Guess they are going to have to fill another position now...

I guess we're all human. My major concern would be the drug paraphernalia that was found. Is this a bad judgment call or does he have a problem and we need to be concerned for our students. The aftermath of the district's boundary committee, what in the world is going on in this district.

Why isn't there periodic drug testing. The bus drivers have to submit to random testing. Why not EVERYONE employed by 308. I have to take a drug test to get a job to pay taxes. Recepients (all) of my tax money should take drug tests to get it.

31 and doing drugs - I'd say he has a problem; I doubt this was his "first time." Serious lack of judgment on the part of this man. I'm sure 308 can find someone qualified for his job that doesn't drink and drive or do drugs.

I'm with you, Mr. Ayers. We have random drug tests at my company in an industry which is heavily gov't regulated. I am shocked school districts do not drug test the folks who have so much interaction with our kids!

It concerns me that our district would allow him to keep his position where he is supposed to serve as authority and role model for the kids of our district but more importantly, the schools where he works. That's dusgusting

And to think, I served on committee with him. I know we r all human, but there needs to be higher standards set for representing our dis. Familys and kids. Ugh

@ Kristen, what will it cost our children to have drug addled teachers and or administrators. There some things well worth the money spent. Great teachers and drug testing are among them.

I agree there needs to be random testing to district employees!!!!

Terrible choices on his part. As for random drug testing --- why? What does that accomplish? Hospitals generally don't random drug test employees. Why would I want to pay for random drug testing of assistant principals, teachers, custodians, etc.?

Random drug testing is not the panacea that people would like to believe it is. And in a cash-strapped district and state, I can think of better ways to use our money. A dumb asst. principal does not make me shake with fear that the hallways of my children's elementary school is littered with needles and ODing staff members.

I agree with u to a point Jane, however he should not still have a job in our schools.

Drug Tests
Because of labor contracts. The same goes true for police and fire. EAP language. Employee Assitance Program. If the employee knows he is going to be randomly tested knowing he will be positive., before he takes the test, he or she states I need help, I have a problem. Can't fire instead you have to send him to rehab (Cost to taxpayers.) test is cheap, it's the rehab cost that is the cost factor. Now a teacher sub gets called for $100 day. In police and fire this creates overtime which in fire is 1 1/2 rate of pay x 24 hours. Usually around $900 a day. Police 2/3 less due to 8 hour shifts. Cheaper for teacher due to flat rate of pay for subtitute , Police and Fire huge cost. But in this mans case this was not a random drug test. Not good for him.
In the private sector your fired. Public sector, multiple chances.

This is truly a sad situation for both Mr. Francis and the District. This man has the right to due process, but he should at the very least, be suspended with pay and not be allowed to have contact with our children. The fact that he is allowed to be on site at Hunt Club and Old Post, just shows that we need to clean house at the District, they have lost touch with reality and parents expectations.

Does our school board know the term "suspension pending an investigation?". I guess not, as Laski is back to work as well, with his charges pending.

You guys do realize that Marijuana is in no way harmful, and causes absolutely no drug "problems" right? Start knowing the facts, and not giving in to some governmental propaganda. Oh, and I forgot to mention that alcohol poses an unbelievably higher threat and danger than Marijuana does... Do your research people

So Steve does that makes this okay?

Wow - that's quite a happy place people have found if they believe that pot doesn't alter judgment. I'm assuming you've never been around a pot smoker. ; ) I'd prefer not hop in the car with someone who is stoned nor have him/her operate on me. I'll leave those adventures for people who are too busy satisfying their munchies to care.

