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Reader comment on:
Brooklyn Arabic School
in response to reader comment: Promote tolerance and Americanism, not ethnic pride

Submitted by Patricia Vasenius, Jul 18, 2007 02:25

I agree with the Assemblyman, Michael Benjamin! We are being extremely (& sometimes pathetically) careful not to offend ANYONE!!! We need to teach our children in ENGLISH (that is our nation's language after all) and teach them the basics first (reading, writing, math...what a concept) and then history of our country, the state one lives in, & definitely world history as it REALLY HAPPENED & not what all these revisionists who want to rewrite history want us to teach. After our children have mastered the basics and have been taught history, sciences, etc... then we can offer to teach them other languages and subjects to help them thrive as well as survive in our country and the global community. The other things people are wanting to add to PUBLIC EDUCATION (kindergarten through high school) should be offered where they have been traditionally offered....COLLEGE!!! There are so many ways for our children to get help going to college or trade schools....they may earn scholarships or grants or heaven forbid, save money, work while attending school or apply for students loans!!! I was fortunate to receive help from my family while attending college. My husband served in the United States Army and received help going to college while in the service and after his service. Then he continued his education after college with both of us working, a few grants but mostly student loans. Yes, loans have to be paid back but higher education is priceless so paying back those loans is not a hardship. As Mr. Benjamin stated, American civic values, love of our country, striving for academic excellence, & preparing our children for college &/or joining the workforce are essential for us to continue to be a Great Country and a Great People.

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Other reader comments on this article

Comment By Date

this is a great idea i think every school should provide these services all children should learn different culture and... [MORE]

Ms Palermo 

Nov 23, 2007 09:04

While I can't speak specifically to the individuals chosen to be involved in the school, accept to say that hopefully... [MORE]

Ian 

Sep 4, 2007 13:18

At a time when the public school system is so under-funded, why does what is basically a private school qualify... [MORE]

BSI 

Aug 17, 2007 10:25

I was as disturbed to learn about the Khahil Gibran School as I was to learn about the Hellenic Classical... [MORE]

Assemblyman Michael Benjamin 

Jun 28, 2007 13:35

I agree with the Assemblyman, Michael Benjamin! We are being extremely (& sometimes pathetically) careful not to offend ANYONE!!! We...

Patricia Vasenius 

Jul 18, 2007 02:25

Your editorialist and many of the readers responding to the editorial seem to be confused about the nature of Arabs... [MORE]

Dave Hall 

May 17, 2007 22:27

I completely agree with Dave Hall. Arab does not equal Muslim, and yes, the author and readers are definately confused... [MORE]

HMG 

Jun 19, 2007 12:11

It seems the same principles apply here as in the upstate Kiryas Joel case, which involved public funding of a... [MORE]

David 

May 17, 2007 11:45

David...Should Public Money be spent on learning the French Language? [MORE]

M.M 

Aug 20, 2007 23:18

The Sun's extensive coverage of this school implies that it is some sort of quasi-religious institution, akin to a yeshiva... [MORE]

Tim Geoghegan 

May 8, 2007 22:37

To: The Editors I agree with you unequivocally. Furthermore, because we have such divisiveness growing--we need our children (future leaders) to... [MORE]

Nancy Joyce Jancourtz 

May 8, 2007 14:38

No tax revenues should be used to establish schools for specific religious or cultural accomodation. If the district sees fit... [MORE]

John Bryan 

May 8, 2007 10:23

No public funds for religious schools. We want our kids to grow up together - not separate. Same for christain... [MORE]

steve 

May 8, 2007 11:04

This is a school with a cultural focus, which allows students of a variety of races and religions to learn... [MORE]

Karen Vaughan 

Jun 18, 2007 13:47

Is this the way to best help the immigrant assimilate into this society? I've taught for 32 years in middle... [MORE]

RJC 

May 8, 2007 08:46

My grandparents came to this country through Ellis Island from Russia with the children they had at that time. They... [MORE]

Dorothy Wachsstock 

May 8, 2007 13:36

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