The school controversy in Anderson has the wrong focus. Four hundred parents and community organizers showed up at a separation meeting. The reason they were there? They want to continue to call themselves Scots. They do not want to be Indians.
I have some simple questions. Where were all these parents and organizers when the schools were put on academic probation? Where was their involvement when Anderson Community Schools announced one of the lowest graduation rates in the state? How much concern have they shown when year after year the students are failing the basic subjects that will be needed in life?
I can answer those questions. These parents and organizers did not call a meeting. They did not raise a shout. They did not rise up to demand teachers succeed in teaching. No, they sat silent through all these important concerns. When did they raise their voice? They began their shout-out when the kilts and bagpipes were threatened.
The success of our schools in teaching the children and graduating educated youth is the future of our community. Without successful education tomorrow’s leadership will be lacking. Nearly half our youth will not have high school diplomas and a very large percentage of the ones who do get a diploma can’t read efficiently or do basic math.
I would have a lot more respect for these parents and community organizers if they were raising their voices to pull away because the school board and teachers’ union are failing the children of Anderson. Instead, all I see them doing is using time and money to have two failing school systems instead of one. Of course, the failing school system they set up would have kilts and bagpipes.
Highland supporters, I urge you to look at the long-term impact to the community. If you are going to divide our dollars and cost us more in taxes to support two school systems then do it for the right reasons. Demand a school board that is focused on education, not local politics. Demand teacher accountability that will put Anderson scores and graduation rates above the state average. Demand a future for your children that is built on a good education. Don’t waste our time and money to simply demand kilts and bagpipes.
Dan Taylor
Anderson resident
Letters
Viewpoint: Highland group should look at loong-term impact
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Letter: Consumer-driven economy will pay off debt
To save America some money — by acclimation of course — let’s not have a presidential election in 2012. We already have a good president who will do his best to kill all Republican bills (DOA) and, consequently, create more good-paying jobs in the $30 per hour range.
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Letter: Gingrich cashes in on political amnesia
Rasmussen says that Romney has flattened nationally. Why?
Two reasons seem to tell the tale. Gingrich has shown that he will fight, and Romney is a Mormon, believed to be a “cult” by a majority of evangelicals. -
Letter: Hiring Winkler not wise spending
As a taxpayer I want to know that my taxes are being spent wisely. Hiring Greg Winkler at a salary of $126,000 is not wise spending.
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Letter: Bill of Rights being nullified by new law
President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act on New Year’s Eve. I doubt many Americans noticed its implications because they do not yet comprehend the big picture. This law, coupled with the Patriot Act, is paving the way for America’s direction toward tyranny.
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Letter: $14 trillion debt started by previous president
I’m a proud atheist who’s lucky enough to know the difference between fact and fantasy.
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Letter: Economy putting people in the gutters
We are now getting the results of putting people in the gutters. We need to take a second look at our government and its policies. It’s not working.
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Viewpoint: Look at Creation Museum from an educational, scientific perspective
I encourage any and all who have interest in this vitally important topic to “go to the source,” to invest the time and energy into exploring The Creation Museum for themselves.
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Letter: Blame the voters for our Congress
Why is insider trading legal for Congress and illegal for the rest of us? They make and enact laws for all of us, but then exempt members of Congress. Somehow this doesn’t seem to pass the smell test.
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Letter: Smith’s firings appear vindictive
Anderson is a city of negative publicity and actions. Why else is Sears leaving? Can we stand four years of vindictive actions and negative reporting?
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Letter: Planned devaluation of dollar is coming
I’ve submitted letters regarding the existence of a global elite for years now. I’m now submitting another one in which I hope readers will take note of.
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Letter: Consumer-driven economy will pay off debt