This is coming from a 20 year Marijuana user. Let's just say, I actually know what I'm talking about

Before people pass judgment on others, they need to look deep within themselves. As once said by a higher authority, any of you without sin may cast the first stone. Mr Francis has been a remarkable teacher, and leader in our school system for over 6 years, and continues to be a man of integrity. His energy, and passion for his job should not be overlooked.

i

Before people pass judgment on others, they need to look deep within themselves. As once said by a higher authority, any of you without sin may cast the first stone. Mr Francis has been a remarkable teacher, and leader in our school system for over 6 years, and continues to be a man of integrity. His energy, and passion for his job should not be overlooked.

i

Me smoking Marijuana is equivalent to you having a few drinks after work, at a party or on the weekends. The only difference is that my high is way more controllable then even your buzz.

I just want to ask you two more questions. How many people have been seriously injured or died as a result of Marijuana use? After you answer that, I would like to know the same for the use of alcohol. I'm just curious as to what you find when you actually RESEARCH!

Steve: whether anyone agrees with your evaluation of the harmful or not harmful effects of marijuana the fact is that it's currently an illegal substance.

Ayers (and Pat): School bus drivers (along with police, fire department employees and other occupations) are subject to random testing not because they are district employees, covered or not covered by a CBA, but because the law requires it. It's within the realm of possibility that the hitter and dope weren't even his, meaning that no test would catch a drug he didn't take. Random, and reasonable suspicion testing aren't any cure all.

Concerned Oswegoan: Even more so, look at the administrator(s) that have looked the other way while Lasky has built up his record here, who are still grabbing paychecks and benefits. I wonder if anyone in Arlington Heights knows what they're getting?

Sorry it took so long, I was out destroying society as we know it like all the other Marijuana users http://legalizationofmarijuana.com/marijuana-facts.html

He is obviously well respected in the community- he obviously has excelled at his job to be influential and promoted, are we going to judge 15 minutes of his life or look at the entire picture- including his performance and relationships thus far? We all make poor decisions- and honestly how many of you have driven or been in the car with someone who shouldn't be driving- yes- he should be judged at a higher standard but omg- look at sports players, presidents, and musicians - he is a real person, with a real family, and a real child- forgive and let go-

This rampant drug use angers me so much I almost spilled my beer!

I have only heard positive things about Mr. Francis as a teacher. My children did not have him but many of their friends did. Clearly a lapse in judgement if he was drinking and driving, but on the drug paraphernalia I would have to say "innocent until proven guilty". It said "under a front seat" NOT under the driver's seat. The list of things I have found under my front seat that were not mine and I didn't even know were there is pretty extensive - phones, iPods, makeup cases, asthma inhalers, breath mints, hair brushes just to name a few. If these things were illegal and i had been pulled over I would have been guilty of what? having someone else's illegal stuff in my car that I didn't even know was there. And I am sure some of my belongings have ended up under other people's seats when things have accidentally dumped out of my purse. We should not rush to judge but let the process play out as it should.

The charges are for possession of paraphernalia ... Nothing was said about there being any drugs found at all.

The comments have been an interesting read..

As for the MJ is not as bad as alcohol comments, I have to say when I worked security in college it was the drunk folks who were the biggest challenge to deal with by far.

That being said, if the stuff is his, it really calls his judgement into question because you would think you would keep that stuff where you use that stuff and using that stuff in a car is wrong, regardless of how you feel about it, MJ does not make you a better driver.

As for the drug testing comments, do people really get randomly drug tested in the private sector anymore if it is not federally mandated (transportation), heck the last 3 jobs I took didn't even require a pre-hire drug screen. Also every place I have worked (including a small machine shop) worked with people who came in and said 'I have a problem' or went off to treatment on their own, they didn't just fire them.

Finally, and this is mostly a joke but having listened to the board meetings, committee meetings and read the patch comments about the boundary changes I could understand almost why someone might want to 'tweak their mood' as it were (again mostly kidding).

I would expect the district's zero-tolerance policy to extend to him, too. We'll see.

