The American Spectator : Hardcore Lessons

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Hardcore Lessons

By Christopher Orlet on 3.17.11 @ 6:07AM

Who do we want for our role models?

When I was in school we boys used to sing a silly rendition of "On Top of Old Smoky" in which "we shot our poor teacher with a .44 slug." Today, if a student sang that childish ditty, he would be immediately expelled and ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

Then again, in my day students and teachers were not expected to be the 1970s equivalent of Facebook friends. Real teachers couldn't have cared less about their students' self-esteem and they certainly weren't interested in providing entertaining, interesting activities. Like any good German schoolmaster (which mine were), they cared mostly about order and discipline.

So I was surprised to hear that so many students at Parkway North (Mo.) High School were upset that one of their science teachers was placed on administrative leave. Why weren't these students overjoyed?

The educator of whom I speak, Tera Myers (a.k.a. Rikki Andersin), recently informed her principal that some 15 years ago she performed in 11 "adult films." And not the art housey adult films that star Vincent Gallo and Chloe Sevigny performing real sex acts on screen, but the porny "lacking artistic merit" kind.

Apparently, Myers was approached by one of her students about her back catalog. It's unclear whether this future lawyer was trying to blackmail her, or just wanted an autograph. Either way, the jig was up. (The same thing happened to Myers -- then known as Tericka Dye -- five years ago in Kentucky.)

The school board found itself in a tough spot. Teaching high school students is hard enough without 17-year-old boys making moaning sounds every time your back is turned. On the other hand, there was no evidence Myers did anything unlawful. It is perfectly legal to act in adult films -- unlike prostitution, which is illegal -- because no one is aiming a camera lens at your crotch.

There is a reason school districts perform rigorous background checks on potential employees. Because they are entrusted with our impressionable children, teachers are rightly held to a higher moral standard than, say, congressmen and carnival barkers. Even the most trivial incident in a candidate's remote past often disqualifies him or her for a teaching post. Certainly this is the case at the better schools.

PARKWAY NORTH IS one of those better schools. Therefore the district has opted not to renew Myers' contract, claiming she'd be a "distraction" to students. On the other hand, I bet truancy rates would decline precipitously.

One St. Louis talk show host was apoplectic over the district's actions. Jamie Allman was outraged that schools often allow gays and lesbians to teach, but not former porn stars who have, ostensibly, turned their lives around.

Did I mention that Ms. Myers claims to have found Jesus? Her support comes not only from evangelicals, who relish redemption stories about lost lambs being found, but from the community at large. Even pop television guru Dr. Phil McGraw once encouraged Myers to "just keep fighting, keep moving forward." Others see her story not as a cautionary tale, but as a heroic triumph over adversity.

Feminists, too, support Myers, portraying her as a victim of the evil male patriarchy. It's a claim Myers seems to embrace with her standard sob story about how she appeared in her first porno at 22, while a homeless mother of two, after being abandoned by a no-good boyfriend.

The former Army MP freely admits she made a series of bad choices, which she blames on an alcoholic father, growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, and bi-polar disorder. One of those dumb choices was to major in secondary education, knowing she'd have to live in constant fear that a student would come across one of her films. You would think someone who graduated top of her university class would be smart enough to take up a relatively anonymous career like computer science or accounting. Myers, however, seems addicted to thrill-seeking, high-risk behavior (bad boy boyfriends, military service, adult films, and high school teacher/volleyball coach with porn film history).

Myers insists that as a woman who has overcome adversity and dumb choices, she could be a role model for her students.

That's exactly the problem. A lot of parents don't want a former porn queen as their daughter's role model. If nothing else, Myers has taught her students an important lesson: the choices one makes in the bloom of youth will follow you around the rest of your life. I can think of no more important lesson for the Facebook Generation.

About the Author

Christopher Orlet writes every Thursday from St. Louis.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (108) | Leave a comment

Brian Mc| 3.17.11 @ 6:57AM

Ahh...regrets. I guess the lesson here is, when put in a situation where a moral judgement must be made, act as if the cameras were focused and running. Stopping at a stop sign really isn't that difficult whether it's at 3a.m. or 3p.m. It's that determination that one makes that they're going to get away with something that tends to bite one where it truly hurts. A simple rule for me is, I always try to act as if my grandparents are watching...it helps me sleep at night. It's simple and I've stumbled at times, but...hence, regrets.

Alan Brooks| 3.17.11 @ 7:57AM

"Like any good German schoolmaster (which mine were), they cared mostly about order and discipline."

Orderly rows of Zyklon B in the storage room.

Alan Brooks| 3.17.11 @ 8:15AM

"And not the art housey adult films that star Vincent Gallo and Chloe Sevigny performing real sex acts on screen"

This is my question: how would you know about art housey real sex acts on screen? tell us which ones you liked the best.

Tim the Enchanter| 3.17.11 @ 12:44PM

Alan... No. You first.

Alan Brooks| 3.17.11 @ 9:37PM

I prefer gay leather or sex with animals.

GavInTucson| 3.18.11 @ 3:18AM

Another perfect example of how AS needs to get on board with a username/password registration process that actually works.

Under the current anarchy, anyone can hijack a thread under another person's identity and go to town.

Seriously? Can AmSpec please rectify this? Things have been getting a bit ridiculous lately.

d-c| 3.17.11 @ 10:30AM

Such a reliable little jackass troll you are, Alan.
So, all "order and discipline" lead to mass murder? Or just when practiced or taught by Germans?
Pol Pot was pretty disciplined too. So was Mao. So was Stalin. Add those body counts up and those evil Germans look like pikers by comparison.
But it's ok in your world to mock anyone of a certain origin as long as they're predominantly white, Western and (nominally) Christian, right?
Try applying the same guilt-by-association logic to your wet-dream masters, the Arabs.
Bottom line, you're on the other side of the growing civil war in this country, you're a mortal enemy to most Americans, and no, we can't all get along. Because people like you won't rest until you've exterminated us, we'll have to exterminate you, in self-defense of ourselves and our families.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 1:01PM

THEY MUST BE DEFEATED!

