To My CVHS Freshman...

To my CVHS freshman.....

No, I will not be driving you to school. Driving a motor vehicle is the most dangerous, destructive activity we can legally engage in. The consequences - pollution, traffic jams, parking problems, injuries, major health issues (both from pollutants and avoidance of exercise) are not trivial. You are a healthy, able-bodied individual with other options. Your personal convenience is not more important than the welfare of everyone else.

Two simple rules for operating any dangerous lethal weapon - (1) Keep such tools securely locked up when not in use and (2) Use them only when absolutely necessary when no practical alternative exist. The fact that (almost)everyone does something does not make it right, it just makes it acceptable. Best to do what is convenient now and ignore the long-term consequences, right? Not the lesson I want my kids to learn.

I will drive you to school under the same circumstances I would drive myself - (1) a large number of passengers, (2) a significant distance, (3) large or heavy cargo or (4) poor weather conditions. As we are 1.1 miles from CVHS only options 3 and 4 apply in your case.

Due to the massive amount of economic, environmental, and health issues associated with unnecessary automobile use, I insist you set a good example in this area. Whenever possible, be part of a solution and not part of the problem.

Expect no appreciation. Gratitude is expressed for beneficial behaviors only when they are popular. This is not. Your peers will mock you and condemn you. When they do, remind them they will live longer, better lives because of your actions today. So will you. I do this because it’s best for you - and everyone else. Love, Dad.

P.S. Now read this to your able-bodied kid(s)...

–Stacy Spink, Castro Valley