get it together.  Personally, I think that the people already acclaimed should do some campaigning ...(like come on, I need some free candy).  Anyway I hope next years student council will be ok, it should be seeing that the president works at Tim Horton's.  And good old DAN, by the way, i think you should refer to the SAC as the school's SAC, not Jennie's SAC.  If you didn't notice this past year, it was NOT your SAC.  You were not in control of us. 

Cheryl Stokes 

Dearest fellows, 

Lately, I have had to reject an average of 2 Speakers Corner posts per day because the poster failed to sign his/her last name.  Please, if you are going to take the time to write into the SC, sign your name on your post.  If you wish to have your name withheld, just note that in the body of your message.  We could have set the record for the most posts ever today! 

Thank you, 

Daniel Wigdor

Sara Washington 

I've been reading some of your stuff, and I got a cool idea you might be interested in.  There's this big shack behind my house, and if we put a big barb wire fence around it, it would make a neat little compound for your cult.  You can be the leader, and i'll be your trusty sidekick.  We can find a bunch of followers, and we can sacrifice the one's we don't like.  There's a bunch of annoying dogs in my neighborhood and we can sacrifice them too.  My mom said she would make us all these neat little uniforms we can wear.  It will be great! eh? 

What do ya say buddy? 

Greg Hopkins 

Sabrina Fiege 

OSAID

Quoting the Bible doesn't validate your facts since no one can really prove that God, or Jesus or any other of the Biblical characters existed.  And if you can prove that they did exist all the power to you since people have been trying to prove that for thousands of years.  As soon as you believe that the Bible is to teach morals to people, and not to totally live your life around I think you will have different views about God, and the Bible.  After all if you believe in God do you also believe in Buddha and his teachings?? Since it is unfair to say that God is the supreme being there must be others should there not be? 

Thanx for listening! 

Pat Brown 

I am writing this because I want everyone to know that my brother's band, ZIPPER, is going to be playing a gig at the arena in Blackstock.  It's on June the 6th and absolutely everyone is welcome!!!  Please come and support the band because they are amazing.  Look for posters That will be hung around the school for more info. So anyway, I hope to see you all there, I promise you it is going to ROCK!!!!!! 

Bree Chalupa 

Thank you all once again for all of your wonderful posts on religion.  It's amazing, eh, how far from the original topic we can get (this started out as a discussion on justice).  Anyway,  to all of you who think that I am not respecting you for not believing what I do, I am sorry.  I must have worded something wrong because in no way did I ever intend to insult or disrespect you.  To those who keep on saying that the Bible is outdated, I ask... is LOVE outdated?  There is only one thing that the Bible TELLS us to do and that is love.  Love your neighbor as yourself (matt 1919).  In 1 Corinthians 13 the apostle Paul goes on to define love.  If we could respect each other and Love each other the way the Bible tells us to... man... what a great world we would live in.  I don't think that can ever be outdated and I am sorry for those of you who do.  To Pat who seems to think that someday dwarfs and other fantastic creatures will be worshipped you forget one thing... the Bible is a Biography.  It was written about a REAL persons life... Jesus really did live and walk on this earth!  And about it being written 2000 years ago... only part of it was.  The Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible [old testament]) was written by Moses clise to five thousand years ago and even before then people believed it's stories. The Bibles authorship spans thousands of years tracing the history of the Israelite people (a REAL race of people in history!) through their defeats and victories.  It was written by over 40 different authors and the amazing thing is that often when writing they had not read what another author had written and yet their stories are parallel.  There isn't a discrepancy!  Also, to those who don't think that there is evidence that there is a God, that is wrong.  The Bible is so accurate that archaeological evidence is turning up all over the place that prove the things contained in the Bible.  There IS proof of God turning up every day! 

Sleep well, 

Austin Taylor 

Some of you might have noticed the posters up around the school for OFF THE EDGE MUSIC FEST this is something i am doing and just wanted to let you know what it's all about. The bands are bytch kiddy, phat moma pie, lucky number seven, toe etc. it's friday may 29th at the arena in town and it's only $6 at the door, doors open at 7pm.  This is a fundraiser, so please come, besides what  else could you possibly be doing when we live in uxbridge ? it should be good and the money is helping me go to Costa Rica to do development work. hope to see you there, tell everyone you know ! 