Its great that we have so many "perfect people" as above in our community. A sad story indeed and lets hope for the best, including for this man who made some very bad mistakes. Lets hope he learns from it and gets the help he needs. A good lesson and reminder for us all. We are all human and we all make mistakes. A great lesson for our kids as well - an example of what not to do and an example of how we should help those around us that have problems. Becuase when we have problems, lets hope that someone else along the way will help us as well.

Lets let Mr Francis have his day in court instead of judging him on the Patch. He is well like and has a good reputation in District, so keep the judgments to yourself.

1. Innocent until proven guilty.
2. I don't do drugs OR drink alcohol, but most of my close friends are recreational pot smokers. I cannot count how many times one of them has left a pipe in my car accidentally. (I drive usually when we hang out since I am always the sober one. Yes, Pot damages your abilty to drive a motor vehicle. To think otherwise is laughable.
3. Think of all the dirty habits you people engage in when no one is looking. Do you engage in these behaviors at work? No. A mistake at 2:00 AM does not mean this man is engaging in these behaviors at work.

4. Let his professional record speak for him AT LEAST AS MUCH as this first legal offense seems to. Everyone makes mistakes. For those of you upset about the source of this man's income being your tax dollars, and how in the private sector, this behavior is not accepted........really? Last I checked, every construction worker, banker, butcher, baker, and candlestick maker who gets a DUI is not immediately fired. (good thing too or else who would: Fix our plumbing, paint our homes, put up our drywall, serve our food, deliver our pizzas, ring up our merchandise, write our novels, star in our comedies, prepare our taxes, service our vehicles, and manage our portfolios?)
5. Investigate. Is his job performance IN ANY WAY unsatisfactory? If not I say require some counseling and MOVE ON. Our children may just find him more credible as a man who is human, makes mistakes, then asks for forgivnes, rather than portraying a plaster Saint. Isn't there a story somewhere about a guy named Jacob and a guy named Esau [SIC] Jacob repented right? Wasn't he welcomed back? hmmmmmm.

Mr. Francis is an honest, caring & intelligent man who made a mistake. When all of the naysayers who probably don't know him or have their facts straight take a good long look at themselves maybe they wouldn't be so judgemental. I have known John & his family for a long time & would totally trust him with my children. Hold your head high John & know there are people who are on your side!

I couldn't agree more Christine.

The Patch must love when news like this breaks. Also good day for the advertisers :)

This thread has caught on like wildfire! Mr. Francis deserves the due process of the law, but regardless as an assistant principle he has a duty to his students to maintain the profile of an ideal role model. If he truly cares about his students he will step down because for them his reputation is no longer in tact. I worry about some of the folks on this thread throwing around the term drug so loosely. The term drug has become such a lightening rod for ignorance and controversy (heroin, aspirin, pot, xanax they're all "drugs"); let's call pot it what it is a cannabinoid. While I agree with the "it's illegal he should be removed from his position" sentiment that's simply because he is a role model for minors. If you think every law in place is just an in no need of revision or reconsideration then along with keeping you mind and eyes shut I recommend keeping your mouth shut as well.

He's supposed to be a role model for student's so I don't think this is going to be forgiven. It's unfortunate if he is a good teacher but if it was my daughter's assistant principal I wouldn't want him their anymore.

John 8:7 "“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”
We all make mistakes, that's what makes us human.

He should be receiving a suspension pending an investigation. Allowing him to keep his position as if he wasn't arrested is ridiculous. I am a teacher and a parent and society already allows so many people to make mistakes but keep making money, their jobs etc.. The District has a "zero tolerance" rule and that should apply to not only students, but ANY staff member that breaks the law. PERIOD. Sorry, but he made a choice and he should take responsibility for his actions and resign or otherwise the District should let him go. The District isn't setting a good example by keeping him regardless of how well liked he maybe or what a great teacher/administrator he is. Sometimes life's change because of one bad choice.

