POLITICS
All of us must take care about what we say, do
A lesson to be learned from the tragic shootings in Arizona is clear. We must take care about what we do and say in heated discussions of national policy. This lesson is for each and every one of us — not just for our public representatives. I do hope that members of Congress, wannabe elected officials, talk show hosts and others who have access to the public will curb their rhetoric, and quit demonizing people; quit putting crosshairs on those they campaign against; quit calling names and get to know all sides of the issues to show that they are listening, as well as talking.
All of us should take care about what we say and do — whether it is on the floor of Congress; behind a microphone, or at a dinner party; getting our hair cut; or enjoying a night out with the guys and gals. Let’s all take care not to personally attack those with whom we disagree. One of the greatest dangers we face as a society is the loss of respect for each other — the glue that makes public discourse about important issues possible.
Jim Watkins, Decatur
POLITICS
Extreme right deserves blame for acts of terror
If Fox News, Glenn Beck and the rest of that ilk don’t drastically change their message, I’ll take that lack of response as a declaration of support for the terrorism we saw recently in Arizona.
The hatred and the lies that bring about acts of terror like this originate from the extreme right and won’t end until they denounce this act, and abandon the dialogue that instigated it. This dialogue is not entertainment. It’s terrorist instigation — and that makes them indirect accomplices.
Scott Jolliff, Decatur
EDUCATION
We should bring back corporal punishment
A fifth-grade student recently said to me,” You don’t have permission to tell me what to do.” As a school bus driver (who’s in close contact with students ranging from 4 to 18 years old), I believe we need to revive corporal punishment.
This young man was picking on a first-grader. I intervened, and got his indignant response.
Notifying the principal and putting the student into pre-designed suspensions has not altered his behavior.
How do you get the message across that “bullying” behavior will not be tolerated?
If corporal punishment (paddling) was utilized as the deterrent, we might turn the corner on kids who appear to have lost respect and now “play” the system for their own enjoyment. This may stop kids from growing into juvenile delinquents.
Steve C. Hill, Conyers
PUBLIC SAFETY
Reduced speed — plus snow tires — are answer
I grew up in Chicago, and learned this lesson early in my driving experience: if drivers would buy a set of tire chains and install them before leaving home, they would be able to drive safely on any road, but at a reduced speed — with no sliding, skidding or ramming other cars. Snow tires won’t do it — as can be seen by pileups on the roads.
Ed Wolak, Moreland