Opinion purveyors are just that
In response to the Free Press Valentine's Day editorial about liberal bias in the media: To cite opinion columnists and commentators like Frank Rich, Keith Olbermann and Bill Press as journalists "who claim to present the news impartially" is like getting upset with Bugs Bunny for not being more serious and scholarly.
Opinion purveyors on TV and in print are just that; and for the Free Press to cite such personalities as proof of some larger liberal conspiracy in the media is both misleading and irresponsible to its readers.
On the contrary, it would be refreshing to see the Free Press editorial board attempt to follow its own advice in giving positions "impartially" without using muddied facts in support -- just as it would be refreshing to see that same board do more than simply trumpet and echo the party line of such "impartial" commentators as Rush Limbaugh or Thomas Sowell. Indeed, a well-thought-out, factually-supported position on either side of the aisle would mark a welcome development in our local political commentary.
STUART GAINES
Red Bank
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Make adjustment for sports inclusion
As an addendum to Steve Barrett's fine column ("TSSAA's tepid gesture to home-schoolers too little, too late," Feb. 13) on the bid to let home-schooled children play sports at public schools, it is worth noting that the home-schooling community is divided on the wisdom of seeking this option. Those opposed believe that parents who have fought to secure the freedom to educate their children without government control would risk increased regulation by seeking participation in government-sponsored activity.
The opponents have a point. Certainly any regulatory or statutory change to accommodate home-schoolers' athletic ambitions should make clear that any new rules would apply only to those families participating and not to parents who wish to remain apart from government help or cooperation.
Barrett was right to call out government school officials for their "they don't want us, so we don't want them" attitude toward home educators. You don't want them? Well, how about the public-school taxes these families pay without receiving services in return? Would you like to do without those revenues as well? Perhaps there should be a home-schooling tax exemption along the lines of the homestead exemption senior citizens receive, particularly if home-schooling families are going to be excluded from cooperation with public schools.
ROBERT HOLLAND
senior fellow for education policy
The Heartland Institute
Chicago, Ill.