All of you seem to be forgetting that no matter how well he's liked this man has broken the law.
I find it sickening that the school district thinks it's Ok for him to stay on at my child's school as a role model, rule enforcer and a person that is telling our kids to make good choices and say NO to drugs and he could not do that himself.
Also I find it hard to believe that it is not his items found in his car. I know I would notice if someone left a box under my car seat. If this box was in his car then it has been on school property.

The district needs to look at their own rules they have for students and should at the vary least go by them. Here is the rule from the student handbook.
"The use, possession or any attempt to possess/distribute or use any drug
paraphernalia is prohibited on school property. Drug paraphernalia or instruments
such as pipes, roach clips, syringes, pacifiers, hypodermic needles, cocaine spoons or kits, dispensation or use of mood altering chemicals will not be permitted
on school property or in a vehicle located on school property and will be subject to
confiscation. Possession of drug paraphernalia will be treated the same as the
possession of a mood‐altering substance. An addiction to an illegal substance is not an excuse for a violation.
CONSEQUENCES FOR DRUG/ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS
 1st offense Ten (10) day out‐of‐school suspension and student will be placed
on final warning."
cont:
If this rule applies to the students than it should apply to the staff as well.
Bottom line, he needs to be removed from my kids school and put in an office at the district building until his hearing. If he had this on his recorded when he applied for the job in the district he would not be hired.

@ A teacher too; please remember your preeching when it involves one of your student ,, remember we all make mistakes and they are only human!

That does beg a bit of an interesting question... If I student was found in the same situation off school grounds, what punishment/restriction would the student face at the school. Could they still play sports? Be part of the Glee Club?

The student would be removed from the sport/ glee club !

If Mr. Francis is found GUILTY in court of drinking and driving and having drug paraphanalia in his car (and maybe THC in his sytem, too) he needs to be summarily fired. No matter if he's a nice guy, no matter if he's a great teacher.

What do we teach our young people about CONSEQUENCES if we adults do not enforce consequences for poor judgment, bad behavior, illegal activities, etc., upon adults?

I guarantee you the kids in our District are interested in this latest 308 "scandal" and it can be a learning opportunity for our youth.

mr. francis is a very good teacher two of my kids have had him for there teacher they love him.we all make mistakes get over it.leave him alone.i was hoping my son would get him to.he will be punished by the courts.let him keep his job.he is a very good teacher.he cares about the kids.everyone should just get over it.think of how he feels.leave him alone.

It's important for everyone to know the whole story behind this before judging or stating any opinions....also John is an amazing person and was a WONDERFUL teacher and now asst. principal...I only hear great things about him and his career.....honestly this could've happened to ANYONE...no ones perfect, we ALL make mistakes!!! We live and learn from it all!!! John is a great leader and will ALWAYS be! Everyone deserves a second chance ...I think it's important to worry about your own problems in life, rather then focusing on others ....

he was my favorite teacher of all he never yelled at me and whenever i didnt do my homework he would not yell at me he would just say get it done tomorrow.
everbody makes mistakes. Mr.francis is a very good person. Ok i bet alot of you that are posting coments made mistakes like that too. get over it

he obviously made a bad choice but that doesn't mean he wasn't devoted to his job at old post elementary, he shouldn't have been drinking and driving period but as for the paraphernalia I don't think that is a big deal. marijuana is not a drug in my book, its not like the man was shooting up heroin in front of the students. he was living his normal life outside of his job. get over yourselves. legalize pot.

Now students are on here lol great parenting!!!

Interesting the people who post such strong positions - dont post their full name, let alone a name at all. Why is that?

