Letters to the Editors

High-quality Pre-K enhances education

In response to the Oct. 30 article, "Questions raised about pre-k gains," it's true that high quality preschool experiences may not inoculate all children against academic struggles in elementary school and later. However, it's also true that we guarantee many children's failure if they are not provided rich learning experiences in language, literacy and social skills before they enter kindergarten.

Here are facts, based on multiple longitudinal studies: Children who attend high-quality Pre-K settings have increased high school graduation rates, do better on standardized tests, repeat grade levels less often, and experience fewer referrals to special education. Adults who have attended high quality Pre-K settings have reduced rates of criminal activity, have lower rates of teen pregnancy, have greater employment and higher wages, and have more stable families.

If children enter kindergarten behind, they stay behind. If they cannot recognize the alphabet when they enter kindergarten, they'll have lower reading scores at the end of first grade, and "statistically, by then, the damage is done" (see www.preknow.org). These children are at risk for reading problems throughout elementary school and middle school, and high school graduation may prove elusive. Let's support high-quality Pre-K as a necessity for our most vulnerable citizens.

SARAH JO SANDEFUR

Associate Professor of

Literacy Education

AMYE WARREN

Professor of Psychology

The University of

Tennessee

at Chattanooga

Price of freedom may be 'rubbish'

I was originally going to remain neutral as to this debacle that has ensued following a complaint, and a legitimate complaint at that, from a citizen of this country over the religious quotes at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. However, I will enter this fray with a quote from Justice Robert Jackson who in his infinite wisdom said: "The price of freedom of religion or of speech or of the press is that we must put up with, and even pay for, a good deal of rubbish."

This rings extremely true on both sides of this issue and with the overzealous coverage of this matter by your paper. Everyone should hear the words of Woody Guthrie ring out when these ridiculous displays take over -- "This land is your land; this land is my land ..."

With Veterans Day fast approaching I think back to the day I was drafted and sent to Southeast Asia, and I also remember my payment for this unsolicited part of my life was to have a glass of urine thrown on me the day I returned in uniform. Such is the price of freedom in this country. And don't ever forget it!

PAUL M. RAY

Summerville, Ga.

'Man Called Peter' still has relevance

I noticed that churches, as well as the downtown during summer months, offer movies to the public of all ages. There are Christian schools that, I believe, could use "A Man Called Peter" regardless of religious affiliation to motivate and inspire their youth with regard to women, liquor, tobacco, cursing, etc.

This movie needs to be brought back into the light and view of parents, teachers, teens, soldiers, veterans, and the general public.

This is cinematic quality starring Richard Todd and Jean Peters. One significant speech was in the beginning, delivered by Jean Peters portraying Catherine, as a student at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta. Her words were splendidly put and relevant for time immemorial.

Of course, Peter Marshall's sermon before the cadets at the military academy prior to the U.S. entry into WWII is poignant and certainly still so, with our overseas involvement.

The wisdom and sincerity of this movie has withstood the ravages of time. Marshall became the pastor of the Church of Presidents and chaplain to the Senate. A good viewing. As one who has worked with youth, I highly recommend it particularly for today.

NANCY DIWAN

Chattanoogan, staff offer great service

Having read the editorial pages, both left and right, I have noticed that far too often the letters are to complain about an infinite array of items. This letter is different. I am writing to compliment one of Chattanooga's finest.

My wife and I attended the Walker County Gala this past weekend at The Chattanoogan. The service was impeccable, the facilities excellent and the staff impressive. I also found that they provide assistance and honesty, which is difficult if not impossible to find in most hotels ... but this is Chattanooga. The Mother City to Northwest Georgia.

During our stay there, a very valuable gemstone was lost. This loss was not discovered until after the event. My wife was terrified. However, an employee of The Chattanoogan, Greg Martin, found the item and turned it in to the proper authorities. Mr. Tom Cupo notified us that it had been found in the vacuum system and it was returned to us ... our relief was total.

The staff at The Chattanoogan is to be praised and lauded for their honesty and concern. My wife and myself thank the staff and management for all their help and caring.

We are fortunate to have such an establishment in this area.

G. PAUL & IRMA

SHAW

Obama ruling Chicago-style

The Obama administration has decided the citizenry and news outlets are the "enemy." This Chicago-style of government won't do for the American people. We get it! The continuing denigration of the U.S.A. by our own president and the collusion by the White House staff to shut off access to Fox News is a direct slap to millions of Americans. We all are very interested in the czars he has in place.

Red and yellow, black and white will crawl over each other on hands and knees to protect the American way.

GAIL BLAYLOCK

HUDSON

Obama leadership is misguided

Since the Kennedy administration, it has been proven the best way to stimulate the economy is to cut taxes. Cut taxes and watch the economy boom. Bush's war in Iraq established a fledging democracy in an unstable region.

The debate about when life begins has been addressed by 37 states with fetal homicide laws.

All theories about creation, evolution and intelligent design should be discussed in our schools. Respectful debate is part of a good education. Learn how to agree to disagree.

Obama's governance as opposed to his campaign promises are misguided. He promised "no lobbyists in his administration, transparent and accountable government, bills posted on-line for seventy-two hours, broad bipartisan participation, an open door policy and support for the necessary war in Afghanistan." These have not been kept. Race is not an issue.

There are serious scientific findings that question the validity of "global warming." Renaming the theory "climate change" is not a scientific approach. There is too much at stake to accept the premise without question.

KEN BRADNER

Dunlap, Tenn.

Stop perpetuating Bush's blunders

The more of us "infidels" we have in Afghanistan the more we enhance the rhetoric of the al-Qaida and the more al-Qaida we kill the angrier their friends and relatives become and the more al-Qaida volunteers we generate. Al-Qaida is a many headed hydra that regrows its heads in proportion to the number of invaders on its territory.

University of Chicago Professor Robert Pape's comprehensive research on the motivation of terrorism shows that the salient factor was American troops on sacred soil.

If by magic al-Qaida went belly-up and welcomed us to Afghanistan and an honest popular government was installed we would still be left in charge of supplying 95 percent of the world's heroin.

Please, Mr. President, reinforce your Nobel and bring all our troops and mercenaries home from Afghanistan and Iraq immediately. Why perpetuate Bush's blunders? We have much simpler problems to deal with at home like health care.

FRED H. WRIGHT