In case you haven’t paid attention to the local Rock Hill, Fort Mill SC news lately, at last week’s graduation ceremonies for Fort Mill High School 6 people were arrested for ‘public disorderly conduct’. Apparently, the school had sent out a letter reminding students and parents that “appropriate behavior is required”.
Well, either some people didn’t get the memo, or they chose to ignore it, or the definition of “appropriate behavior” is still up for debate.
According to William Masey, a 19 year old plumber from Fort Mill, said he and his father Tony Masey were arrested for cheering for William’s fiancee. “”I just gave a little whoop and a clap, and the next thing you know the cops are all over me,” he said.
Well, thanks to this display, the national media spotlight has descended upon the Rock Hill/Fort Mill area as school officials and several of those arrested have been contacted by TV programs like, “Inside Addition” and “Good Morning America”, as well as blogs and radio programs across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Rush Limbaugh even had a short diatribe about the ‘meaning’ of this incident.
“An innocent little story that I tell at the open of the program that is designed to illustrate the encroaching and gradual loss of freedom is causing the biggest hubbub — well, it’s not the biggest, but it’s a hubbub, much bigger hubbub than I thought it would be,” Limbaugh said on the air, according to a show transcript.
“I mean, this is applauding achievement. This is acknowledging achievement,” the popular host told a caller who said the rules were designed to keep graduations dignified. “You don’t see the loss of freedom in this? You don’t see the slow encroaching on freedom? This is a celebration. This is not a funeral.”
Well, regardless of who’s right and who’s wrong in this debate, I think it’s unfortunate an International spotlight has been cast upon the Fort Mill/Rock Hill SC in this light. I’d much rather see it for something a little more positive like the year-round golf, the beautiful scenery, or the fantastic people that live here.
Well, I guess that last one could be called into question, but I guess nobody’s perfect. 😉
Get the full story on these Graduation Shouters from the Rock Hill Herald.