Seanna Davidson

Today I am writing to the Speaker's Corner, with a very serious topic.  It's come to my attention that the Durham Board (under the government) is planning to make teachers teach 7 of 8 classes. To those of you who think this will be a boring post, stay on because it concerns everyone.  If anyone doesn't understand what this means let me explain.  This means, no after school sports (because face it, who wants to teach all day, and then coach for an hour and a half, and go home and do marking?) It means no in class field trips (who is going to come in and supply if all the teachers are teaching all day?) And it means not as interesting, or friendly classes (what teacher will have time to plan 4 lessons, mark, and then spend time with their family?) So you see, this concerns all of us.  Some people are working on getting a petition out, it should come out next week, if you care about your future at school, and you want to continue to have it fun and exciting, please sign the petition, and show your support for the teachers. 

This is real guys, and if it happens, I don't want to be around at school next year, I don't know about you?. 

Thanks, 

Amy Grant

Pat Brown 

I feel that if you have faith and can believe in God that's wonderful.  I think it's great to believe in something so much that you need not proof of it but you know it to be true. To those who have a God embrace him and keep the faith. To those like me who aren't sure or that don't believe  who are we to say it is a 'cult' or that carrying a bible is 'abnormal' etc. etc. 

Perhaps we should take a look around and realized different points of view should be accepted.  Whether we believe or not it does not make it any less real to those who do.  We should not point fingers, get angry or accuse other people of believing in something false just because we don't believe.  It also goes the other way, those who do not believe have their reasons, those too should be respected. 

Amy Williams 

Lately it seems that all of the USS web site disciples make daily comments to the controversial issues that JUST WON'T GO AWAY.  Perhaps a survey area should be set up, with questions like, are you religious, do you have faith, or maybe even asking if you are a member of a satanic cult.  Just a thought.  Now, concerning religious issues, ya I know shut the <censored> up already, but it seems, to ME at least, that Austin is way too concerned about those who don't understand him and that he is a person of faith.  It is MY OPINION that Austin, is the one who truly doesn't understand.  In his post from April 27th he says the concept of a deity is a hard thing to believe, but one does not have to be ignorant of all religion.  Well Austin, just because I don't carry an outdated bible around in my hands, 24 seven, doesn't mean I am completely ignorant of all religion.  Like you, I too have made a choice, and it seems to me that you almost condemn those who are not of the same faith as you.  Yes Austin, I do agree with you, many people who have done deeds in the name of god were just propagandists using his name for the wrong reasons.  But, I also believe, that many people today who act in the name of god, are blinded by the teachings of the bible that may have been affective in a society 2000 years ago. In the here and now of the 1990's, many of these teachings are obsolete and cause more harm than they do good. One thing I would like you to explain though is, what is the impulse of God and who gets it and how?  This is an honest serious question, because if I ever do kill someone, I want to know if I can say I as acting on the Impulse of God, validly, not like the propagandists. 

JarRod Shaw 

I just read your latest entry about SAC giving away chocolate.  I would like to take this opportunity to tell every club member yet again, that if any club would like some extra money, SAC is giving away all of the extra chocolate for free.  We are not giving money grants away this year, instead we will give you chocolate that you can sell.  Any club or committee is welcome to receive some of this chocolate.  This announcement has been put on the announcements three times in the past week.  If any club had wanted chocolate they were welcome to it.  So, the SAC will give every club yet another chance.  If anyone wants chocolate please find your nearest SAC member and tell them. 

Wendy, I think you should have found out all of the information required before you wrote, if you had or listened to the announcements you would realize that the SAC has given you and your club or committee the chance to get chocolate. 

Also, 'SAC Loves You Day' is indeed the truth, and it is fast approaching.  Although, like others may believe, 'good old Dan' is not trying to win you all over before he departs for University.  'SAC Loves You Day' was not even his idea, it cam from another member of the SAC.  SAC has a lot of extra chocolate that was not sold, and so far only a few clubs have come forward to ask to have any so they can sell.  Therefore, since soon we will have to throw away all of the extra chocolate, we (as an ENTIRE SAC) thought that it would be a nice and kind gesture to give away all of the extra chocolate to the deserving U.S.S. students.  This way we do not have to throw away food and U.S.S. students would be rewarded for everything they've helped do for the school this year. 