Pelligrino| 3.17.11 @ 7:09AM

If all the top facts are presented in this article, then, no, the former teacher needs to stay "former;" she must seek employment outside the realm of youth education.

You summed it up; life has real consequences. And she's made LOTS of really dumb errors.

Her finding Jesus is laudable and good. If true, Praise God for this! But it is not relevant in the age of VHS tapes and now digital video archives.

The lesson "in the Age of Facebook" is that 24-30% of today's youth engaging in Facebook, MySpace, and other such nonsense will be seeking name changes/identity alteration at the age of 30-34 when real life finally hits them.

If these are the salient facts, she has to depart teaching.

Our kids are way oversexed and sex interested. And....didn't we learn years ago that hedonism as "way of life" just doesn't work? The youth need real role models and life teachers who never succumbed to that stupidity.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 1:03PM

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense (add sarcasm here).

Why are the best AA teachers ex-alcoholics? Sometimes the people that can tell you the best reasons to stay away from vice are the victims of vice.

Get off that high-horse. Everyone has a vice. If you say you don't, I'll assume you molest children.

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 2:39PM

I'd like to see her defenders and enablers hire her to tutor or homeschool their teenage sons.

Then we'll see what they REALLY believe.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 11:24AM

If she's a good teacher, what does it matter the mistakes she made 15 years ago?

Not very christian-like to be so unforgiving.

Skeleton in the Closet?| 3.18.11 @ 4:04AM

For someone that often cites faith in God, forgiveness, second chances, and scriptures, you seems awfully hell-bent on making sure this born-again Christian, is never forgiven for her own sins.

How very un-Christian of you.

slhersey1@yahoo.com| 3.17.11 @ 7:51AM

Where the hell were these teachers when I was a lad? The only instructor I ever had who could have worked in film was my 11th-grade chemistry teacher--she looked just like James Coburn.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 1:05PM

I had the hottest 7th grade science teacher. I think she was 23-24 yrs old. All the young boys, including myself, were a hot mess immediately after entering her classroom.

Why is everyone against hot teachers? Do you want these young men to learn something? nothing gets their attention like a smokin' hot teacher... just sayin'.

the permanent newbie| 3.17.11 @ 2:36PM

Come home, David Lee Roth; all is forgiven!

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 11:25AM

LMAO!

Occam's Tool| 3.24.11 @ 11:49PM

My high school homeroom teacher was quite attractive.

Charles Dennison| 3.17.11 @ 8:40AM

This is what I just don't understand - exactly when did actions (past or present) cease to have consequences? Are people just in denial of the fact that you reap what you sow? Now all you have to do is claim to have some sort of "disorder" or simply admit to having "made a bad choice" and suddenly the sun comes out and we all sing Kumbaya! All is forgiven - and if it is brought up again, we are being heartless or self-righteous because, well, it could be any one of us in the same situation. Uh, no - I might have my own mistakes, but porn is not one of them, and there are plenty of other people without that stain who can fill her teaching job. We are living in a society of perpetual childhood - we keep allowing the denial of personal responsibility. Personal responsibility was once the very first lesson taught to children! But no more! You don't have to be responsible for your actions - there's always something or someone to blame for it! I used to tell my kids, "I don't care WHY you did it - and I didn't ASK you what you thought about it - you just need to FIX your mess!" By the time they were in school, they knew better than to try that crap with me. Now they are responsible, productive adults - and it's funny to hear them say the same to their own kids!

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 1:07PM

They say 95% percent of men masturbate, and the other 5% are liars. Don't you lie to me, sir.

PolishKnight| 3.17.11 @ 2:24PM

That's just it Charles. She appears to have fixed her mess and gone on with her life.

If this was a case of her continuing to be a porn star and getting caught then you'd have a point.

And FYI, there is plenty of personal responsibility being taught but mostly to men. See how many men can openly refuse to pay "child" support, for example, for children born out of wedlock or taken away by the divorce courts.

Amazingly, this is one of the few examples of a woman being judged negatively by a society where there are "safe havens" allowing women to abandon babies and police who arrest men for DV after women attack them. And what is her horrific crime? Something out of Hawthorne! She has to live with a scarlet letter! In the meantime, Christians continue to endorse the destruction of the family via divorce courts, feminism and the welfare state.

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 2:41PM

Actions have consequences. The consequences for egregious actions can be lifelong.

It's too bad liberals and Gen Y'ers don't understand the concept of individual responsibility.

GavInTucson| 3.18.11 @ 4:27AM

"This is what I just don't understand - exactly when did actions (past or present) cease to have consequences?"

You're right, Charles. The problem is that you're not listening to your own words. You seem hell bent on focusing on her past transgressions, while ignoring the fact that she's since turned herself around, found God, repented, and focused her life toward something positive.

Earth to Charles: The glass is actually half-full. Does this woman actually have to submit a blood-test to you in order to prove she's worthy of your acceptance?

It seems to me that, in your view, there is no such thing as a zero sum game -- not very Christ-like, Sir.

GavInTucson| 3.18.11 @ 4:48AM

By the way, Charles, I forgot to mention how relieved I was that porn wasn't one of your mistakes.

Incidentally, how many times have you fornicated without the intent of producing a child, sinner? Inquiring minds want to know, as you seem to think you're hovering somewhat above the plain of sin?

Hillel| 3.17.11 @ 9:07AM

As George Bernar Shaw said "Virtue is the trade-unionism of the married."

Peppermint Tea| 3.17.11 @ 9:15AM

Christopher,
This sentence doesn't make sense:
"It is perfectly legal to act in adult films -- unlike prostitution, which is illegal -- because no one is aiming a camera lens at your crotch."
Are you saying the camera makes films legal and prostitution illegal? Doesn't make sense.

V8| 3.17.11 @ 10:19AM

Ok, since the spam filters don't like the word sex, lets try this again.

