Posted: Monday, February 4, 2008 6:00 pm
I read an article in the Jan. 27 Lincoln Journal Star about Sen. DiAnna Schimek’s idea to have the state of Nebraska implement academic yearly testing on all in-state home-school students.
Let me refresh your memory of recent state legislative influence or interference with education in the state of Nebraska: the recent Class I school elimination debacle.
Parents decide to home school their children to give them a better education than what they can receive in a public school system. Parents do this because they are not lazy and want their kids to get a good education.
The curriculum they use is much more advanced than what they receive in a public school. Most of the students excel on this harder curriculum, and many colleges across the nation look to find the best of these excellent students so they can give them a scholarship.
The Class I school system wasn’t broken until the Legislature got its hands on it. The home-school system isn’t broken, so keep your hands off of it.
Herb Welter, Lincoln
Criminal activity not funny
Stealing wireless Internet service from a neighbor is suggested in “A few serious and not-so-serious money-saving tips” (LJS, Jan. 31).
That’s outright criminal.
It’s not at all funny to list criminal activity as a way to save money, even if tongue in cheek.
Why not list “drive off at the pump without paying” or “download illegal copies of music.” Or “open the newspaper box with 75 cents and take them all. Hand them out to your friends,” “shoplift,” “take the Journal Star from your neighbor’s porch.”
It is times of stress that reveal character. You have shown yours.
You owe the community an apology.
Richard Bagby, Lincoln
Cultural diversity has value
I wish to comment on the article “Troubling signs” (LJS, Jan. 28). As we strive to welcome and support cultural diversity in our community, the comment under the “An uneasy feeling” section of this article that stated, “They may notice … that there are more minorities on porches and streets” has implications beyond the context of this article.
While perhaps unintended, these words communicate a message that is of concern to those of us who wish to eliminate prejudice and discrimination within our community. This broad statement can incite suspicion and concern about minority presence in our neighborhoods.
I think we need to be more sensitive to comments that can offend and divide the community. I very much value the presence of people of diverse cultures in our neighborhoods and community.
Debra K. Larson, Lincoln
Thanks for patrolling 34
Many times you hear complaints about never having a police officer when you need one. Thank you to the State Patrol for taking back control of U.S. 34. My wife and I travel this road every morning about 1:30 a.m., and every day we see drunks and speeders fly by us with no regard to other drivers or themselves.
Recently the State Patrol has stepped up enforcement on this road, and it is beginning to show. Please keep up the great work and continue to keep this road safe for the drivers simply trying to get home from work.
Joshua Pitstick, Lincoln