Prom this year, is in excellent hands.  As secretary,  I can vouch for the fact that all that is said at meetings about prom is praise.  Lee-Anne and her committee seem to have everything under control and Mrs. Pinder says that Prom '98 is extremely well organized.  Tickets this year were raised $10 to cover the price of the prom.  This year, the prom is at a gorgeous ballroom, that took a long time to find, but once found, I'm sure will serve its purpose well.  U.S.S. has had the lowest price prom tickets in Durham.  Because of raised prices this year, Prom committee looks like they will be able to totally pay for prom themselves this year.  This has not been the case in the past.  Although, if by some unseen circumstances, there is a lack of funds SAC has already said and knows that they will give as much money as needed.  I know there were complaints about ticket prices in the past, but if you didn't want to buy one, you didn't' have too.  Since, tickets sales are at approximately 230 tickets sold.  All those complainers were either too young to buy tickets, or bought them while complaining.  So even with the raise in price, it didn't seem to affect ticket sales. 

'SAC Loves You Day' is approaching and SAC will give away as much chocolate as possible.  For all those students who don't approve of what SAC is doing, I suggest they don't take any chocolate, the day we hand it out.  Wendy, I'll be sure to make sure you aren't given any, so hopefully you will be happy!!! 

Krista Oldham 
SAC Secretary 

Also I've noticed the fries in the caf. due to demand do not get the proper cooking time and are still very, for the lack of a better word, potatoey.  I'd like to thank the food lady for allowing me to get new ones when I voiced my concern with the state of the uncookedness.  So to all the french fry eaters out there don't settle for potatoes when you want fries, simply ask and ye shall receive. 

Amy "I promise to sign my last name next time" Williams.

Lars Ahlgren

Wendy Rynard

Cheryl Stokes

Wendy Rynard

Well it seems in the past couple of days many of us have really shown what we believe.  That is great.  That means that my post has finally achieved it's original goal.  Unfortunately, however there are some of you who are of the opinion that those who don't share your own opinion should be suppressed.  One of the basic freedoms allowed in this country is the freedom of conscience, another is the freedom of speech.  That means that not only am I allowed to believe what I wish, but I'm also allowed to talk about it. 

I'm going to get a little personal here.  First of all... Adam, as it has been said, the public system of schooling allows for all religions and sects thereof to cohabitate and to share ideologies freely.  By the way that's all I wanted to do in the first place (this to Amy who misconstrued my intent as the salvation of the school and not the free intercourse of ideas (yes for those fans of Beevis and Butthead, heh heh I said intercourse) as I stated in a previous post.  All I wanted was for people to know that there is a choice out there and that I've made a different choice than most people do.  I've found that there is such a lack of intellectual thought used in decision making these days and I just wanted to challenge people to think beyond what they already believe to be true and delve into the unknown.  You may say to this that I do not do the same and that my opinion is static and immovable and that I am unquestioning in my own faith however this is not true.  Every day I come to school and sit down in my seat in class and listen to opinions and teachings that do not agree with my own.  Some of these have very valid arguments and so I am forced every day to question whether what I am following and proclaiming is the truth.  I would just like for you all to know that in each situation I am overwhelmed at the completeness of the Bible.  It has not yet failed me.  I am pleased to say that in each of the situations where I am found questioning my faith, my faith in Jesus provides an answer.  Furthermore this is NOT an attempt to force my opinions on anyone else but rather to be a witness to the things that have formed my faith. 

Sleep well, 

Austin Taylor

I think you are all too quick to disregard what Austin said, simply because you know that it comes from Christianity. Just because something is Christian doesn't make it automatically wrong. Some great people have been devout Christians, Mother Theresa for example. The wonderful thing about living in Canada is that we can voice our opinions no matter what religion they come out of. Please do not be so hypocritical as to tell Austin or any one else that they do not have the right to speak their mind, they have as much right to do so as you. 

