BaltCity schools need to face reality

It was with much concern that I read The Examiner’s May 9 editorial, “Spread courage in local schools” and the article, “Young people are hungry to be heard.” I consider both pieces examples of “putting the cart before the horse,” ignoring the fact that our society operates on a structure of rules and regulations which, in many areas of its operation, the Baltimore City Public School System does not.

It is way past time for schools Chief Executive Officer Andres Alonso and all related officials to face the problems in the city’s public schools.

For example, the reporting of acts of student violence to higher authorities is now the decision of school principals. One would think the higher authorities would have a clear policy requiring their school principals to report such incidents, so they in turn would have a complete picture of what is occurring in their schools.

For the city schools to have the opportunity to enjoy an efficient and safe operation, violent student offenders must be made to realize they have a price to pay to society for their violent behavior. Suspension is certainly not the answer, as most of the guilty ones would be happy to hit the streets where they would probably become even greater community problems.

Instead, these offenders should be placed in a rehabilitation/educational boarding facility to salvage their lives. The facility should be placed under the auspices of a demanding and respected organization working in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.

Quinton D. Thompson

Towson

Not so glorious Israel

The May 14 editorial, “The glory of Israel at 60,” was long on pro-Israel propaganda and short on facts. It states, “Israel … is a stalwart and admirably democratic ally of the United States.” In fact, Israel is an expensive and dangerous liability. Our support of Israel’s brutal occupation and oppression of the Palestinians causes us to be hated by 1 billion Muslims and to be the target of terrorist threats from around the world. In addition, while Israel is a democracy for its Jewish citizens, it is more like a military dictatorship for the 20 percent of its citizens who are Arabs, as dozens of laws benefit only Jews.

Finally, the statement that 60 years ago, the Palestinians “… voluntarily left their homes in Israel. …” is false. In fact, 700,000 Palestinians were driven out of their homes while hundreds of their villages were destroyed by the Israelis, whose leaders openly called for “ethnic cleansing and displacement” of the Palestinians from Israel.

The fact that the United States continues to this day to finance, arm and give political support of Israel’s heinous actions against the Palestinians makes us just as guilty as Israel.

Ray Gordon

Baltimore

BaltCo’s Kamenetz off base on Cromwell Elementary

I take great exception to Baltimore County Council Chairman Kevin Kamenetz’s comment that Cromwell Valley Elementary School is “underutilized.” (“Board Kills Addition to Ridge Ruxton,” May 8)

On what information does Mr. Kamenetz base this assertion? According to the Baltimore County Public Schools Web site, CVE is actually over capacity. With two children in the school, I spend hours there each week. Every classroom is filled. Last year I worked with the administration to try to find a room for volunteers. Aside from a large closet, there is no unused space.

Mr. Kamenetz also said the school is not a “neighborhood facility.” CVE does draw from a larger area than other schools. However, a great number of the neighborhood children choose to attend CVE. It is our neighborhood school -- and a magnet school as well.

Katherine Wikstrom

Towson

Human ‘progress’ has power to save or kill

Thanks to Frank Keegan for the excellent sludge and trash comments in his May 2 column, “Sludge, trash show us our destiny and hope.” Of course, there may be those who would find fault with The Examiner’s paper delivery system and unintended trash and plastic bag debris. But the exasperation behind his editorial is well founded.

As he hinted, humanity and the so-called progress we produce will lead to one of four outcomes, astrophysical events not included:

- Destruction of most life on Earth;

- Destruction of humanity but not all life;

- Escape to space before destruction;

or

- A meaningful dialogue on the importance of the green movement, possibly with beneficial side effects on the longevity of life on the planet. As long as our suburbanites consider a pristine macadam driveway the perfect foil for a shiny new car, the last choice will be just another transient investment opportunity.

Dr. John S. Minkowski

Baltimore