Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

Most bad drivers are from elsewhere

I am a native of Spokane and I have watched a dangerous phenomenon of great proportions develop in this area over the last several years. This phenomenon is quite evident, even to the untrained eye. Drivers in Spokane have become more and more flagrant with their driving violations. Running red lights, rapid lane changes (with and without signaling) and total disregard for posted speed limits.

I think the majority of these poor drivers are transplants to Spokane. Surely, they didn’t learn to drive here in this manner. I believe that a survey of tickets issued would prove this point.

To these drivers I have a request to make, if indeed I’m correct in my assumption: Clean up your driving act or move back from whence you came and take your bird with you. James A. Nelson Spokane

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Corporatized education won’t suffice

Hooray for all the voices of reason protesting District 81’s decision to abandon its English requirements in favor of a workplace-oriented curriculum. This is a misguided attempt at “relevance” in education and one that thoughtful people must oppose.

Ten years ago, E.D. Hirsch made a big splash with his book, “Cultural Literacy,” an argument for the value of a commonly shared body of knowledge from a variety of fields that citizens must have to ensure a strong, functioning democracy. This common ground is eroding under our feet as we replace what has traditionally been a basic education with a corporate version of what we need to live in the world. Whether you approve of Hirsch’s list or not, the idea is valid: shared knowledge and reference points are necessary for communication among diverse groups and generations, and for solving the challenging problems we face in the next century.

George Orwell understood that language is power, and he offered some chilling perspectives on how that power may be abused. We need citizens who can demonstrate skill in reading and writing English in more complex ways than efficient memos and concise phone messages entail. Literature teaches moral responsibility and strengthens the foundation of a civil society. Without it, the self-indulgent dinosaur of corporate/consumer culture will overgraze the malls and collapse, finally, in a heap of Nikes and Gameboys, hot tubs and mini skirts, without an idea in its head. Lynn Rigney Schott Kettle Falls, Wash.

Change is unsettling, necessary

With high school graduations at hand, it’s time to reflect on the ability of these students to move on, whether to college or into the workplace. Far too many students and their parents don’t realize that approximately 75 percent of them will not complete a college education, and for most of them, their high school diploma will not provide entrance into a meaningful job.

An underlying factor is that they were schooled in a system based on turn-of-the-century methods, with “seat time” overemphasized. Much tweaking has taken place over time, but the fact remains: it is past time for major changes. That scares many people, including teachers.

As students enter the workplace they will find that employers look for employees who are capable of analyzing problems, proposing solutions, able to communicate, work collaboratively and have a good command of basic skills. To attain the better jobs, students must be prepared to meet ever-higher standards. The needs are no different for those who will continue on to higher education.

It was with these thoughts in mind that the Legislature a few years ago implemented standards-based education reform requiring the creation of an accountability system. It is critical to recognize that standards must be set and met. It takes a lot of courage to accept the needed changes.

To ensure that our students’ education will meet the needs for tomorrow’s rapid social, demographic and technological changes, we must be willing to accept the necessary changes to our K-12 system. Larry A. Stanley Spokane

Let’s clarify current situation

Re: “Elementary teachers sign up for phonics classes” (May 21).

Fourth grade students did not flunk the Early Years Assessment last year. School reform has raised the learning standards for students.

The new standards need to be reached by 2001. The test was given in 1997 as a benchmark to see where schools need to improve. Saying the students flunked is comparable to saying Picabo Street lost the Gold Medal after a poor time the first run down a new course four years before the Olympics.

The students could read the test. What they need to improve is test vocabulary and high-level comprehension skills. The test scores will improve every year, not because of House Republicans, but because every K-4 teacher across the state is working hard to teach the new state essentials learnings.

The original Republican bill mandated the use of phonics-only instruction. A two-year study on how to teach children to read sponsored by the National Research Council that was released March 18 states that all children need a balanced approach to reading. No one program or panacea will magically teach every child to read. Teachers need to meet the education needs of each individual child.

