Howard County schools not collapsing

The April 29 article “Howard school chief unveils worst-case scenario budget” implies students will receive a lesser education because of budget cuts. This is exactly the kind of extortion the education industry uses to get what it wants regardless of what it actually needs.

The instant issue is Superintendent Sydney Cousin’s cry that the Howard school system can’t afford a $4 million budget reduction to a final figure of only $464 million. I’d like to point out to the superintendent that the budget will be reduced by only 8/10 of 1 percent.  Surely a truly accomplished manager should be able to use funds efficiently and effectively so that the school system can operate seamlessly through hardships and shortfalls. That’s what managers are paid to do. 

My suggestion to Superintendent Cousin is to figure out a way to absorb the nominal budget reduction or find another job rather than hold the county hostage to his hyperbole.

Joel Rosenberg

Ellicott City

Cut government presence for better race relations

After reading the April 29 Examiner from cover to cover, I am led to observe something about the state of race relations today. Four interesting contrasts stand out.

First, if a white, red, green or orange person makes a noose, it is a hate crime and rightly so. But if a black person makes one, it is free speech.

Second, if a black person is beaten up by a group of purple people, it is a hate crime, and rightly so. But, if a white person is attacked by a group of black people, who call him/her a “white -----,” that is just righteous anger over slavery, and nothing should be said. 

Third, if a black person loses a job to a blue person, racism must have been present, no matter what really happened. Meanwhile, if a qualified Asian person is overlooked so a position can be given to a black person in order to meet some percentage of hires, that is correct so there can be “equality.”

Fourth, if any white, red, green or pink person doesn’t vote for a black person running for office, it must be because s/he is black and the person is racist. On the other hand, if a large number of black people vote for the black person just because

s/he is black, that is “black pride” and not race-related at all.

That these are the present politically correct attitudes toward race relations today does not surprise me at all. What does confuse me is why politically correct people wonder why there is still racism in the United States.

To my mind, race relations are in the same terrible shape that our bridges, roads, water supply, security at airports and ports, educational systems and sewers are in today.

Now, I wonder who has had control and responsibility over all these aspects of our lives? Want to fix things in a way good for all people? Cut government involvement and get people to be responsible for what government does and does not do!

Michael Buttner

Bel Air 

Common-sense ruling good for soldiers, America

Circuit Judge Sylvester Cox is to be commended for using common sense in delaying signing a probation order for two soldiers who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor handgun violations. (“On probation in Baltimore, Iraq-bound soldiers cleared for deployment,” April 23)

In doing so, the soldiers will be allowed to leave with their unit for a 15-month tour in Iraq. Judge Cox is a patriot. The soldiers had fired their pistols in the air to ward off a threatening crowd. They will face the court upon their return. To those young soldiers, who I hope have learned a lesson, I wish a safe return from serving our country against a merciless foe.

Thomas J. Rostkowski

Middle River