Is anyone talking to all the dropouts?
When I read the article about the increase in dropouts, I was saddened. I do not have children in school now but was interested enough to see how the schools planned to remedy the problem.
The first thing I read was the comparison to other school systems … “We’re bad but not as bad as their schools.” Does that make it okay? Absolutely not! Quit making excuses!
As I read further, they were talking about all the programs they had or were proposing. I kept hoping to read that the powers that be had discussions with the students who dropped out. Why did they leave? You can meet until you’re blue in the face, but until you talk to those involved, all the money you throw at programs (and the education system is great at spending money) you will never be able to begin to solve the problem.
ó Sally Edwards
Salisbury
Obama’s hypocrisy
In the glow of victory on Feb. 10, Barack Obama spoke to his supporters of change, his magical word for his campaign. He informed the multitude of his new theory about national medical insurance, an issue finally within the realm of political concern. Adminis-trations ago, Hillary Clinton attempted to secure national health coverage for Americans, without exception. While she received an A for trying, the citizenry did nothing to help challenge the large business interests that profited from the lack of a coordinated program.
We have forgotten her efforts. Many grasp at Obama’s declarations. Obama’s first thoughts opposed a general policy, arguing against mandates for all. He opposed a program that “forced” all Americans to subscribe to a system similar to many industrial nations throughout the globe.
His latest attempt to outshine Hillary shows hypocrisy. As the campaign tightens, he now promises to give all Americans the same insurance that our employees ó the members of the U.S. Senate and House ó receive for being elected to serve us. He has not detailed what these programs, the best-kept secrets in Congress, encompass. If he were actually conscious of the need to develop such a program, why did he not divulge the complete content of these programs to the American public? Hillary has been consistent, and her plan failed because of us, who did, and do, nothing to help finish a campaign she began many years ago. She was not running for office then, but acted out of conviction.
Now, at least two Democrats are making noises over this issue while the Republicans remain silent over an issue that could provide more quality to American life. Although I oppose the parties of race and of religion and have no preferences, I hope all Americans will get involved in the elections.
Vote!
ó Arthur Steinberg
Salisbury
Taxes drain away
I live on West Second Street in Landis. The entire town of Landis is of a higher elevation than me, and all the storm water in the town drains downhill through a culvert to an open ditch beside my home. Landis officials refuse to acknowledge any responsibility for this ditch, but they also think they can tell me what to do with it.
It is eroding my property. I have maintained the ditch for 10 years. Now it is inhabited by rats that burrow under my and my neighbor’s homes. I want to know why I have to pay a storm drainage tax and get nothing for my dollars. As far as I can see, they have done nothing with this windfall of money to aid in storm drainage in Landis. I want to join the same revolution as the man in China Grove. We are all being taxed and getting nothing for the tax. If we can’t vote them out, then let’s revolt.
ó Robert Nave
Landis