Published: March 06, 2009 08:18 am      

Letters for March 06, 2009

Grad requirement illegal, not smart

I commend the bravery of those students who raised their voices against the “politically correct,” but potentially illegal graduation requirement for Unatego High School students to complete 40 hours of community service as a condition of graduation.

Firstly, under the New York State Constitution, Article XI, Section 1, every child in New York is entitled to free public education, unconditionally. Secondly, the United States Constitution, Amendment 13, prohibits involuntary servitude.

Thus, putting any condition of work without pay on graduating from a public school in New York is unconstitutional under both state and federal constitutions. Unatego school must abide by the law, especially if it wants to instill values of good citizenry into its students.

Third, nothing kills the joy of helping more than coercion. Public service is a very personal matter. Many people prefer to help without much fanfare or even anonymously. For many people, having to write about their voluntary good deeds is simply an invasion of privacy. Requiring participation in community service and reporting about it as a condition of graduation is thus extremely counterproductive, as it kills the desire to do community service.

Last, but not least, Sandra Decker is correct to state that if the school requires anything as part of an educational program, it has to arrange that program. We are in an area with practically no public transportation, and not all families can afford to give their child an extra vehicle to go to such volunteer programs.

Thus, in my opinion, in an effort to encourage all children to participate in community service, the school discriminates against its poorest students, preventing their graduation simply because their families cannot afford transportation or because children cannot afford to volunteer, as they have to work after school for pay to help themselves and their families.

Tatiana Neroni

Delhi

4-day school week good idea for teens

I am writing this letter in response to Sen. Seward’s efforts to explore a flexible school week. I believe that this would be a cost savings, either resulting in lower school taxes or increased pay for teachers. Either of those things would be beneficial. Not only is it a money-saving issue for buses, but it also decreases the heating and electric costs of the school building. I understand that one of the major conflicts is that parents would have to provide day care. I believe that this would be a problem for elementary and middle school students, but not for high school students. Initiating a four-day school week with high school students would not only help economically with decreased spending for a school district, but it will also allow the older high school students additional hours to work.

With all the challenges that lie ahead economically, this is one area that can make a difference.

Rebekah Spring

Otego

Spring is a senior at Unatego Junior- Senior High School. Spring and other students have written letters to the editor as part of Kevin DiBartolomeo’s Participation in Government class.

Mayne had great impact on many

Great articles dealing with Cpl. Michael L. Mayne. He was in my buddy’s platoon and I had the pleasure of serving with Cpl. Mayne. This individual was a true professional and an even better person.

I spoke with him often after a conversation we had about nine months ago back in Fairbanks at the Harley- Davidson dealership. The wife and I had just purchased a Yamaha V-Star, and he walked up to me with that smile of his and said, “Sir, when are you going to get a real motorcycle?” From then on we talked about bikes often. He was a great soldier. I wrote this short letter to let you know that he had a great impact on all of us.

1st Lt. Marcus L. Green

Fort Wainwright, Alaska

Banks represented better than residents

Why is my congressperson representing the banks, not me?

As a recent home buyer in this area, I am worried about what I hear coming out of Washington regarding the so-called cram-down legislation being watered down by Democrats in the House led by Ellen Tauscher. To whomever is selected in the primaries next year to replace Ms. Gillibrand, please know I will be watching and will vote accordingly.

Isaac Wilson

Hobart

Learn about, vote for Scott Murphy

Did you ever hire someone for an important job at an important time? A resume can tell you a lot — background, education, job experience, special skills and personal recommendations. However, the “in-person” interview provides a real sense of an individual.

All of us in the 20th District are about to hire someone for an important job _ U.S. representative. Scott Murphy, the Democratic candidate, came to Delhi for his “in-person” interview with constituents. I had read about his background in the news and on his website. His resume is top-notch. I’ll leave that for you to read for yourself. His commercial accurately shows he is likeable and refreshingly direct.

What I want to share is my personal take, which you can’t get from an article or commercial. Scott Murphy is impressive. During Q&A sessions, particularly when the question is tricky or controversial, he demonstrates a quick mind, breadth and depth of knowledge plus a sound grasp of issues vital to our country and district. He is comfortable taking a stand and sharing an opinion. (This is in stark contrast to his opponent, who can’t seem to decide what he thinks about the stimulus bill).

I am convinced that at this challenging time, Scott Murphy is the person we need representing us. I urge you to learn about Murphy and vote for him in the special election on March 31.

Lisa Tait

New Kingston

Put money toward valuable projects

While the “stimulus” is a bad idea whose time is never, why not make the best of it? Respect for the Constitution and taxpayers _ what a concept! Featured on New York’s quarter, the Erie Canal is truly an accomplishment of international importance. Reducing the cost of shipping goods to the coast by 95 percent, it also led to the repeal of Britain’s Corn Law, in effect one of the first free trade agreements, in 1854. Built at a cost of $7 million, the canal quickly paid for itself and transformed the nation into an agricultural juggernaut and set the stage for this future superpower.

The Erie was incorporated into the modern canal system in 1918, and much of the original canal, especially between Syracuse and Utica, is now unused and dangerous. Filled with stagnant water, the smell in summer can be overwhelming and it has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and West Nile virus. Unfenced and open in most areas, it is hazardous to small children. The time has come to fill it in.

With federal money paying for contraceptives, tattoo removal, wood refinishing and other pork projects, perhaps some funds could be found for a truly job-creating measure of immense public health benefit long neglected, just don’t bet on it.

Al Gascon

Bainbridge