If I was a mayor of a city and supplied funds to take the school system’s students for a pro-gun or right-to-life rally, would you write the same exact editorial for me that you wrote in support of Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh? Somehow I doubt that very much. But what is good for the goose is good for the gander (“Baltimore student protests and the $100,000 field trip,” March 7).
Regardless of the side I am on, I see this as a misuse of one’s office, misuse of taxpayers’ money, and very bad precedent. I don’t view this as part of the educational experience but one of taking advantage of an emotional situation, indoctrination and exploitation. I have yet to hear Baltimore students talking about how scared they are in school and, in fact, many seem quite empowered to provide the rest of the riders on MTA buses with neither a positive or peaceful experience.
Along with the mayor, I view The Sun as the same, because if a public event can’t be used for specific politics, The Sun is either against it or refuses to cover it. Just like Baltimore’s education system, The Sun is hapless at informing and educating.
Michael W. Kohlman, Baltimore