Student defends teacher's efforts to inspire students

To the editor:

As a student of Adam Cox at Notre Dame Regional High School, I strongly object to the harsh letters criticizing his stance on the United States' response to the Sept. 11 attacks. These letters lean strongly toward implying that my peers and I lack the ability to form our own opinions and that we have had Mr. Cox's views forced upon us in some way. In our Critical Thinking and Writing class, we are taught to form our own opinions. Mr. Cox's view is considered of no greater or lesser importance than the views of the rest of the class.

I find it outrageous that someone would be shocked by a teacher who is teaching his students to understand terrorists. I believe Jesus Christ was one of the greatest teachers of all time. One recurring theme throughout the Bible is that Jesus teaches his followers to understand people from all walks of life, both sinners and saints. How can one say that a teacher should not teach understanding?

Mr. Cox is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He gives greatly to his class. We, in return, give him our best. He teaches us to think for ourselves and form our own opinions. Mr. Cox does not press his views upon us. He instills in us a passion for learning like few teachers can. Political views aside, Mr. Cox is a tremendous teacher, admired by many and matched by few.

CODY BELL

Cape Girardeau