Bloomer is a community of about 3300 located near Chippewa Falls.  It now finds itself on the national map because of the blooming idiots on the Bloomer School Board and in the school bureaucracy - particularly the District Administrator and the Bloomer High School Principal.

     Daniel Lingen finished his class work at Bloomer High School early in order to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.  He will have completed basic training by the time of his high school graduation on May 31st.

     Private Lingen wanted to wear his Marine dress blues at his high school graduation.  However, the school board has rejected his request and adopted a policy requiring that a cap and a gown must be worn for graduation.  One board member says that the denial is not an attempt to be unpatriotic but rather an effort to celebrate education (through the wearing of a cap and gown).

     In denying the young man the right to wear his uniform, the Board supported the position taken by Brent Ashland, the high school principal and Doug Martin, the District Administrator. Both men said that they would like all the graduates to be "the same" during the ceremony.  How kumbaya of them.

     Here's the bottom line.  This young man has already moved beyond Bloomer High School - he's a Marine.  In other words, he's put childish things behind him and has moved to the next phase of his life.   That phase involves wearing a uniform.

     I can't seriously imagine that allowing Private Lingen to accept his diploma while wearing his dress blues would create a disruption or detract from the nature of the event.  To the contrary, I think it would be inspirational.

     Unfortunately, the members of the Bloomer School Board don't agree.  What a bunch of blooming idiots.

     Here's a link to the e-mail addresses of Principal Ashland and District Administrator Martin. 

     Semper Fi!