School cuts are ‘eating seed corn’

It is well known that in times of famine the last thing you want to do is "eat your seed corn." Indiana, because of decreasing revenues, is facing a kind of economic famine, and Gov. Mitch Daniels' mandated cuts in school funding is indeed like "eating our seed corn."

To remain competitive economically, we must have an educated citizenry — one that can do more than simply pass standardized tests. A successful curriculum is one that promotes and encourages creativity, develops skills for advancing innovation in the workplace and ensures a diverse worker pool that can adapt quickly to changing economic conditions. Once cuts in education are made, it is not easy to recover, especially in the short term.

Equally short-sighted is the idea that "special programs" such as library, art, music, physical education and so on can be cut without seriously affecting the overall educational output. This simply is not true. Such programs are the lifeblood for insuring the kinds of skills mentioned above.

Schools are making sincere and mostly successful efforts to improve what they do, but serious budget reductions will weaken any gains made. State Superintendent Tony Bennett is proposing an A to F grading scale for the schools, but in effect is saying, "We want you to be better, but with fewer tools available."

Please write your legislators, state superintendent and governor to express your concern. Together we can make our voices heard.

— Mark Kessans, President, New Albany-Floyd County Education Association, New Albany

Reader: Supreme Court decision isn’t fair

The recent Supreme Court decision granting corporations First Amendment rights the same stature as a single person in connection with campaign contributions, in my opinion, simply does not compute. Are they trying to tell me that my standing in this regard is the same as AT&T;?

Get real! These corporations and other organizations, such as labor unions, can contribute huge sums to support their interests as compared to the relative pittance that I might be able to contribute to support my interest. This is no way close to a level playing field.

I agree with Pat Oliphant’s editorial cartoon when he says (paraphrased) that one of these times the Supreme Court might recognize the personhood of babies in the womb, which would make more sense to me than recognizing a corporation as a human being.

— W. L. O’Bryan, New Albany

Reader enjoyed coverage on Steven Hnat billboard

Thanks Kevin Harris and Kevin McGloshen for the nice coverage on Floyds Knobs’ Steven Hnat.

As you know I am somewhat partial to the positive accomplishments of track/field athletes and I commend you for the attention you brought to one of the many fine young men/women that contribute to not only track and field, but to sports in general.

My involvement with Steven has been limited, but what association I have had with him has impressed me as nothing but class. It is not surprising that given his character and work ethic his achievements have been many — and he is still young! He is certainly a credit to his family, school, and community.

I also appreciate the work The Tribune does on a weekly basis, updating your readership on the progress of the former local athletes (especially the track and field people). Keep up the good work.

— Fred Geswein, Floyd County

GOP head wants blame redirected

Let me disagree, in a kinder, gentler way than in times past, with the logic of Andrew Albatys' recent Opinions column on economic recovery. I completely agree with the title of his letter that economic recovery calls for hard work and good choices. I must disagree, however, with the quote that “the breakdown of 1929 sprang more from a breakdown of men than it did from the breakdown of the system.” Fred Holmes was at best only partially right, then as he is now. Individual men have little care for, nor power to change the “system” that seems bent on destroying the economy….then, as much as now. Most men (and small businesses) are doing their best to just make ends meet while it seems the “system” is doing its best to thwart their efforts.

It has become popular, in the midst of this economic downturn, to look for sources to blame. I agree in part that it was the “breakdown of men” that caused them to take loans for mortgages that they knew they would never be able to pay.

However, too little blame is being placed on actions demanded by the Clinton administration, ACORN and then-Sen. Obama forcing the “system” to give these loans in the first place. It was the “system” that grouped those bad loans in such a way to make them look profitable. I might also suggest that the current “revolt” against the “system,” as evidenced in four recent political elections receiving national attention, is a demand from men that the “system” must either change or voters will remove players in that system.

I believe that most men actually want what is good for their families, communities and their nation. They want to see an economy succeed because they know it will also bring success for them and their loved ones. Ultimately, what men are telling us, however, is that the system is broken and we need leaders who will indeed make good choices to fix it.

May I suggest three steps all men (and women) need to take now. No. 1, take personal responsibility for yourself. In an environment where everything is conspiring to make you dependent on the system, become independent and self-reliant. Two, work hard and make good choices. Don’t go for the easy, get-rich-quick scheme. It didn't work then and it doesn't work now. Last, change the broken system. Vote for those who will demonstrate financial responsibility in their leadership.

I was shocked to hear that a New York college will now receive $390,000 in Stimulus Funds to study the effects of malt liquor and marijuana on adults. Stimulating, indeed! Although that may appear to be a study some of you might like to volunteer for, it is a foolish expenditure of our tax dollars. It is one of many foolish expenditures disguised as stimulating the economy, yet doing nothing more than purchase votes to keep the same players of the broken system in power. Men don't need “fixing” near as much as a system that spends money this way and tries to call it economic recovery.

— Dave Matthews, Chairman, Floyd County Republican Party