Thursday, November 5, 2009

Don't blame teachers for economic troubles

I am responding to the letter I read in the Tuesday edition of The Citizen written by Eleanor McAdams in regards to teachers raises. I would like to qualify my statements by saying my wife has been a school teacher for the past 14 years. Ms. McAdams is of the mind-set that since she is struggling to make a living in an expensive tropical community then other hardworking Americans (teachers) should not receive a raise they have earned and are very much entitled to.

Ms. McAdams states "I am a single mother. I make $20,000 less than a teacher. I didn't get my 25 cent raise and my bills went up and I don't get 14 weeks of vacation."

My question is: Whose fault is that, the teachers or yours? Are you not responsible for your own acts and decisions that put you in the position you're in now? My wife worked very hard attending college and working part time. She has spent years dealing with many difficult children. She does her job and she does it well. And "... not for the money ..." (although your statement did give us a good laugh).

I understand your anger, but you are directing it to the wrong place. You should be upset with the politicians bailing out their Wall Street buddies and all these deadbeat losers around town collecting welfare and making bastard babies (which you and I pay for since we have jobs) and they are not even subject to drug testing before receiving a check.

This is why the economy is such a mess, not teachers seeking a 2 percent pay increase. I would like to add that with you "depending on a .25 cent pay raise and having trouble paying off a $25 debt to your child's teacher," you probably shouldn't be offering professional or career advice to anyone! Better yourself and stop hating those who have.

Gregory S. Shanle

Key West

An 'outsider' is sorry to hear of your tragedy

Fifteen years ago, I came to Key West for Fantasy Fest and fell in love. Even as a outsider, it was with great sadness that I read about the death of Marques Butler this year. As someone who lives in a small tourist town in Ohio, I know what it is like to have outsiders come in and cause trouble, so my heart goes out to all the locals of Key West. As an outsider myself, I would like to apologize for the bad behavior of others. Thanks for the wonderful relaxing times I have had down there.

Paula Northway

Yellow Springs, Ohio

Right wing is trying to exclude moderates

A courageous moderate Republican fought back in upstate New York recently. Eleven Republican chairmen from her district selected Dede Scozzafava as their candidate for Congress. Extreme right-wing Republicans on the national level, however, were outraged that the local Republicans failed to select a candidate who precisely mirrored their conservative ideology. These figureheads, many of whom hold no elected office, included Sara Palin and a number of right-wing radio jocks. They proceeded to trash the Republican candidate, and financially support and endorse the candidate from the Conservative Party.

Dede, a former small town mayor who was short of funds, finally decided to drop out of the three-way race. She then did an unusual thing: She endorsed Bill Owens, who is the moderate candidate representing the Democratic Party. What Republican women and Ms. Scozzafava's followers do on Election Day will determine the results in this North Country Republican bastion.

Similar struggles between national conservatives who want to purify and narrow the party, and local Republicans who want to get elected and broaden the base, will increase. An example in Florida will be seen in the Republican primary for senator between moderate Gov. Crist and conservative Congressman Rubio.

Roger C Kostmayer

Key West

Thanks to parents who helped with fundraising

The Montessori Children's School of Key West would like to thank all the parent volunteers who helped make our recent fundraising not only possible, but huge successes. These events were the Pre-Goombay Dock Party onboard a Sebago catamaran, the Fantasy Fest liquor booth on Duval Street and the Children's Day carnival food booth at Bayview Park.

As a nonprofit organization, the Montessori Children's School depends on the hard work and dedication of its volunteers. We would like to particularly acknowledge both co-chairs of the school's fundraising committee, Wendy Zintsmaster and Tami McGrail, whose efforts have gone above and beyond everyone's expectation. We couldn't have done it without you.

Kim Livingston

Montessori Children's School