Letters to the Editor
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
‘All About Survival’
The photo you published in the September 9 Weekend Edition by Marianne Todd is the best one I’ve seen of the Katrina disaster. The little boy carrying two heavy bags of ice delivered by the Ohio National Guard – what a strong, determined little guy he is – says it all. It’s all about survival and the courage and determination that some people show.
Just looking at the boy’s face, you can tell that you can depend him when the going gets tough. He’ll never give up. As a retired New York City cop with 30 years on the job, I always tried to encourage young people who like challenges to consider police work as a career. If that kid gets a chance, he’ll make an excellent cop in 15 or 20 years.
MICHAEL J.GORMAN
Whitestone, N.Y.
‘The UFT’s Oasis’
In his article “The UFT’s Oasis,” [Opinion, September 12, 2005] Seth Lipsky stated that the reason that the United Federation of Teachers opposes vouchers is that vouchers would cause money to follow students to the school of their choice and lead to ” a loss of funds and jobs in the public school system.”
Following is a Milton Friedman type voucher solution that would not lead to a loss of funds and jobs in the public school system. It would also get the unanimous support of teachers, as it would increase their income.
Instead of giving parents and children vouchers, give teachers incremental tax credit vouchers (up to 100%) at the city, state and federal levels according to the following categories:
1) Give a 20% tax credit voucher to all teachers who choose to teach in the classroom.
2) Give a 40% tax credit voucher to all teachers producing accountable results in economically disadvantaged areas.
3) Give a 20% tax credit voucher to all teachers teaching special education.
4) Give a 20% tax credit voucher to all teachers producing accountable results in reading, math or science.
5) Give a 20% tax credit voucher to all teachers who tutor the most challenged children two hours daily before or after school.
All tax credit vouchers would be redeemed upon filing annual tax returns. These vouchers would not be permanent increases in annual compensation. This voucher system would maximize choice for teachers, as it would cause teachers to want to teach the most challenged children. The resulting competition would bring the most qualified teachers to the most challenged children.
ALEXANDER SCHLOSS
Mentoring Program Director
John F. Kennedy High School
Bronx
‘After Katrina’
It was unpleasant, as usual, to read Tina Brown’s outburst against President Bush [“After Katrina, A Scent of Insurrection” Calendar, September 8, 2005]. Notwithstanding Ms. Brown’s claims, the polls have shown that the majority of Americans blame Governor Kathleen Blanco and New Orleans Ray Nagin – both Democrats – for the Louisiana disaster. Furthermore, somebody should remind both Brown and Senator Mary Landrieu, who threatened to punch President Bush, that it is a crime to threaten violence against the president of the United States.
ALICE LEMOS
Woodside, N.Y.
‘The Big Easy’
Re: “The Big Easy & Lessons of Ground Zero,” Andrew Wolf, Opinion, September 2, 2005. I am sure that Mr. Wolf would be happy to know that companies have begun soliciting design and construction professionals for their development offices to be located in New Orleans. The land grab is on! The Big Easy just got easier.
QUESHAUN SUDBURY
Long Island City, N.Y.
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