That is exactly what he is saying and it makes perfect sense. The only difference between prostitution and adult films is the camera, not the act. One done in front of a camera is legal. The other, usually done in secret with no camera is illegal but the acts are the same.

PolishKnight| 3.17.11 @ 1:57PM

There is a difference: Actors are being paid to have nookie with each other while prostitutes have nookie with the person paying.

Of course, if we look at the strict definition of prostitution, most people have engaged in the act: The traditional definition of marriage is a man providing for a wife to have nookie with him.

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 2:43PM

How nice. Tell me, is this ugly, disgusting, woman-hating theory how you judge your married female relatives?

PolishKnight| 3.17.11 @ 5:38PM

Why is this woman hating? Aren't the men also "responsible" for their role in it?

Feminists would argue that it's equally disgusting for a woman to have to rely upon a man to provide for her (that's the government's job!) Seriously, everyone dances around the woman's role as a sexual servant while pretending otherwise. Don't blame the messenger! (OK, blame away!)

DieFledermaus| 3.17.11 @ 6:14PM

No, actors in porn are only paid to let someone film them having nookie. They aren't paid to have the nookie because that is the legal definition of prostitution.

Showtime used to run a reality show about a porn producer and his life. He explained the legality issue as I did above when once asked by the shows producers.

I know, it's a nitpick but that is the law in most cases.

VBMax| 3.17.11 @ 5:57PM

Only difference is both partners get paid but not by each other.

Sheila| 3.17.11 @ 10:21AM

It's called "irony," Peppermint Tea - as in, the lack of logic or consistency in much of today's laws.

I thought all the right liberals here were supposed to be so clever, and as the ethnonationalist I was the evil/dumb one. That's okay; I'll settle for being considered "evil" by TAS's regulars.

john| 3.17.11 @ 10:28AM

Peppermint Tea,

That is the best line of many. The actors in porn are being payed to have sex. The prostitute is being paid to have sex. The difference is only the prostitute gets paid and there is no camera.

The distinction between porn actors and prostitutes is meaningless. Society treats one as legal and the other as illegal.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 1:09PM

What about a woman that has sex with a man because he makes a lot of money, takes her out to dinner, marries her, buys her a beamer, a 20,000 dollar ring?

Sometimes I really don't like social conservatives. You make an attempt at being christ-like, but what's the story of mary magdalen, again?

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 2:44PM

Yes, but social conservatives at least a) know what we stand for; b) are nowhere near as nasty to your kind as you are to us.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 11:26AM

I A) Know what I stand for, and B) don't force my values down someone elses throat.

Live YOUR life.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 1:56PM

The term "Social Conservative" does great injustice to Conservatism. You guys act more like social fascists.

John| 3.17.11 @ 2:18PM

The problem with the sentence is the second dash. The result is that the sentence, as written, says:

"It is perfectly legal to act in adult films because no one is aiming a camera lens at your crotch."

Yes, this is nonsense, and obviously not what the writer intended. The sentence should have been punctuated as follows (this is just one of many possible fixes of course):

"It is perfectly legal to act in adult films--unlike prostitution, which is illegal because no one is aiming a camera lens at your crotch."

This fix would have conveyed the intended irony with crystal clarity.

Petronius| 3.17.11 @ 10:20AM

Role models and their standing among the cohorts is grounded in the same herdthink of which our cultural templates of unwritten laws and tastes are constructed and enforced by either the intellectualoids or the proles, depending on who has taken greater offense. This time they split the difference. Had this person appeared in a lesbian porn film instead of the vanilla nuts and bolts type, she'd get a pass from the lefties. The past is forgiven or not relative to the predispositions of those who wield power. And if you want to belong, you'd better fit their mold.

Doctor Right| 3.17.11 @ 11:22AM

I find this absurd.

If this story is accurate, this woman is being held to account for:

1. Something that is perfectly legal, if not admirable.
2. Something she did 15 years ago.
3. Something she has personally renounced.

Additionally, her conversion to Christ appears to be genuine.

Christ himself hung-out with people who were considered to be "low-lifes", and NOT because he liked the seedy-side of life. He was making a VERY important point: ALL can be redeemed through him...even former porno-actresses.

Additionally, we all know that the bar for getting fired from a teaching-job is VERY high. Real reprobates are currently roaming the halls in schools all across America, teaching our children, and in some cases the parents are powerless to have them removed because of "tenure" and interference from the Teachers' union.

Lost in all of this is whether or not Ms. Myers/Andersin/Whatever is a GOOD science teacher! Does she have a genuine teaching certificate? Is she effective? Do her students learn? One would think that this is a priority, but I guess one would be naive.

If Ms. Myers/Andersin were making porno NOW, that would be a wholly different issue. And suing the school board is probably out-of-the question since she did, in fact, conceal her identity.

But that begs the question: Why SHOULD she conceal her identity?

Again, if this is all in her past, and she has moved-on with her life, then why should she continue to suffer for it??

We have a former President who was impeached, and accused of sexual assault by more than 1 woman. He roams the world making millions doing speeches. But this woman is going to be pilloried?

Beam me up, Scotty.

Ray| 3.17.11 @ 11:43AM

She has a VERY long way o go before she can redeem herself as a Christian. One of the biggest Christian principles is honesty. She was never honest with others, especially those who wish to employ her, about her past. She lied to people about her identity and was deceptive about her past employment record. That's NOT how a Christian is supposed to act. As a "reformed" Christian, it is apparent that she has a LONG way yet to go!

Renaissance Nerd| 3.17.11 @ 12:51PM

Got it right on the head. I'm perfectly willing to forgive, and I can easily imagine the desire to hide it, and the fear of being discovered. That doesn't excuse hiding it from an employer doing a background check. That's not 'failing to disclose,' it's outright intentional lying. It may be unfair that the consequences of bad decisions linger, but fairness is for children; adults just have to make the best of it. The eternal consequences can be washed away by the blood of Christ, but the temporal consequences just have to be endured, all the way to the end. I pity Ms. Myers, and hope the best for her, and admire her courage in breaking free of that kind of awful slavery; but you reap what you sow, no matter how sorry you become.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 12:59PM

Read any "interviewing" book that is worth the paper its printed on and they will tell you. LIE, LIE, LIE.

