The Rules of the Game

Every move you make
Every step you take
I'll be watching you

--Every Breath You Take, The Police

I always found that Police song to be particularly menacing. However, for some, it is the essence of true love.

A Texan 6th-grader, Shelby Sendelbach, recently scrawled "I love Alex," in blue marker on the gymnasium wall, earning her a 4-month stint at the local alternative school ("I Love Alex" Earns Girl Four Month Suspension.)

It was a Level 4 infraction, and as such she incurred the same punishment as if she had made terrorist threats, possessed drugs or committed assault. "Only murder, gun possession, sexual assault and arson are considered more severe" by her suburban Houston district. It is Texas after all, and you must draw the line somewhere.

Now, part of me says rules is rules. Matters not that the love screed was in "baby blue" ink, vs. black spray paint, as her mother pointed out; we all know that one day the baby blue writings will morph into "THAT BIG CREEP!" The fact is, the girl defaced public property.

But aside from the physical offense, I can see where some men would find the very sentiments of her graffiti akin to putting a noose around their neck--a solid level 4 infraction in its own right.

Bad enough they'll have to put their own on soon enough in the business world (aka, the necktie.) Shelby hasn't learned the rules of the game yet. They'll teach her a thing or two at the alternative school.

--Lisa