The original bill was scrapped and the legislation passed provides money for professional development in reading using a balanced approach with phonics one of the seven areas of study. Mary Anne Stuckart Spokane

Government up to no good here

Fran Mester’s guest column to Roundtable (May 26) gave the impression that the Spokane School District 81 curriculum changes, from literature-based English to “real prep” English are optional. They are not, and English won’t be the only subject affected.

In spite of written restrictions against federal mandate of school curriculum, the 1994 School-to-Work Opportunities Act declares, as a federal purpose, “the integration of academic and occupational learning,” as well as, “the integration of school-based learning with work-based learning.”

It also calls for all students to participate, thus becoming a requirement, not an option. This isn’t just happening in District 81, it’s mandated nationwide.

Further, with the passage of more school-to-work legislation at both the federal and state levels, schools will continue to move away from an academically intensive curriculum to one that is fully integrated with vocational training in grades K-12, producing skilled workers for the labor market. The U.S. economy will be controlled by the federal government, by controlling our work force and our schools. Gayle A. Corativo Spokane

Writer tried to give us the business

It seems clear to everyone except Fran Mester (guest column, May 26) that the public is against replacing English literature with “integrated communications” courses. As an English instructor with a master’s degree in English, I’m appalled by the suggestion that these two courses may be equivalent and interchangeable.

True, the business world does need students who have a knowledge of business practices, but that is already offered in high schools. English courses presently teach critical thinking skills, grammar and punctuation, along with so much more. I guarantee you that any business hiring high school graduates will be much more interested in the content of their resumes than in their quality. Any student who wishes to have a business career must be able to think critically and to make important decisions for themselves, or they will not be able to move up the corporate ladder successfully.

But by all means, let us continue along this path of folly Mester suggests; let us turn our schools into business finishing schools and graduate thousands of business drones every year whose mantra is money, and who have no knowledge of the human experience. They will have no appreciation for Shakespeare and no real insight into Tennessee Williams because we haven’t taught it to them. No, we - all of us - are made of finer stuff than this.

While we’re at it, let us also teach the history of business in place of history, so that we may be assured of yet another Vietnam in our future. Shelley M. Krois Colville, Wash.

Student musicians appreciate support

As a member of the Lewis and Clark High School instrumental program, I thank all the supporters of music education. To many of us, music is much more than a way to waive a PE credit.

For the past two years, I’ve been part of the concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, pep band and marching band, and still I’m not nearly as involved as some. Our hours are long and our competitions go generally unpublicized. We may not get coverage on the front page of the Sports section or get to dump Gatorade on our director, but we are just as dedicated and determined as any other varsity team.

Sometimes, finishing a long parade route with sore lips and raw heels takes more energy than scoring the winning touchdown. Sometimes, the bulk of the effort takes place behind the scenes, with assistance from parents who care about the program just as much as we do.

It’s nice to know that there is someone to listen to our concerts, to take part in our victories, to pay for our lessons and to remind us to practice.

We can depend on parents and volunteers to organize our fund-raisers, chaperone our trips, keep track of our uniforms and even march alongside us.

We are the speakers of the universal language. We are also the halftime show. And we appreciate all the time and effort you give to us while we progress from being kids to becoming musicians. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Angela R. Cross Spokane

PEOPLE IN SOCIETY

So few seem to know or care

Memorial Day has come and gone. Many did not seem to notice, unless they had been planning a camping trip or a picnic. Only about half the participants and spectators in the Indy 500 put their hand over their heart when the “Star Spangled Banner” was sung. Two people, myself included, displayed the American flag on my block.

What has happened in this country? No gratitude for those who died on our behalf and no respect for the flag which represents our great nation. It’s very sad. Paul G. Henderson Spokane

Key element missed in pills editorial

When I read staff writer Vince Grippi’s editorial on the differences between Viagra and birth control pills, I was both surprised by his limited information and insulted by his generalizing.

