LETTERS: COLUMN DISPARAGED ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

To the editor:

I was so disappointed when Marc Powers' Dec. 13 column, "Kids are smelly, destructive and noisy," was brought to my attention. I commend Marc Powers on his decision to not help propagate the species. I am proud to know that he doesn't have the appropriate innards. Maybe he should move back in with the drunks he lived with in college. Or at least thank God he was able to obtain a college education. Remember, you have to have an elementary education to gain entrance into a college. As for parenting, it is definitely not unfortunate. It is a wonderful world of creating and molding a human life so it can reach its potential. It is an art that needs more encouragement. You don't send your children away. You cherish them. God gave you a special love, and you don't waste it.

Anyone who believes that the afternoon talk-show hosts educate us has sadly missed what life is about. When have they taught anyone to read, encouraged learning or even made a child/adult feel good about themselves? We have people like this in our lives. These men and women, who you do not believe work for a living, earn every cent they get. When was the last time you taught someone to read or watched the look of amazement cross a child's face when she is finally able to comprehend? Or just held a child because of a crisis in its life and a parent isn't there just at that moment? These people are more valuable to our society than any reporter's personal view, talk-show hosts or inept editors. Who taught each of you at the paper to read, write, place commas appropriately and to lead off with a power sentence and a good summary in the last paragraph? Who taught you to research and feel good about your work? Do you value your privileges of learning so little? Were you raised in a sterile environment with no interaction as a family? Not all are "wigged out."

I am ashamed of you, Marc Powers. I am ashamed of you, Joe Sullivan and Joni Adams, for allowing a column like this to pass your desk with approval. I am very ashamed of you, Gary Rust. You won your elections on being a "family man." I am ashamed to even acknowledge that the only newspaper in our city would allow such nonsense to be published and continue to pay a salary for such writing.

I will congratulate you for continuing the status quo of this newspaper. We all know what to expect from you. For those of us who don't buy your work, be assured there are far better papers and reporters to read and enjoy.

ROBERTA L. TERRY

Cape Girardeau