First of all Oswegoannie...I suggest you quite assuming - which is only going to make you look like a complete idiot and mind your own business. Are you this little angel who has never made a mistake in your life?? I'd say you have a problem being over dramatic....take a step outside your bubble and look at reality - people make mistakes or maybe just maybe....he was in the wrong place at the wrong time..are you married...has your husband or boyfriend ever taken you out to dinner and gotten in the car after having a wonderful dinner and a few glasses of wine...well look at that...you or your significant other is over the limit arent you?? So before sitting on this site and taking a stab at someone you don't know I suggest you take a look at the big picture instead of being inside your little bubble. I know this man and he is nothing but a great individual, father and husband...he has the utmost respect for everyone surrounding him and I would not FOR ONCE be afraid to put him in charge of my child! He brings happiness to children around him and is very passionate about life itself. yes everyone has to suffer the consequences of their actions but sh*t happens I'm sorry NO ONE writing on this (77 comments) is perfect and every single one of you has made some sort of mistake and maybe didnt get caught but still felt guilty or maybe you did get caught....nobody should judge until u for a fact have been in somebody elses shoes...or until.u know the exact FACTS on his charges...

Know the facts! Every 30 minutes a person is killed from a drunk driving accident! Every 2 minutes a person is injured from a drunk driving accident! This is not a game of bags or after the prom party, this country as a whole has a problem.
He was charged with DUI and I can only thank God that he hadn't killed someone or seriously injured an innocent person. I work nights 3 days a week and I can't imagine what would happen to my girls if I didn't come home from work one night because some drunk hit me. Mom recently died and oh well now Dad's gone because someone made a big mistake, get over it, I think not. When you knowingly and willingly get into a 3000 pound weapon you have more than crossed the line of "mistakes happen". Why didn't he call home and have his wife come get him or have someone at the party take him home or better yet call a cab. That's where the anger comes from! As soon as I read this story I thought of my family, my children, the loves of my life. I'm their sole provider as my wife passed and I can't imagine them burying me too!
I'll let the law play out and will see what transpires.
.

Mr. Francis is an outstanding teacher who made a mistake. He'll have consequences but I hope they don't involve his job. Those of you who have never made a mistake, keep on throwing your stones. (It says even more about you when you do that anonymously.)

John Francis is a good man who made a dumb mistake. But calling for his termination would be another dumb mistake. Our chidren at Old Post love Mr. Francis, all the kids love him. He is an excellent teacher who loves what he does and it clearly shows in our children. Let the school board discipline him, have him go to rehab, etc., but don't fire him. Some people are too hard to replace.

Mr. Francis is a role model for kids the best way anyone can be: through his exemplary teaching, his kindness, and genuine care and respect for his students. He is alleged to have made a stupid mistake. If he's convicted, the board will probably be obliged to fire him, and that's a shame. He's a good man who has made a posiive difference in the lives of hundreds of children, including mine. If he has to leave the district, it will be poorer for it. We all will be.

For the record, the Steve Watts posting here is not the local CPA!

My sympathy goes out to his family as they will have to bear this heavy weight. It will not be a pretty day in court when the local chapter of MADD shows up at his hearing.
My neighbor's son was thrown off one of the sports teams at school for a lesser crime, he's an A's and B student who made a mistake The zero tolerance policy needs to apply to all.
One must have respect for themselves before they can have respect for others.

Not the first DUI teacher in Oswego. And keep in mind this was not during work or on school grounds. Good luck Mr. Francis. Hope the best for you and your family.

Your 17 again. A rumor says that you were at a party off school grounds on a weekend were there was underaged drinking. They get two other high school students to say you were there or you are honest and admit your were there and then left when you realized there was drinking. You are suspended from your team for the rest of the season and from school for a few days.

Your 31. A police officer says you were driving under the influence and had drug paraphanelia in your car. You get pummeled on Patch, but you get to keep your job and your pay until you are convicted. Then, they can cut you from the team (your job) or come up with a better plan for the situation (like rehab).

HHMMM... Are we asking our students to be more responsible for their actions then our administrators? I think it sucks to be a family man and possibly loss so much from a bad choice, but does that make it okay to not expect character equal to that we expect from our young adults?

