Abandoned Workers
To the Editor:
I have enjoyed the Flyer's no-nonsense approach to many issues over the years. I have appreciated your positive comments regarding state employees in view of sometimes adverse situations. You were right on target in your February 13th editorial "Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish," in which you expressed disappointment that "the governor seems to possess an ingrained insensitivity to the plight of state employees."
We see money made available for administrative priorities with little regard for the people who actually do the work. State employees don't seem to count at all. Most years, regardless of who is in the governor's seat, employee raises and benefits are contingent upon leftover funds. State employees are doing their work plus that of their already downsized co-workers. Many hold second jobs to support families.
State employees rarely get credit for Tennessee being named the best-managed state at least two years in a row. Is it fair for them to have to worry about the budget being balanced on their backs and on the backs of the citizens they serve?
Nicki Lucas
Bartlett
An Alternative to Police Pursuit
To the Editor,
As a ex-law-enforcement officer, I read with great interest your article on police pursuit [February 6th issue]. I have been involved in many, and they are extremely dangerous for all involved (actively or passively).
I have a suggestion: It seems reasonable to me that we could tag those vehicles. I could envision the use of the equivalent of a paint gun with fluorescent marking that could be safely fired at the vehicle at the initiation of pursuit. The vehicle could then be spotted throughout its route and citizens could report its location without active intervention. Also, the vehicle would be easily spotted by other officers and/or air patrol.
I would be interested in your readers' opinions and maybe an official response from some local departments.
As always, your articles are thought-provoking.
R. W. "Tommy" Thomas
via the Internet
More School Questions
To the Editor:
Amen to Judith Marrs! [Letters, February 6th issue] I am a music teacher in the Memphis City Schools, and it is incredible how disruptive and unruly some of these inner-city kids are. The sad thing is: There is nothing being done about it. As far as I am concerned, it is a cruel joke. I am constantly being barraged by problem after problem after problem. If the parents of these kids can't do anything to control their behavior, how on earth can we?
I am fortunate to be a part of perhaps one of the finest Orff music programs in the southeastern United States. I would like to see this trend continue, but if student behavior continues to decline and disruptions continue to increase, then this trend could be threatened. I wouldn't like to see the Memphis City Schools lose some otherwise fine Orff teachers.
My request for Dr. House is: Listen to your teachers. What is the site-based education plan really doing for the schools? How many teachers are in favor of it? What kind of advice do you have for the Orff teachers in dealing with these discipline problems that, even though they may happen once or twice a week, come in packages of 25?
One more question that arouses my curiosity in your cover story "Are Memphis City Schools Good Enough for Your Children?" When will the Memphis City Schools be good enough for your child who is in a private school?
Andrew Proctor
via the Internet
To the Editor:
How do you stop school kids bringing weapons to school? Bring in the police! Set up metal detectors! Send your children into a war zone where they can get a good education. We should be asking big questions about a very big problem. Like, how much money is being spent per year to support this public school system? Not only for teachers, but for the buildings, grounds and upkeep of the same? How much of our tax money is provided for the purchase of books? Who is making the money? Why?
Instead of monolithic buildings in central areas, shouldn't schools be provided in neighborhoods? Schools you can actually walk to? Why not take athletics out of the schools altogether and provide it at community centers? That is what they are there for. Institute a school uniform policy. Instead of making license plates, state prisoners could be better utilized making school uniforms. Keep the focus on education in the neighborhood schools. With the smaller classes, the students will get the attention they deserve. Rather than adapt a dated system that no longer works, let's create one that does.
A.C. Brandon III
via the Internet
Another Web Fan
To the Editor:
Kudos to the Flyer for your redesigned, expanded online edition. I frequent the Web site to keep up with local news and events, but until now have felt that it lacked the panache of its offline counterpart. The improvements look great. Congratulations on a successful upgrade.
Jennifer Wilks
Ithaca, N.Y.
via the Internet