Letters, 1/14: Kudos to Culler community

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I applaud the Culler parents, students and staff who are standing up for their school in the face of unfair sanctions under the No Child Left Behind federal mandates.  They deserve more, however, than the positive recognition given them in the Lincoln Journal Star news story (Dec. 31) and recent editorial. They deserve hearing the media tell the simple truth, loud and clear.

Let’s review:

First, Culler was deemed “inadequate” in the area of special education, as were many other schools. By definition, special education students cannot be expected to be proficient on standardized tests.  They have individual programs designed for them and their special needs.

It is a basic, obvious flaw in the NCLB system that is at fault here, not Culler or the special education students or their teachers. (The same logic-defying NCLB principle expects students defined as English-language-learners to be proficient in English.)

Second, Culler was subject to sanctions, and got undeserved bad press, only because it is a Title I school, in other words because many of its students are poor.  This equals hitting someone twice when they are already down.

I believe Marilyn Moore, Lincoln Public Schools associate superintendent for instruction, tried to indicate this in the initial news article about the NCLB results, but her very diplomatic points were placed far into the story.

Perhaps LPS officials have to be circumspect, but the Lincoln Journal Star should speak out boldly about the root problem: a punitive, poorly conceived Bush administration education policy put upon a society where that same administration has helped the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

I taught in LPS many years, and my kids went to Hartley, Culler, Lefler and Lincoln High.   They had excellent, dedicated teachers and they have clearly benefited from the multi-lingual, multi-cultural environment they experienced. They are doing well, and I am grateful. It is a valuable asset that Lincoln has a strong citywide public school system. 

Jane Reinkordt, Denton

Think again about helmets

In response to those who believe that motorcycle helmets should be optional, think about this. What happens if you are in an accident?

I am a fellow motorcyclist and work for the Lincoln Fire Department. I have seen firsthand what happens to those without helmets. Some die and some live to spend the rest of their lives in a nursing facility, eventually running out of money and relying on Medicare or Medicaid. Now, everyone pays for your “choice.” Riding safely means that you can live to ride another day.

For those that believe that they should have a choice, maybe you don’t need a helmet. You sound like you don’t have much to protect.

Sten Ulrich, CreteKeep commissioners honest

When you see an increase in your phone, electric or gas bill, look to our Public Service commissioners — Gerald Vap, Anne Boyle, Rod Johnson, Frank Landis and Tim Schram. The commissioner’s salary is $75,000 a year.

To help the public, we need LB61 presented to the Legislature and passed. It would prohibit certain gifts and contributions to candidates for or members of the PSC.

At the present time, our commissioners are wined, dined and given money for their campaigns by the utility companies that they are to regulate for us.

I would feel better if the commissioners aren’t taking favors from the utility companies that they are supposed to be watchdogs over.

Bernice Fahlberg, Lincoln

‘Ground Zero’ name troubling

I agree with the lady from Washington, D.C. (letter, Dec. 30) that “Ground Zero” should not be the title of your entertainment section.

She referenced Sept. 11, 2001; however, I can go back to World War II to get a chilling effect.

In fact, when I get that section of the paper, I immediately throw it away. I don’t even like to touch it.

Jean Page, Lincoln

Hy-Vee ignoring customers

“A helpful smile in every aisle” — isn’t that how the Hy-Vee jingle goes?

Not on your life, at least not at the 48th and Leighton location! About to lose their only close grocery store and a ban on another one taking that location for several years — anybody smiling yet?

This neighborhood is high-density older population, plus several apartments that are about to be a victim of “Big Business” and their unrelenting monopoly that cares not one red cent about service, but always have their hand out for tax dollars from customers who have supported them for years. Shame on you, Hy-Vee!

Cliff Cheever, Lincoln