Reading Aloud 4

Don't let principles affect others' rights

I'm writing in response to the reports about a father who prevented his son from attending school after an argument over a HK$35 transportation charge for a school picnic.

Having principles is one thing, but we do need to be flexible about them, especially when they affect other people. When this father prevented his son from attending school, he took away the boy's rights.

Paying the charge and attending school are two different things. If the father thought the charge was unreasonable, he could have complained to the Education Bureau or asked what other parents thought about it.

I think this is a case of taking extreme measures on a point of principle. The boy is losing time he should be spending on his studies at school. I hope this father changes his mind.

Leung Yee Man (5E)
South China Morning Post ( September 29, 2008 )

Vocabulary

1. principles (n) 道德原則
2. flexible (adj) 靈活的
3. Education Bureau (n) 教育局
4. extreme (adj) 異乎尋常約

Useful Sentences

1. in response to 回應
   In response to complaints, the company reviewed its safety procedures.

2. prevent sb from doing sth 阻止
  Nothing would prevent him from speaking out against injustice.

3. argument with sb about/over sth 爭吵
   We had an argument with the waiter about the bill.

4. it's a case of 情況是…
   It's a case of too many people and not enough jobs.

5. take measures 採取措施
The government was urged to take stronger measures to combat crime.

6. change your mind 改變主意
   See if you can change his mind about coming with us.