‘Over Ruled’

In every financial transaction, there are two implicit questions: what does it cost and what do I get for my money, questions that are inexplicably absent when it comes to funding public schools. Thanks in part to The New York Sun’s reporting, we are all to well aware that New Yorkers pay far more for schooling and get far less in academic output than the rest of the nation. Soon it will get worse [“Over Ruled,” Editorial, December 1, 2004].

It’s time for us to emulate Milwaukee’s voucher plan, which has been operating successfully since 1990. While the impetus for school choice has been to facilitate the transfer of children out of failing public schools, in view of the impending financial disaster about to be foisted on us by an irrational court and a dysfunctional state Legislature, it would behoove us to view vouchers as a cost-saving device as well.

Milwaukee saves more than 50% on every voucher. We can, too. A school tax credit would also be beneficial. Besides the advantage to taxpayers, parents would benefit from a better education for their children. And experience shows that even the public schools improve under a voucher system as the result of competition.

We are about to be whacked with an unconscionable tax increase, but for passivity on our part. It’s up to you, New York.

EDWIN R. THOMPSON
Manhattan

Firefighter Killed Fighting in Iraq

The war in Iraq has taken its toll with another two deaths from New York [“Firefighter Killed, Another Wounded Fighting in Iraq,” Aaron Smith, New York, December 1, 2004]. One was Sergeant Christian Engeldrum, from the Bronx, who was also a New York City fireman and is considered the 344th casualty of the terrorist attack by his fellow firefighters who knew him at Ladder Company 61. He also was one of four firefighters who was photographed hanging the American flag from a lamppost in the wake of the worst attack in American history.

Then there is Spec. Will Urbina of Baldwin, who died as well. It was said of him that he was very enthusiastic about the Fire Department and the military.

Truly, they gave their lives for what they believe in, yet not only on the battlefield, but also in the communities where they served putting out fires and saving lives.

We have lost two brave souls and will forever remember the brave things they did to make us safe , for that they will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt prayers go out to their families at this time and we pray that God will safeguard and protect our brave men and women who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere around the world.

FREDERICK R. BEDELL JR.
Little Neck, N.Y.

On Attorney General Ashcroft

I offer a citizen’s profound gratitude, a hearty salute, and a sincere farewell to Attorney General John Ashcroft as he leaves office after serving so nobly and so well [“Gonzales is Bush’s Choice for Justice,” Eli Lake, Page One, November 11, 2004].

Since September 11, 2001, the United States has not suffered another terror attack, thanks and praise to God, and owing in great part to the vigilance and policies of Mr. Ashcroft’s Justice Department, including the USA Patriot Act. That means for three years Mr. Ashcroft has successfully reined in the terrorists.

Already his successor, Alberto Gonzales, is being celebrated as a “less polarizing” figure. Indeed, Senator Schumer called him “a better candidate than John Ashcroft.”

But in my mind, Mr. Ashcroft will always shine as an example of statesmanship, chivalry, and Christian virtue.

DAVID S. ORTIZ
Brooklyn

Arafat and Mandela

Stephen Miller, reporting Yasser Arafat’s death, refers to him as a “terrorist” [“Yasser Arafat, 75,” Page One, November 11, 2004].

Nelson Mandela said, instead, that he was one of the greatest freedom fighters of this generation.

What is Mr. Miller to Mr. Mandela?

MIRIAM M. REIK
Manhattan

‘Bollinger’s Blindness’

As an academic, American Jew, and friend, I am outraged by the recent onslaught of attacks against Joseph Massad, an assistant professor at Columbia’s department of Middle East and Asian Languages and Cultures [“Bollinger’s Blindness,” Editorial, October 22, 2004].

As an academic, I have noted a disturbing and growing trend to discredit intellectuals and scholars who espouse views that depart from the mainstream discourse on Israel/Palestine.

Obviously, this current campaign to defame Mr. Massad is a continuation of this trend to intimidate and harass intellectuals into silence and submission, thus setting a dangerous precedent for curtailing academic freedom – the bedrock of higher-learning institutions.

We must support rather than attack academics who rightly engage their students in reflection and unsettling debate by grappling with complex and controversial issues.

As an American Jew, I applaud Mr. Massad’s intellectual integrity, impeccable scholarship, and, more importantly, his utmost courage to address the highly contentious and emotionally charged Israeli/Palestinian issue.

LORI HELENE RUDOLPH
Adjunct Professor
University of New Mexico
Women Studies Program
Albuquerque, N.M.

---

Please address letters intended for publication to the Editor of The New York Sun. Letters may be sent by e-mail to editor@nysun.com, facsimile to 212-608-7348, or post to 105 Chambers Street, New York City 10007. Please include a return address and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited.