LETTERS 03/25/08

Paul Rodriguez

Kansas City

Bob Ray Sanders’ temperate assessment of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s comments about America (3/21, Opinion, “America needs Wright’s liberation theology”) helps us see that dramatic challenge can be healthy. Only the naive, looking back through the antiseptic washing of our nation’s history, see us as always right and pure.

I am a Lutheran, and our church emerged after the inflammatory action of Martin Luther nailing 95 theses — topics for discussion — on the door of Wittenberg Cathedral in 1517. Christianity survived his blatant effrontery and the ensuing debates and, I believe, grew stronger from some adjustments.

America now can survive Wright’s blistering rhetoric and grow from self-examination.

John Canuteson

Liberty

Last Tuesday, there were more than 6,400 kids and their families at the zoo enjoying a fun-filled and educational day. These are the kids Mayor Funkhouser says his budget is designed to help. These are the same kids who will have no zoo if his drastic funding cuts are adopted.

Just what are the programs that his budget is supposed to offer these kids? I may be missing something, but I haven’t heard one thing that the mayor proposed that is “kid friendly.”

I volunteer at the zoo almost every day, and I think we need a truth squad with regard to the mayor’s statements. Let’s start with his statements that those not living in Kansas City don’t contribute to the economic well being of the city. Has the earnings tax been rescinded? If so, please let us all know. I thought those monies were to help with the upkeep of Kansas City, as well as for fire and police protection. Where did all that money go?

Linda Brunk Smith

Kansas City

The legislature is considering adoption of the low-standard American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) process, in Senate Bill 1066 and House Bill 1911. Every person in Missouri who wants good teachers for our children should oppose these bills.

ABCTE allows anyone who holds any bachelor’s degree (no minimum GPA or other criteria) to become certified to teach by passing two tests — one in teaching and one in the content field. This is a low effort, minimal preparation (even in content field) mechanism.

Supporters claim these bills will address teacher shortages but Missouri already has multiple alternative certification entryways including the Temporary Authorization Certificate and Teach for America. These allow people with a degree in the content field which they desire to teach to enter the classroom immediately (if hired) and learn on the job with support.

ABCTE will not help the shortage of highly qualified teachers; it will make it worse. I urge all Missourians to contact your representative and senator today to express opposition to these bills, or any legislation that authorizes ABCTE as a route to teacher certification in Missouri.

Donna M. Gardner

Associate professor and chairwoman

Department of Education

William Jewell College

Liberty

I consider it very good news for Missouri that that former Mayor Charles Wheeler, also a former Missouri senator, is running for state treasurer (3/15, Local). Wheeler is one of the most educated and sharpest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is a formidable man who will bring integrity to this office.

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