Board Policy is clear that they have options and need to wait until/if there is a conviction. Section 5-70:
"An employee who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination. Alternatively, the Board may require an employee to successfully complete an appropriate drug- or alcohol-abuse, employee-assistance rehabilitation program.
The School Board shall take disciplinary action with respect to an employee convicted of a drug offense in the workplace, or as otherwise required by law, within 30 days after receiving notice of the conviction."

Isn't it innocent until proven guilty? Or doesn"t that apply in Peyton Place! Wouldn't it help to get to know the man you are judging and crusifying. Don't let history repeat itself!!!! Yes, he might have made a mistake (it's not for us to say) but it would be a bigger mistake to not allow him to share his gifts, talent, knowledge and passion for enriching the lives of our children. Keep the faith John, we got your back!

@alette I believe you have the wrong policy. (5-70 is Religious Holidays) You are quoting from 5-50, Drug & Alcohol Free Workplace, covering misconduct occuring in the workplace so that policy doesn't apply here. 5-240 is policy concerning suspension of personnel for "Misconduct that is detrimental to the School District" which seems more appropriate. They do not have to wait to suspend him with pay during an investigation.
I understand that many people feel this man is a good man and has done good things, however, he is in a position of authority and influence over children. In that position, his conduct should be held to a higher scrutiny. He should be put on leave until the matter is investigated by the school district at least. I have to say I'm pretty disappointed reading some of these comments. A lot of people seem so quick to chastise people to "leave him alone" because he has done all these wonderful things, but one shouldn't just "leave him alone" when he has authority over children. And everyone does make mistakes, being responsible means you own up to the mistake and accept the consequences.

Look...people make mistakes. I would in no way send my kid to a different school if something like this happened. How is this a threat to my child's education? Life education happens at home. This is where I teach my kid about drugs, drinking and sex...moral issues. What does this say about us parents when we expect our kids to look up to others as role models instead or in addition to us. We have to teach our kids the importance of life issues at home and leave arithmetic and reading to the teachers. You'll never find a school that has perfect educators, or a home with perfect parents. We all make mistakes.

Amen to that! As mentioned earlier, those who are without sin may cast the first stone!

You know everyone does make mistakes. We have all made bad choices that we regret. However, this was a big mistake. In a school district with a zero tolerance policy this policy must be extended to staff as well. I am sure this assistant principal is a great teacher, great educator, etc. etc. but the bottom line is that he made a terrible choice and terrible choices do have terrible consequences. He is fortunate that no one was hurt as a result of his DUI. As parents and as educators, we can not support this behavior and write it off as a simple mistake. We can talk with our children and discuss how this was a great educator and how he is still a great educator but he made an awful choice which will (and should) affect his career. It's unfortunate but it is a good lesson for children to learn.

@mike ellison: what union is that, Mike ? he's an administrator, a boss, a manager now. He's not protected by anyone except administration.

DItto ayar. I think Mr. Ellsion has some confusion about how school districts operate judging from here and other posts. Much as some people love to rail against the unions, it just doesn't work here. ; ) And private sector policies can vary widely -- from no policy at all to anything up to termination.

Thanks, Jane. It's not his fault he might have been pulled into the anti-union media blitz, they confuse administration [management] with teachers [workers], and don't realize the difference, not just in job description, but duties and pay. Chris Lauzen himself wrote an article some months back in the June 23, 2011 p.8 Ledger-Sentinel complaining that "educators" make too much, then goes on to quote what a superintendent made.That's like comparing CEO pay to the average employee. The article surprised me. Plus, a teacher puts out a ton of out-of-pocket expenses for supplies for their classrooms, never reimbursed. This man that made a mistake is in my prayers though - whatever they decide, if he still ends up administrating, I hope someday when he sees a normally good student make a mistake, he remembers this moment of his life burned in his mind, and pays it forward.