Get over yourself.

So is that what jesus meant? He will forgive, but all of you mortals should hold grudges?

Pelligrino| 3.18.11 @ 1:33AM

Phil, please read your advice line there. Yes, the short line with just three words all in caps.

You advise, "LIE, LIE, LIE." (you give credit to the alleged job hunt books that espouse this)

Really?

I am glad that I do not live in your world.

I have seen other posts you have made in Am Spectator on other topics, other days. These comments here today are unworthy of an adult male who we need to help champion the dire improvements to our country and society.

You are much better than these 8-10 comments here today.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 11:27AM

Don't be too depressed when you don't get the job.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 12:54PM

http://www.amazon.com/What-Doe.....265&sr=1-2

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 2:05PM

P.S. There was a particular company I wanted to work for since I graduated college. I had a couple interviews with them and never got the job. I read this book and the next time I interviewed with them I was hired.

The only true liars are the people that say they don't lie.

Please believe that if you won't lie in an interview, somebody else will, and they will be hired.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 2:06PM

I failed for 7 years interviewing with that company. Within 30 days after reading the book I was hired.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 1:12PM

Thank you, finally some clarity in these comments. I can't stand all this self-righteousness. I'm a baptist by birth, and I have a feeling many of these people are baptists. Baptists drink more than catholics, they just hide the bottles in the coat closet.

Bunch of hypocrites pretending to be sin-free.

Occam's Tool| 3.24.11 @ 11:52PM

You know, I don't see here any evidence of her molesting children, unlike Birthday clown and Democratic Precinct captain, pillar of the Community John Wayne Gacy.

Ray| 3.17.11 @ 11:30AM

The mistake she made, several times apparently , is that she tried to hide her past unseemly behaviors. whether those behaviors are legal or not is immaterial. She was being deceptive about her past employment record. She LIED about it by never admitting to it. I guarantee you that she never included that in her resume, the one that the school district used when they considered her for employment. Being a "reformed" Christian, she should understand that this is tantamount to fraud. The district is correct in revealing her of her duties for this that reason, the commission of fraud.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 12:52PM

Is it a sin to be ashamed of your past? To not want to bring up indescretions you committed while still very young and naive? To not want to talk about these things with every person you meet?

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 2:48PM

I'd argue she isn't reformed. She's hiding her past (lying, it used to be called) then defiantly playing the victim card when her deceptions are found out.

And anyway, egregious lying on your resume or job application is cause for dismissal in any job or profession. It's a character issue, whether it's about porn or lying. Funny, how "advanced thinkers" love to defend moral turpitude.

Pelligrino| 3.17.11 @ 8:56PM

CalMark, thank you for your efforts here in this post (above) and the others to explain in very basic, easy to understand -- and moral -- terms why this former teacher needs to stay 'former.'

Seems like she's getting to finish out the school year employed in some capacity. That's pretty fair. AND no one is denying her future employment opportunities.

The message must be: Obtain another profession. And, as you apply for it, do so honestly.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 11:39AM

Hey you two, I say we slap the ol' scarlet letter on her and string her up in town square! (add sarcasm)

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 12:56PM

Should I list my job at dairy queen when I was 15 as RELEVANT job experience on my resume?

Occam's Tool| 3.24.11 @ 11:53PM

One of the Medical Schools I applied for, Phil, honest to goodness, asked me where I attended Elementary school. What the heck did that have to do with anything, I have no clue.

Brian B| 3.17.11 @ 11:50AM

--The mistake she made, several times apparently , is that she tried to hide her past unseemly behaviors.--

So people should include adultery, fornication, intoxication, shaving their taxes and calling in sick when they really weren't on their resumes?

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 12:53PM

EXACTLY!

VBMax| 3.17.11 @ 6:04PM

A resume includes past employments and occupations, not behaviors.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 12:56PM

She'll wanna make sure and list that she babysat the johnson boys when she was 12 as well.

Grzmlyk| 3.17.11 @ 11:59AM

I'm guessing some lovely progressive school on the Upper West Side will hire her to teach a hands-on (and lips-on) class - might I suggest course titles such as "Pleasure 101?" "Introduction to Hook-ups?" "Remedial Raunch?" "One-Night Standing Room Only?"

I mean, isn't that the purpose of education these days?

Forget reading, writing and 'rithmatic; what's important for our kids is that their collective sense of self esteem remain perpetually in the stratosphere, impervious to bad choices and immoral or destructive behaviors, and that they are assured that Gaia will always love them - not in spite of their selfish pursuit of sybaritic pleasure, but because of this pursuit (as long as they have muliptle abortions, get government jobs, buy Priuses, default on their student loans and home mortgages and harangue their neighbors about recycling, of course).

I, for one, applaud the Department of Education's drive to teach sexual actualization. Our kids need to learn not only how to compartmentalize and devalue their sexuality, but a few practical tricks wouldn't hurt either; after all, how you gonna hook up early and often with anonymous, interchangeable partners if you don't have the proper tools?

Ms. Myers is no outcast, and she shouldn't be victimized by what terminally un-hip conservatives and their never-ending morality would call "poor decisions," but which are in fact valid, even brave, lifestyle choices, the apotheosis of feminist empowerment and inherently healthy forms of sexual expression.

Let's be real: Ms. Myers is a true hero and a role model any good liberal would encourage his daughter to emulate. And if there's a randy Doberman or playful Shetland Pony in her past, I'd say she's a candidate for canonization!

Her only mistake is that she stopped making porn. Well, fire up the Web cam and gather round, boys and girls - that's what class time is for!

The Big E| 3.17.11 @ 12:19PM

If her conversion to Christianity is legitimate, then she will fully understand that while God promised to forgive us for our sins - no matter how terrible they might be - He never promised us freedom from the worldly consequences of our actions.

Mark Shepler| 3.17.11 @ 12:26PM

As a father of six, five of who are in public schools for whom I desire wholesome role models and a great believer in tradtional values, consequences for our acts, personal responsibility and as an all around scourge of the liberal boomer mindset I found this story last week to be...a tough call.

More like a tragic conundrum. I won't presume to know the tenor of the sentiment of Mr. Orlet's community on the matter but I do know his is sneering, unkind and precisely why some might think conservatism has no heart. From the reports I've read this woman is genuinely remorseful for her past and readily admits it was the worst mistake of her life, just as she readily took the issue to the administration after the kid confronted her. She also volunteered to resign. By all accounts she is a good, conscientious and respected teacher too and all profess she will be missed in a city with no surplus of good teachers or even where, I believe, the schools are unaccredited because they're so bad.

In short, her subsequent life actions seem to comport with her professed repentence and is that not the true test of its sincerity? So why the flippancy and dismissiveness about her "claim to have found Jesus"? Or her choice of careers post-reform? Does Orlet suppose she went into teaching, of all things, for thrills and money as the impugnations imply? Who is really not being "smart enough" here, not to mention charitable? What does it cost you, Mr. Orlet, to show a little kindness to a woman who is first to admit her shame? Ok, she must go, but must you kick her on the way out?

There is a lesson for our youngsters here she can teach. Yes, consequences from even seemingly meaningless acts can follow us a lifetime but what of forgiveness and redemption, too? When we teach our children on the subject the consequences are the sticks we use to discourage bad choices but what of the carrots to lure them back from any once made? Because they will make them despite our best hopes and efforts. Indeed, it's fair to say some kids in that very school have probably made the same exact mistake as her's in some fashion. So, what message do the kids get from this- that there is no way back?

Still, after all is weighed in the scales I too come down on the side of her resignation for mostly pragmatic reasons. In this day, as has been already proved twice, it is impossible for her to leave behind her past so that she might be effective no matter her good intentions and objective performance as a teacher.

There will always be juveniles snickering in the back rows or cracking wise when her back is turned and the distractions too great. Witness Orlet.

It's too bad.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 12:56PM

The greatest role model in your children's lives will be you and your spouse. The further you continue to shift blame for your children's behavior the worse it will get. Teach your children what is right, so they can identify poor morality on their own.

I'm guessing you blame video games and marilyn manson's music for columbine?

Get real.

Mark Shepler| 3.17.11 @ 1:16PM

Hmmm, little quick on the trigger today, eh, Phil. You're usually more circumspect and seem to actually read posts before pulling it. :)

Pelligrino| 3.17.11 @ 9:19PM

Mr. Shepler, I have read your above post at 12:26 p.m. We are -- mostly -- in agreement. I do appreciate your tone. But not that you so slowly come to the conclusion for "her resignation."

It is "too bad?" Yes, but it was 'too bad' a number of times in the past 15 years.

And I agree with the sentiment that Mr. Orlet's tone in the article could have been better. Example: "I bet truancy rates would decline precipitously."

That kind of phrasing at Spectator is bad journalism. Completely childish. Mr. Orlet, you can do way better than that.

As to you post at 12:26 p.m., the second to last small paragraph is the kernel of the issue. Yes, the boys WILL be snickering at her now. A number will somehow obtain or view online the videos. A number will indeed (despite the obvious age differences) be propositioning her -- regularly (even in class with others around). Over-sexualization is even greater than drugs and alchohol as a strain, pain, destroyer, and scourge for today's teens (and their families).

Even to the girls in the classroom the unsaid, unspoken message can be perhaps, "Yes, I did this and regret it. But look at me now? It all turned out okay, right? Now I am in a respectable profession. And I have no STDs. It's all behind me."

The problem with that unspoken (and maybe unintended) message is that it powerfully speaks that promiscuity and pursuit of hedonistic pleasures won't have consequences.

We know that they do. If anone reading this doesn't know the difficulties of getting the purer, better messages through to teens, then you don't know any teens.

Mark Shepler| 3.17.11 @ 11:11PM

Well, I'd say your objection is really to the "slowness" of the linear recitation of my thoughts moreso than my actual coming to them which you cannot possibly know. It's the fault of my writing. Beg pardon, I'll try to do better.

In reality, based on our mutual conclusions that are really quite easy to see, it was pretty much a no-brainer. There is no possibility she can be an effective teacher once the word is out. She herself recognizes this and is why, according to contemporaneous reports I read, she volunteered to resign before she had to be asked or it was demanded of her. In my mind, that is to her credit also and the best reason for a merciful attitude on our side.

The points of my post is really, not to be melodramatic about it, lamenting the tragedy of the human condition, the mistakes we make that bring on our own tragedies and the sometimes unforgiving world. It seems such a shame that one who recognizes her mistake and is honestly trying to atone for it, even doing well what we consider good works, cannot be left in peace to do so by the echos of her past. It is a fact of life and she has no one really to blame but herself, that is true, but still, it is unfortunate. I don't think I advocated anything else, did I?

My other point, not well made, is that not everything is an ideological struggle. That is a feature of leftist life. The tenor among our set seems to be that because she was in porn and support for porn and licentiousness in general is an endeavor of the left, she must therefore be shown no quarter as that would show weakness on our part. Or something like that. I'm not quite sure what drives the vindictiveness but it's not just unseemly, it's unnecessary and lends credence to those who accuse us as bluestocking, hypocritical prudes ready to condemn any who don't meet our standards. It is also a trait of the left to devour those who oppose them, apostates or even good soldiers who blunder in their cause. That is not typical of us and to see our guys pile on a woman who was truly trying to make right her wrongs, something we give lip service to in other times and places, is dismaying.

