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Letters for Oct. 24, 2009
Published October 24, 2009
School woes not related to ‘lack’ of prayer
I have to completely disagree with Bennie Cady (Voice of the People, Sunday) on his Christianity-under-the-gun letter. It is the sacred duty of parents and churches to instill religious beliefs, free from government dictation.
Institutionalizing prayers in public schools usurps the rights of parents. Individual, silent, personal prayer never has and never could be outlawed in public schools. The courts have declared government-fostered prayers unconstitutional — those led, required, sanctioned, scheduled or suggested by officials.
The U.S. Supreme Court issued its decree against school-sponsored prayers and Bible study in 1963. It’s not like this just happened. I’m sure Mr. Cady would not appreciate the principal at a publicly funded school leading his children in a Muslim, Hindu or Jewish prayer. People need to quit blaming school problems on the lack of prayer.
The problem in our schools is lack of discipline, both at home and at school. Parents need to back the teachers, instead of insisting their baby did nothing wrong. Nine times out of 10, your baby did something wrong. My mother told me if I got into trouble for something I didn’t do, it made up for the thing I didn’t get caught doing.
Joseph Baggett, Freeport
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Both major parties have been hijacked
This is in response to Mr. Rocky Chambers’ letter (Voice of the People, Tuesday) titled “Democratic Party hijacked.” Both parties have been hijacked by extremists, both left and right.
It’s easy to fingerpoint to the current administration, but I remember the same talk about then-President George W. Bush and his administration when he was in the White House. No matter who is in charge, the people ultimately are responsible for their government. It’s just lately the people have failed time and again because their faith in the two-party system has them brainwashed to believe either party actually cares for their well-being.
I’m not a big fan of Tea Parties nor of ACORN. I served in the military 11 years, and for the first time in my life I am ashamed of our political process. It’s actually a joke, but either we’re too blind to see what has happened in the last 30 years, or we just don’t care. I tend to believe the latter.
Either way, whatever president or government we get is the one we deserve. I don’t regret what I said and never will — it’s my right as an American to speak my mind, and I earned it.
Kevin Cantu, Freeport
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Vote yes on the Danbury bond issue
I am writing to encourage all to get out and vote yes to the Danbury school district bond issue. Our schools need improvements and we need to pass this bond in order to make those improvements.
The elementary wing is old and at capacity housing our youngest students. The building needs a new roof and more classrooms. The elementary cafeteria is too small to handle the number of students we now have. Currently, some of our students are eating lunch at 10:30 a.m. in order to feed all the students in the small area.
The elementary has only one computer lab with 20 computers for 400 students. With more space we could add another computer lab. Improvements would include upgrading the wiring to handle those computers.
The current weight room at the fieldhouse is outdated and often overcrowded. The new multipurpose athletic facility has been designed for use by both girls and boys in all sports, including volleyball, basketball and softball.
Yes, our taxes will rise. But, is there a better way to spend our money than on our children, the future of our town? A yes vote is a vote for our children.
Carol Peltier, Danbury
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Better buildings don’t mean better education
At the public forum, with $166 million taxpayer dollars at issue, guess who didn’t show? Brazosport ISD board members — who initiated the bond — were not there. Principals of buildings affected by the bond’s big expenditures were not there.
(Facts reporter) Katlynn Lanham reported residents left a BISD forum better informed.
Well, I didn’t. A BISD administrator remarked, “We’re building a world-class school.” Do you mean a world-class school of pretty buildings or a world-class education? Don’t confuse the two. If the money would be spent on hiring first-rate teachers and improving teacher salaries so they are competitive, I might get behind such a bond. Sprucing up a fieldhouse and building new gyms will not create a world-class education for our students.
Someone referring to the grand entrances of our school buildings asked, “Weren’t they unnecessary?” The reply was that architects did not charge more to add grand facades. I don’t want buildings to be a facade for what goes on inside.
I want evidence of great leadership with students at heart of decision-making and politics left out. I want to know I can trust BISD administration to be clear and accountable with no hidden agendas.
Ginni Leathers, Lake Jackson
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Thank-you Notes allows people and community groups to express their appreciation. It appears periodically on the Community page. Submit your thank-you note to The Facts, P.O. Box 549, 720 S. Main St., Clute, TX 77531; by e-mail to news(at)thefacts.com; or by fax to 979-265-9052.
Coach Philip Koonce
Lake Jackson
From a proud and grateful coach, a huge thank you to Joe Ripple, Carla Henderson Christmana and the dozen that put together the 1974 Buccaneer State Championship Class Reunion.
I was made to feel so special during the prehomecoming game celebration.
Coaches L.Z. Bryan, Tommy Cuba, Johnny Matthews and I were the first in 1969. They were missed during the party, with stories of so many happy memories. There are too many young men to thank for all the years I will never forget.
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