While the female hormones used in birth control pills, estrogen and progesterone, are effective as a form of contraception, Grippi neglected to mention the other medical uses of these pills. A friend of mine suffers from endometriosis, a painful reproductive condition that can cause infertility. Her doctor prescribed birth control pills as a therapy and she has taken them for years. While she still experiences some discomfort, she is no longer plagued by the intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fainting spells that she once faced.

Some women are prescribed birth control pills because the hormones help to alleviate painful symptoms, including severe abdominal cramping, that can accompany menstruation. Grippi completely overlooked the use of birth control pills as hormonal therapy. In this role, the pill can easily be compared to Viagra.

What’s more, I resent Grippi labeling me a “crybaby liberal” because I am aware that I live in a society in which men and women are treated unequally. I think that a professional journalist employed by a reputable newspaper should be able to write an article without resorting to the use of stereotypes.

Oversimplified, prejudiced blanket statements such as his are never accurate, and are always insulting. I only took one journalism class in college, but even I can spot a fallacy when I see one. Elizabeth A. Davis Pullman

Arguments exude double standard

According to staff writer Vince Grippi’s May 15, article a man’s inability to have sex is an “unnatural medical condition.” The implication being it’s unhealthy and unreasonable to expect a man to live without intercourse.

He then says a woman should abstain from sex if she doesn’t want to get pregnant or go broke. Apparently, Grippi doesn’t feel that the lack of sex for women has medical consequences. Either that or he doesn’t care. I suspect the latter.

Medical illness my foot. If a woman can live without sex, as Grippi feels we should if we don’t want to have kids or pay $1 a day, then so can men. Grippi admits that men have sex for reasons other than procreation. He even portrays this as a normal and healthy part of a loving relationship.

If a man is physically unable to “express his love for his partner” without embarrassing consequences, insurance companies and their clients should pay. If a woman wants to participate in this loving relationship without getting pregnant, she should get out her wallet. Women are told “If you want to play, you pay.” Men are told “If you want to play, we’ll pay.” I’d sure like to know about these “free” birth control choices offered by the medical community.

I agree that childless couples trying to start a family deserve financial support and Viagra should be made available to impotent men trying to reproduce. The rest of them need to get their wallets out and get in line with the rest of us. Debra S. Noble Spokane

Give young mothers respect, smiles

Re: the May 21 Slice item on smiling at teen mothers and the wrong signal it may send.

What message are we sending to our young girls when we have smiles for the more fortunate women with certain kinds of securities and only blunt, transparent glances for those who are not so lucky? If these are our signals that we are portraying, we are displaying the wrong types of values to young children, more so than an encouraging smile for all people taking responsibility for a tough situation.

Teenage mothers are young women with adult responsibilities. Let’s treat them like respected adults so that they may embrace their new challenges with pride and honor. When we honor all mothers, especially ones with rougher circumstances, we honor their children as well. And it is the children who feel and benefit from this positive energy the most.

Not smiling sends the wrong message to everyone. Give these teenage mothers and their children the respect they deserve. Marilee Bailey young mother of two, Spokane

Teen birth trend still needs work

A recent article in The Spokesman-Review indicated that the birth rate for 15- to 19-year-old girls has declined over the last six years. In 1996, Spokane County teenage births dropped to its lowest point since 1987. We can celebrate but we can’t decrease our efforts. Consider the following:

Economics, including the child poverty rate, drive the teenage pregnancy rates.

Sixty-six percent of teenage girls who become pregnant have been sexually abused.

Over half of the fathers involved in births to teenage girls (15-17 years) are age 20 or older.

Daughters of adolescent mothers are 83 percent more likely to become mothers before age 18.

This research demonstrates the complexity of teenage pregnancy. It is an adult problem as much as a youth problem. Postponing sexual activity and choosing abstinence is not an option for girls who are sexually abused and exploited by older men. The adult models some of our youth have to pattern themselves after perpetuate the cycle of early childbearing and poverty.

Our community needs to address these issues before we can expect to really reduce teenage birth rates. Lyndia Vold Spokane Regional Health District