‘Power of the Voucher’

Re: “Power of the Voucher,” Paul E. Peterson and Martin R. West, Opinion, April 11, 2005. It isn’t every child in every failing school who is failing. It isn’t every child in an overcrowded school who is failing. There are those children for whatever reason that may need a fresh start in a school of choice. For the rest of the children, the proof is that schools that are faced with a failing grade are able to bring up their scores considerably. That is a good sign for the children who remain in those schools.

For disadvantaged and minority students, an adjusted curriculum, which does not rely on such stringent, standardized tests, a curriculum, which promotes self-esteem and self-actualization would serve well. For many or some of these students, the voucher option should be put back on the table.

KAREN R. GREEN
Bronx

‘Bollinger Criticized’

Re: “Bollinger Criticized for Embracing Report Clearing Faculty,” Jacob Gershman, New York, April 1, 2005. Unlike Paul Volcker’s rigorous examination of his U.N. charge, the Columbia panel is a raucous insult appointed no doubt before President Bollinger, and the larger metropolitan community, were quite aware of how many eyes were watching.

It remains now to re-examine these serious assertions of professorial misbehavior and bias with a group of examiners not themselves heavily tainted with business and other backdoor dealings with the accused. The students and the city of New York deserve better. More important, truth deserves better.

MARION DS DREYFUS
Manhattan

‘Adult Clubs Lose Challenge’

I would like to applaud Mayor Bloomberg in his attempt to close down porno shops and sex shops [“Adult Clubs Lose Challenge to Closing of Loophole,” New York Desk, April 13, 2005].

We hope to have the 2012 Olympics, not to mention a Jets stadium; we also want to attract more tourists to this great city of ours. But what kind of image are we projecting if we allow such businesses to thrive?

The world will not be calling New York City “Fun City” but “Sin City.”

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

‘Measure Eases Way’

Re: “Measure Eases Way for Victims To Sue Gun Makers,” Jill Gardiner, New York, January 5, 2005. As a subscriber, I urge you to report objectively on legislation, which would end the filing of reckless lawsuits against America’s law-abiding firearm industry (S. 397/H.R. 800). Your readers deserve to know the truth, or at minimum, to hear both sides of this very important issue.

The legislation simply prohibits the filing of meritless lawsuits against America’s firearm industry for the criminal misuse of an otherwise properly operating and lawful product.

S. 397/H.R. 800 would not prohibit lawsuits against the firearm industry for legitimate reasons, such as the manufacture of a truly defective firearm or deliberate criminal actions by a licensed dealer who sells a gun. The only suits that would be precluded under this proposal are those that seek to hold the lawful gun industry liable for the criminal acts of third parties; the same industry that provides arms to our fighting men and women in the U.S. military.

On April 9, 2003, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of lawsuit pre-emption by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 285-140. Last year, the Senate version had the support of more than 55 Senators. It also had (and has) the full support of the Bush White House. On top of this, 33 states have enacted their own laws to outlaw these offensive abuses of our judicial system.

It’s far past time that common sense prevailed and the U.S. Congress passes this legislation and it is enacted into law.

ANGELO LOMONTE
Brooklyn

‘It’s Not Just a Woman’s Disease’

It was great to read Sarah Wyatt’s article in a recent New York Sun [“It’s Not Just a Woman’s Disease,” Sarah Wyatt, Health & Fitness, April 18, 2005]. You are doing a great service. I know your article caused many men to give themselves a self-exam. My husband was diagnosed with breast cancer this past fall, and I’ve kind of made it my mini mission to get the word out about men and breast cancer.

I am doing “The 3-Day Walk” in Boston this July (I had done last year’s in Michigan before David’s diagnosis) and have a team of 11 called “Viva La Vermont” (even though we are not all from Vermont).The event organizers know about my husband and plan to use me on some interviews to help spread the word about men.

MARLENE SKULNIK
Dorset, Vt.

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