LETTERS: NEA ISN'T TO BLAME

To the editor:

It would certainly be convenient if we could make the National Education Association the scapegoat, as has been attempted by some of the callers to Speak Out, for the many ills and problems in American education.

If the NEA were responsible for the problems in American education, then all we would have to do is get rid of the NEA. I fear, however, that the problems cannot be resolved that easily. Had the NEA never existed or were we to make it disappear today, I am convinced we would have the same problems, and the solutions would remain as elusive as they now are.

If I were to list the causes of the problems in American education, the NEA would either not be on my list or would be so far down the list that it would be inconsequential.

The NEA has issued statements of philosophy and taken stands with which I have not agreed. I would, nevertheless, say to those who are trying to blame the NEA that they are sending out a dog that simply ain't gonna hunt. They had better look for a different dog.

It certainly was not the NEA that put pressure on classroom teachers to lower their standards for academic achievement and student behavior. It was not the NEA that brought about the social attitudes and problems that have had a negative effect on education during the past decades.

LAWRENCE AESCHLIMANN

Cape Girardeau