Prey on the weak
The attempt of the Republican Congress to cut the deficit at the expense of so-called entitlements such as Social Security, Medicare and welfare makes one wonder how far we have become civilized, so to speak.
My point is this. Have you ever observed how in Africa or Alaska, when big cats or wolves stalk a herd of animals, they try to cut out the old or weak to get a meal? It's what you call preying on the weakest.
Certainly there is a similarity between this attempt to prey on the weakest in our society when there are more able-bodied places to cut costs.
The attempt to revive supply side economics that helped raise the deficit in the first place proves that experience hasn't taught us much. There are ways to cut the deficit without putting the burden on the least able to shoulder it. Doesn't it really come down to selfishness?
A real test of the progress of civilization is the value it puts on
human life. Putting burdens on the older and weaker members doesn't say much for a progressive society that rates itself above the animal kingdom.
Erwin Koerber
Baltimore
Education is key
In "Hard choices, hard time" (news story, Jan. 14), it was reported that "17 youths from the Pen Lucy neighborhood in northeast Baltimore got first-hand glimpses of . . . the bad. The good. The role model."
While it may do some good to expose youths to "A Day of Reality" in order for them to have an understanding of choices they may have to face, there really is little chance they will have the tools for them to make the right choices.
Not only do they have a lousy education system to deal with, but they also face an increasingly technological society where they are mostly unprepared for what few jobs are available.
Until these issues are addressed, no amount of "reality" will keep our young people out of the criminal justice system.
Moreover, the lure of drugs and the potential profits that can be made will continue to victimize our youths as long as they see little hope for any alternatives.
Our youths are involved in the drug industry for a number of reasons. I believe the main reason is the fact that many of them are helping their families make ends meet in an economy that has left them with little alternative. We must begin to offer some viable alternatives and some hope for all people.
Education is the key. We must make learning relevant and exciting, and there must be the potential to obtain a decent job once a student graduates from school.
As it is now, most students' education, particularly in the inner city, is irrelevant and unchallenging and certainly does not prepare them for the high-tech world of work.
We as a society have the ability and the resources to raise the hopes and standard of living of all our people.
If we choose to continue to ignore the needs of millions of people, especially the children of our poorest cities, then the uprising that occurred in south-central Los Angeles will be duplicated many times over in the not too distant future.
Robert Jenusaitis
Baltimore
Folks in high places
Susan Mannion wanted to know why the Calvert School program isn't being instituted on a city-wide basis, since this program had such great success at Barclay Elementary School (letter, Jan. 6).
Think about it. Could the following be the answer?
There are people in high places with impressive degrees in the Baltimore City school system who would be hurt by this.
These are well-established people paid big bucks to implement programs and forever change the curriculum. What would they do if the Calvert School way of educating was in every school in Baltimore City?
Would these elite educators get a "pink slip"?
Nancy Dvorak
Middle River
A far better death
Dale Bartlett of the Humane Society of the United States writes of wounded animals being terrorized in traps for up to 24 hours (Forum, Jan. 3).
He should be, and probably is, aware that the largest number of animals trapped in Maryland are water animals such as muskrat, mink and beaver.
I am sure he is also aware that they predominantly are trapped with the conebear-type trap that is designed to kill the animal instantly. There is no waiting, and pain is minimized.
Foxes are the primary target in Maryland for which the foothold trap is used.
Because of the possibility of catching non-target animals on dry land, the conebear trap is neither a legal nor ethical option. (Yes, trappers have ethics too.)
A fox will not enter a cage trap. The only practical option is the foothold trap that permits release of non-target animals.
If Mr. Bartlett had ever walked a trap line, he would know that with the proper size traps foxes either suffer no damage to the foot or leg or minimal skin breaks, rubs or bruises at the most.
One thing I think works in the animal's favor in terms of any pain experienced is that reduced circulation may quickly numb the affected area.
He would also know that before they become aware of the trapper's presence, most trapped foxes appear to be calm and not at all "terrorized."
He decries a swift blow to the head as being inhumane. I would suggest that it is a far better death than that of the rabbit the fox had eaten earlier while it was still alive and screaming.
Lester Hackler
Sparks
Volunteer spirit is alive and well in Baltimore
House Speaker Newt Gingrich recently has done some things I applaud. His ushering of a bill making Congress adhere to the laws it passes is commendable.
However, his objections to a national service program have left me concerned and perplexed.
National service has a history of bipartisan support. President Bush initiated and signed the original National Service Act of 1990, which President Clinton later reauthorized.
Indeed, Mr. Bush's "1,000 points of light" campaign advanced many worthwhile efforts and organizations.
As executive director of a national nonprofit organization that was Mr. Bush's 362nd "point of light" and is now one of Mr. Clinton's AmeriCorps programs, I have a perspective Mr. Gingrich perhaps does not.
MAGIC ME Inc. is a Baltimore-based organization founded in 1980 that is dedicated to educating and motivating adolescents through long-term community service learning projects with the elderly.
AmeriCorps members are currently disseminating the program to thousands of youth and elderly in three states.
I wish I could share my vantage point with the speaker. Then he could see the excitement and enthusiasm this program and national service have generated in thousands of primarily (though not exclusively) young adults who have answered the call to service.
If Mr. Gingrich could be in regular contact with 25 of the AmeriCorps members, as I am, he would say with confidence that they are far from coerced into service.
No doubt he would notice how civic-minded the AmeriCorps members become, volunteering for community activities beyond the scope of their service and even running for office on a local school board.
Mr. Gingrich would know, too, that people do not join nor stay because of the $7,640 annual stipend they receive.
Although that amount barely reimburses people for the expenses incurred during 40 or more hours of weekly service, without it they could not participate in the program.
Perhaps he would marvel, as I have, at how some people !B willingly forgo Aid to Families with Dependent Children and other entitlements because the thought of playing a productive role in society holds much greater value to them.
He would hear them struggling to find ways they can serve for another year on the modest stipend.
Upon reflection, it might occur to Mr. Gingrich that there is great similarity between AmeriCorps members and members of Congress.
Both are committed to leadership and action in solving community problems. Both believe their actions will make a difference in society, and both answer a deep inner call.
MAGIC ME invites Mr. Gingrich to see our AmeriCorps program in Baltimore. If the House rules allow it, we will even pay for a round-trip Amtrack ticket (out of private funds, of course) to facilitate his visit.
Alfred de la Cuesta
Baltimore
Take their cars
I propose that the state impound the automobile of anyone whose license is suspended because of a conviction for drunk driving.
I'll wager that would get the attention of those who insist on driving while under the influence.
It would also produce a significant reduction in the number of repeat offenders.
Richard H. Tilghman
Baltimore