As I said to Mr. Orlet, yes, it is best that she go and she knows it herself. It is not necessary for us to give her a kick on her way out. I say go she must, but go in peace.

Mark Shepler| 3.17.11 @ 11:38PM

Also, as to the sending of a message that one can party hearty all she wants and it will all work out in the end, I don't think you need worry about that much. This is a subject I actually do know a little about. :)

The high life, the promiscuous life brings consequences that are immediate, life altering and many times, if not usually, irrevocable even if you don't see it at the moment. Each step you take changes the trajectory of your life making it harder by degrees to land at a place something like normal. That is why there is no abundance of similar stories to Ms. Meyer's nor will there be. The guilt and sense of unworthiness alone usually rules out such later choices as Ms. Meyer's.

Once headed down such a path the way back is obscured and blocked by the thickets and accumulation of the consequences of each step you took. That is why I think her story a tragedy. It is nearly miraculous she got back to a decent life and actually managed to do something good. Something almost like altruistic.

The good news is that if she's sincere and determined she can turn her past to account some other way and continue to do good. There must be some groups or orgs that help with others seeking a way back who she can help. Or something. Where there's a will, there's a way and I don't know about anyone else around here but I wish her Godspeed she find it.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 12:57PM

Oh, sorry I misread your post. Nevermind.

MarkR| 3.17.11 @ 3:00PM

Great post. Religiosity drew Jesus greatest wrath! He barked at the Pharisees and called THEM whitewashed tombs whereas He was considered a friend to sinners (tax collectors, whores and social outcasts). To those who condemn or snicker and say "Look at me I am a wonderful Christian" and "Look at her and what she did"-Christ looks at YOU and says "What the heck are you talking about?-You are no better than her!" Trust Me is what he'd say and He also said in the scriptures to one of his disciples (I paraphrase here) " What happens to him-in relation to God's judgment (another disciple) is not your business-mind your own business with God." -So the onus is on the accuser in the life of Christ- and not on the repentent sinner.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 12:47PM

"Why weren't these students overjoyed?"

Duh... She's a pornstar! What young boy doesn't appreciate that?! lol

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 12:49PM

Hey, at least she got out of the profession and went into teaching. Quit trying to ruin it for the young boys who have a hot teacher to look at!

All of you men here should be ashamed for trying to take that away from these young adolescent males. I believe the expression is "young, dumb, and full of..........."

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 12:51PM

Some of you need to come down off that high-horse of self-righteousness. Just sayin'.

It sounds to me, from reading the comments, that there's nothing she can do to redeem herself as a christian. So much for repentance.

canuckistani| 3.17.11 @ 2:27PM

If she was a fat ex speaker of the house, she would be applauded for her conversion not condemned.

Grzmlyk| 3.17.11 @ 6:09PM

And if she hadn't converted but went on to make a fortune in porn, she'd be be the left's Teacher of the Year.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 11:30AM

LOL at both of you

Pat| 3.17.11 @ 1:03PM

Don’t you just love juicy gossip? And, you’re never too old to dish some dirt or tip your head sideways while Ms. Gossip Central whispers scandals into your ear. This is some great gossip Christopher Orlet, we have a teacher with a questionable past and a school board who felt compelled to act – an action so as to protect modern teenagers from forming naughty mental images of their instructor sans apparel. Feminists rushed forward in defense of Teacher Tera. Orlet doesn’t provide their names though – pity these anonymous feminists can’t find their 5 minutes of fame here. But Chris did name at least one conservative busybody channeling our Puritan forebears, Jamie Allman, talk show host and personal trainer to the Self-Righteous.

And Dr. Phil got honorable mention also, although it’s hard to tell what interest group he represents – he’s bizarre enough to fall into several categories. And finally Orlet, in his final wrap, does some psycho-analysis of his own – Dr. Phil’s professional skills aren’t always needed when modern gossip columnists can plainly see the handwriting on the wall.

Back in those more innocent days of party lines, the internet was called “the telephone” – you picked up this black plastic dumbbell, weighing in at around 15 pounds, in order to place a call, only to find someone already speaking on the line. Protocol demanded you immediately apologize and put the phone down, you would try again later. Men usually did that, women also but sometimes, if the gossip was very juicy, the woman would join in the conversation. In our tract home neighborhood, milk was actually delivered to your doorstep in those days by this handsome hunk whose neat uniform bore the logo of Twin Pines Dairy. Mr. Twin Pines’ sexual prowess was the object of much speculation among the stay at home moms (soccer moms of the 50’s when most wives didn’t work outside the home). And several neighborhood children were deemed suspiciously similar in looks and manner to Mr. Twin Pines. Little blonde Marvin bore no resemblance to his papa, Herschel Edelstein, an observation often noted during conversations over many a back yard fence. And my apologies to Mr. Twin Pines, I don’t remember your name, so join the party line if you’re out there somewhere and set the story straight – we’d all love to hear it.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.17.11 @ 1:13PM

LMAO! Too funny!

fwb| 3.17.11 @ 1:23PM

Yes, but God, the ultimate libertarian, gave her free will, allowed her to founder, and if the claims are true, saved her.

We as humans always fail, EVERYONE.

But for the grace of God go all.

Let those without sin cast the first stone.

May God forgive those who attack this person in the same manner as they forgive her. Oh yeah, that'what the prayer says!

True christians do not condemn this woman. True christians would accept her. There is a greater lesson of salvation. Christains are not perfect just forgiven, IF they meet God's simple requirements.

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 2:53PM

Tell you what: open your home to parolees: murderers, rapists, and violent thugs. Pay them to work in your house, take care of your kids, and let them live in your house as "one of the family."

After all, the past is the past. We are all called to charity. All forgiven means all should be forgotten, right?