Look, I'm originally from Oswego but I live in California now and the fact that this poor principles entire life is about to go to shit just because he got caught with a hitter, and not even any real marijuana is ridiculous. Society, and especially Oswego police, need to stop wasting their time ruining nonviolent drug offenders lives. Focus on the real crimes, and I mean honestly, it's not like the guy goes around endorsing drugs. He started off as a teacher and got promoted, probably because he was more enjoyable to be around due to the fact that he was happier and more level headed then the rest of the staff. Putting articles like this online only gets word out to the kids that a teacher is addicted to drugs and does so much more harm to 308 then good. With that being said, the DUI is what should be focused on, after all, drinking is a infinity times more likely to kill someone than pot because no person has ever died from it.

He who hath not sinned may throw the first stone. All of you out here that are acting Holier then Thou, Really? He is a good person that happened to get caught, but doing and with what? How many of you have had a few drinks and then drove but weren't caught? How many of you at home have a drink or two every night or every weekend. How many of you do other things besides drink? He didn't have cocaine, herion, crack, perscription drugs. How many of you out there are abusing perscription drugs? You all need to back off of this man and let the courts decide what he did or didn't do. Put yourselves in his and his families shoe's right now, how would you feel. He is embarressed enough and may lose his job, and has disappointed many people. Enough is enough let it go people and get to on with your own lives.

I find it hard to believe that any of you judging this man are mistake free he is a very productive member of this community and made a mistake let the law do it's job and focus on your internal family issues because this could be your child.

Steve Jack is correct that innocence is presumed until proven guilty; however, persons in public service involving children and considered role models must be held to a high standard. The School Administration should have placed Mr. Francis on administrative leave until the charges are determined in a court of law. It is the administrations' responsibility to place an employee on administrative leave not the boards', and it is puzzling as to why that was not done.

? Can't figure out why my comment was removed - altho it obviously struck a nerve with some folks around here.

I was being pretty liberal with my viewpoint. I did not say the man was guily - I did not prejudge him as others have. I merely stated IF he was convicted in a court of law (not public opinsion!) of driving while intoxicated and possession of drug paraphanalia, if THC was found in his system (was he tested for drug use) the consequence should be termination. He can then clean up his act and find another job - I do believe in second chances.

And...I DO believe our kids, especially our teens - have an opportunity to learn what consequences can result from poor judgment, bad decisions and yes, ILLEGAL actions (again, IF HE IS FOUND GUILTY IN COURT.)

FREE JOHN FRANCIS

Mr. Francis we have your back. My prayers to you and your family

How many social drinkers or smokers make a poor choice and are able to get home before taking someones life? Our society as a whole has a big problem with alcohol and ignorant people thinking they can function after what they consider just a drink or two. I sometimes think that they are let off with a slap on their wrist because the lawyer and/or the judge have a drinking problem too. It looks at times like a good ol' boys club. I don't buy the argument that he made a mistake. He got caught this time, but how many times did he do the same thing and did not get caught. I wonder how many drivers are out there thinking they are perfectly able to get home from a party.

Wow...We are so without blame!

Note: Why not just test everyone who works in any school everywhere? (Because it'll cost too much and the tax payers will complain!) *Why don't they just get rid of everyone who has ever took a drink and then drove home from the club, a party, a family gathering and neighborhood get together even though it's being done on their personal time from work? {because it will so costly and what others think mean so much} **Hey, lets try this...Why don't so many people who have the BIG ANSWERS get together and as a group and let's see how many times you can meet without having a dam drink? I HAVE BEEN TO SO MANY GATHERINGS WHERE SO MANY OF YOU COMPLAINERS HAVE BEEN AND YOU DRINK AND THEN DRIVE HOME! You just didn't get caught! Now shut the hell up and find another cause and get off the train of let's kick Mr. Francis in the behind! The nerve of you trying to kill a mans career because of getting caught. If he had one beer or 20 he got caught and he has to deal with the guilt of facing you whining broads that have nothing else to do but keep up booboo. Now, go sit around and wait for the next piece of exciting news to happen which is mostly nothing and get started again! Shut Up!