Shawn Lund 

Hasta la Semana 

Tyler Hortie

I'm really sick of hearing all of the comments about religion, you've all stated your cases and opinions, and now it's time to stop. 

This (just to make this clear) is not a shot at anyone in particular, I am simply stating my own OPINION, as the rest of you have done. 

Maybe in the future, Speakers Corner will be used for some topics worth talking about.  But in the meantime, Austin, if you think you're going to save all of the people who read your posts, you're wrong, you're actually turning them off. 

Amy Grant =) 

P.S  Sorry if there's any spelling mistakes. 

Jonathan Ball 

Sara Washington 

Emily Ahlgren 

> Stop spreading all of your STUPID Religous propaganda. 
> I don't want to hear it! 

As has been mentioned before, and you and I both know, the school is a public school. A school that is open to anyone. It is open to anyone, of any color, race, religion, age and gender. The school also carries with it the rights and freedoms of the people of this country, most importantly the freedom of expression. 

Unfortunately, we have already seen the removal of Jarrod's right to expression, by the censorship of his post. Censorship is there to protect us from material that perhaps attacks our given race, sex, religion, etc. Although, I do not agree with Jarrod's post, Jarrod knows that I accept him on his position, and I do consider his opinion. I think in this case, the use of censorship was inappropriate. 

Back and forth discussion (debate) is good. It helps each side to other understand where the other stands, and helps each other round out their ideas. By declaring that you no longer wish to hear STUPID Religious propaganda, simply makes you sound rather unintelligent you claim that someone should no longer have the right to express their thoughts and beliefs, and you also make a spelling mistake in the process (religIous). ) 

The intelligent way to approach a situation where you do not agree to someone, would be to (1) ignore it (2) respond with a logic argument, or thoughtful discussion. Which is exactly how Jarrod and Austin have. And I commend them both on it. 

Phil Daly 
Former USS Student 

As for religion having no place in this school, I feel that this comment wasn't completly thought through before it was posted.  As Catholic schools are based on Catholic beliefs, public schools (which this school is one of), are meant to encompass all religions.  In public schools, the freedom to discuss, and practice, a great number of different religions has been provided.  Therefore, religion does have a place in this school. 

On a final note, (for now), I would like to congradulate Austin on his ability to leave himself vulnerable while expressing what he believes.  For those of you who do not appriciate it, or don't understand the importance of what Austin is talking about, it may be in your best interests to find out what the person is actually talking about before you put them down and disregard their beliefs as nonsense. 

Keep up the battle Austin, (Even though we have already won) 

Timothy Daly 

Austin's is right. The sign up for his so called 'cult' is at the cross. Maybe you should talk to Austin and find out a little bit more about his religion before labling it as a cult.  You may be surprised to find that you acctually agree with some of aspects of what he believes. 

Timothy Daly 

"Colin...  WHAT THE HECK DO YOU MEAN BY THE SAC DOES NOTHING?  As you pointed out, spirit week is going great..." 

How would you know how Spirit Week was going in the first place I never saw you at a single activity. And if the SAC has money outstanding, money that goes towards things the students do, they should be sure to get it back. 

Nicholas J. Furniss 1st, Defeated ruler of the planet Mercury. 

...The NWO now has control. If you don't like us keep it to yourself. 
 

Colin Briggs 

The first  Isn't it a bit pretentious to be calling it a new _WORLD_ order???  Last I heard the US was the major world power.  Or perhaps you just don't have enough imagination to get an _ORIGINAL_ name? 

The second question is also directed towards Colin...  WHAT THE HECK DO YOU MEAN BY THE SAC DOES NOTHING?  As you pointed out, spirit week is going great, and they have also done other things during the year, such as organizing the school dances, the music in the cafeteria at lunch time.  IN addition it isn't the fault of the SAC that chocolate money is outstanding, it's the fault of the students who don't return their money. 

I'll cease my ranting now.  Thanx for listening. 

Nicholas J. Furniss 
1st, Self proclaimed ruler of the planet Mercury. 

Adam Kane 

Austin Taylor here.  Just a clarification on my post apr. 27. 

It was in response to Greg Hopkins final comment in his little note on Apr. 9. 

good day and God bless, 

Austin Taylor