MarkR| 3.17.11 @ 2:51PM

You know this story is typical tripe from the religious right in this country and "I consider myself on the religious right". Its tripe because its a useless tale of a pharasaical attitude which can manifest itself in conservatives (and I consider myself a conservative). This woman -whatever her choices 20 or more years ago is NOW on the right track and what she did is NOT illegal. Now its the equivalent of a person who was once an active alcoholic and went to AA and was an example of redemption.---The problem with the stone throwers is they look worse than the offender here- like the woman caught in adultery that Jesus helps its more about the people who put down their stones and went away ashamed at their own hypocrisy. As a Christian I know the feeling of NOT coming from a Christian home and warm upbringing and finding myself in the malstrom of questionable activities and reaching the point of truly NEEDING God in my life and not just a moralistic focus on how others are so bad to make myself feel good about myself. Yes this woman will feel the sting of the past, but at least she is feeling it from the past and is not PRESNTLY standing in judgement over someone else and hiding her own shortcomings as so many conservative religious people sometimes have a habit of doing. Grace is needed by all and especially the religious folk who seem so pre-occupied with the failings of others.

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 2:56PM

Until the "liberated" era started, pornography WAS illegal.

During the Progressive Revolution, a lot of things that were traditionally considered crimes, pathology, or mental illness (and rightfully so) suddenly became acceptable parts of the norm.

The "legality" argument is the resort of morally bankrupt secularists. Are you aware you've been co-opted and duped?

MarkR| 3.17.11 @ 3:07PM

Are you aware you are duped by not adhering to the words of Christ? The world is no different now than it ever was- whether legal or illegal pornography and sexual misconduct is and was prevalent. The wonderful 50's so many conservatives love to point to had stuff going on undercover all the time- I mean the Catholic priests and the child abuse existed then and many other things (only NOW is it out in the open). Grace is all that will save anyone and it comes from Christ and the sin in the world is no different than it ever was. --- Those who cast the first stone at a repentent sinner are the truly duped- believing in their own self righteousness is the greatest DUPE one can fall for.

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 3:12PM

Incoherence alert! Incoherence alert!

I love you too, guy!

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 3:15PM

P.S. I'm not using the Holy Name as a weapon. Live your words, pal.

Floyd Looney| 3.17.11 @ 3:14PM

They need to keep people like that away from schools. The NEA is too perverted as it is.

NaturalBorn Texican| 3.17.11 @ 3:28PM

Hear, hear MarkR!

Our world has misconstrued and misused and abused physical intimacy in every way, shape, and form. Meant to be something special between a married man and woman (I'll say it again . . MARRIED MAN AND WOMAN), sex has now become only another ahtletic event, a mere physical exercise to "feel good" with no real meaning to the act at all.

Yeah, yeah... I've heard all the explainations, justifications, and just plain lame excuses, so spare me.

Immorality has been the bane of man since Eve took a bite of the apple. And many of us will pay dearly for the abuse of something that was ment to be deeply intimate, and special and loving in a way that people today do not comprehend!!!!

And so it goes.......

Vasu Murti| 3.17.11 @ 3:36PM

Tera Myers didn't do anything wrong! She needed to support herself and her children. Pornography is protected as free speech under the First Amendment.

It's not like she went away for the weekend to another city in another state for a romantic tryst or fling, into a hotel room which (unbeknownst to her) was under electronic eavesdropping or surveillance, making love to and spending time with a sexual partner wired for sound.

And when the revelation came that she was once a porn star, it came not from political or religious enemies probing her past (to a degree no real life political or religious figure has had to endure) without her knowledge or consent, but from one of her students, looking up information on the Internet.

That's always a good thing!

Instead of focusing on the supposed immorality of Tera Myers being a porn star when the country was gripped by the Monica Lewinsky scandal, we should be asking instead how is it that minors can freely access porn on the Internet?

Millions of Americans with kids in their tweens and teens would probably find the issue of minors and Internet porn more relevant to their everyday lives.

(I'm wary of placing restrictions on Internet porn myself, if it makes it harder for us adults to access it!)

CalMark| 3.17.11 @ 4:05PM

Pornography is NOT protected speech. The First Amendment only protects POLITICAL speech.

Something that should make you uncomfortable: your "free speech" fellow travelers are the ones who think porn everywhere is swell--but want to ban Fox News, Tea Parties, and websites like this one.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 1:50PM

Anyone who has seen the movie "I hope they serve beer in hell" knows that the "I had to support my children" line is referred to as "whore logic."

There is no justifying it. Its a mistake that should be forgiven, but there is no justification whatsoever.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 2:01PM

"(I'm wary of placing restrictions on Internet porn myself, if it makes it harder for us adults to access it!)"

HAHAHAHAHAHA!! that's great! Thanks for the honesty, sir/ma'am.

Kay| 3.17.11 @ 5:23PM

The school has every right to do what it did. When will parents demand for the homosexuals to be dismissed as well? If they don't care for their own children, they are being selfish to impose this upon other children who must attend the public schools and whose families do not support hiring ex-porn stars or yes, even homosexuals as teachers. We will always have immorality among us but to allow them not only to be around our children for most of their childhood years, but to teach them, is morally reprehensible. We're supposed to believe in the de facto "separation of church and state" that there should be no religious, moral education but the state has no problem with inculcating our children with immorality. We seem to accept the immoral today because we aren't allowed to teach morality, but if it were re-introduced into our schools, we would give our children the greatest gift for their futures, even above all other "successes" in life.

Kay| 3.17.11 @ 5:32PM

After reading some of the other comments, it struck me that the argument about pornography and the 1st Amendment is absurd. Our Founders could not, would not, have considered prostitution and pornography a free speech right. They understood they were abominable sins against a Holy God. It is preposterous to think, likewise, that freedoms extended in our Constitution included sodomist or lesbian marriages. These lies being put upon the American people about such "freedoms" are of the devil.

Kay| 3.17.11 @ 5:37PM

To say they weren't freedoms is to say they were not legally sanctioned as public freedoms. Any immoral public act has a deleterious effect upon society which is why pornography, prostitution, and homosexuality as public behaviors are actually crimes against humanity. But we've gone so far over the edge that one care barely stand to read these words, no doubt.

Dave Trap| 3.17.11 @ 8:08PM

Alan Brooks is an Upper West Side New York City Jew, I love the Israelis, I can't stand the NYC Jews.

Occam's Tool| 3.25.11 @ 12:00AM

This, by the way, for everyone who is wondering where the line between antisemitic comments and legitimate criticism of Jews lies, is an example of legitimate criticism. This Chicago born Conservative Jew is quite annoyed by ultraliberal New York Jews , as well. Thank you, Dave Trap.

I shall refer all questions regarding the definition of antisemitism to you. Dave likes Jews who are realistic and are willing to kick ass against evil, not those who embrace it.

watches| 3.17.11 @ 11:10PM

We will always have immorality among us but to allow them not only to be around our children for most of their childhood years, but to teach them, is morally reprehensible. We're supposed to believe in the de facto "separation of church and state" that there should be no religious, moral education but the state has no problem with inculcating our children with immorality. We seem to accept the immoral today because we aren't allowed to teach morality, http://www.watch07.com but if it were re-introduced into our schools, we would give our children the greatest gift for their futures, even above all other "successes" in life.

Dee See| 3.17.11 @ 11:21PM

---'Role Models'? ---'Follow the Stars'?
BOTH entirely fabricated, totally engineered
features of FREEMASONIC control.

If you haven't already, throw out your tv's
and radios. De-tech your inner sanctum, your
home ---this is, and has been, TREASON all
along.

Pelligrino| 3.18.11 @ 1:17AM

A poster above puh, puhed this article by Mr. Christopher Ortlet as using this web space to push titillating gossip.

No. Sorry, this story is wholly germane to your community and mine.

This is Missouri (before it was Kentucky); this is probably also a school district near you. Principals, school boards, PTAs, local administrators, and local politicians are there to make the tough, strong "calls" when it comes to best possible quality in our public schools staffing.

And best quality includes better moral examples for our children.

Your school district will face a similar hiring or firing decision this year or next. Often we hear little about it because it is handled with discretion.

To those who cry Christian hypocrisy in the termination of Ms. Myers' contract, a simple reply: "No." This is in good keeping with standards. She is no Hawthorne Scarlet Letter comparison, not even close.

Yes, it is delightful that she has accepted Jesus as her Savior and knows Him. We all need this grace. None of us can stand with the burden of our self-inflicted sins. And we have all sinned.

The point is that a Christian (particularly a parent in this case) understands this too well. As a sinner, one is indeed forgiven. But that does not erase consequences.

Immoral misbehavior of Ms. Meyers sort is not in congruence with youth work. The permutations of daily verbal and other interactions with just the male teens in her high school make her continued presence unacceptable. Teachers can easily spend 6-10 hours per week with your child, more when they aid with after school activities. That can add up to a lot of influence.

As I posted above, she's not being run out of town. No one is taking the roof from over her head. She is fully eligible for the job market. She is probably more than capable of pursuing other professions that will accept her, places where she can work and flourish.

See, professions are like this. They all have their norms, their standards, and the idiosyncrasies. This is why we don’t let even alleged pedophiles near. In the journalism work world, once you have fabricated stories, you have an established track record that means you will never work a City Desk, Sports page, or beat again. In academia a key sin is plagiarism; you won’t find work at a reputable institution once you have that mark. In some denominations, a divorced man will never pastor again or be in any staff role; his ordination is no more. John Edwards of North Carolina and Mark Sanford of South Carolina will never again be elected public officials. They both transgressed in ways that the public cannot accept.

Ms. Myers is encountering the most normal of consequences for a life badly lived in her 20’s. No one is saying she is unworthy or undeserving of other opportunities; she needs to look elsewhere. That’s all.

God is closing a door for her now only so that another can be opened. Given some space and time, she’ll be the first to admit that she was in constant fear of being revealed while at the Kentucky and Missouri high schools. A new beginning can unburden her, can it not?

As the public, we only pay attention to Ms. Myers’ story -- NOT for gossip's sake -- to learn, aid our children with pitfalls to avoid, and to ensure the best possible education given all the existing weaknesses in our schools.

We all have to “own up” (take ownership, responsibility) for what we do and don’t do, past and present. Ms. Myers is doing that and will be the better for it.

America is definitely the land of second, third, and fourth opportunities. And that is in keeping with our Christian ethic.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 11:34AM

I believe there is a difference between a woman who is an EX-pornstar some 15 years removed who is also a born-again christian and sees the error in her judgement, and a man who is the principle of a private catholic school who goes out cross-dressing and hooking on the weekends.

Big, big difference.

Now if the girl was currently a pornstar while still teaching, then I would have a problem with it.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 11:36AM

P.S. I used to sell copiers (office equipment) and we had just sealed the deal with that principle just days before he was arrested. Needless to say the office was a riot the morning after!

John Navratil| 3.20.11 @ 12:24PM

Pelligrino,

Precisely! Would you send you kids to a daycare run by Roman Polansky and Elmer Wayne Henley -- no matter how reformed they are?

Actions have consequences and forgiveness is important. However, forgiveness cannot be granted on someone else's behalf. It is up to the parents and students to do the forgiving, not the school board. Their relationship to the teacher is strictly business.

PhilTheCapitalistPig| 3.18.11 @ 1:59PM

What did Reagan say about politics being the second oldest professsion?

That's right ladies and gurnts, prostitution/pimping is the oldest. Just like alcohol prohibition, making prostitution illegal only ensures that it will be a back-alley industry full of crime and disease.

Come to think of it, you "social conservatives" remind me of the "women's temperance league". You claim the moral high ground and proceed to act like fascists.

sex toys| 7.4.11 @ 1:16AM

The fact that Trump has come out against the Korea-U.S. trade deal and this week's pulling of a vote on a trade deal in the House by the leadership shows there a very fluid House GOP caucus against the kind of trade deals which benefit only corporate interests and infringe upon U.S. sovereignty