Cook’s elephantine comments off base
David Cook’s recent column on the decision by Feld Entertainment to phase out elephants from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus misses the point as to why elephants have been an integral part of the circus and why Feld Entertainment decided to transition them out of the traveling shows.
Everyone at Ringling Bros. takes pride in our animal care, and by showing the world our magnificent animals, particularly the elephants, audiences gain a larger appreciation of them.
Contrary to Cook’s views, all elephant behaviors seen in the circus are based on their natural abilities — yes, elephants do stand on their heads, I’ve seen it.
It’s not the same as reading about elephants in a book or watching them on TV. The excitement in children’s faces at seeing an elephant in the circus cannot be matched.
It was a bittersweet decision to remove the elephants from the circus, but Ringling Bros. proudly will continue to bring other amazing animals and the most talented human performers.
Equally as important, as it has been for many years, a portion of each circus ticket goes toward not just experiencing The Greatest Show On Earth but to saving the endangered Asian elephant for future generations.
Stephen Payne, Field Entertainment, Inc., Parent Co. of Ringling Bros. Circus
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Vouchers option for failed system
It is rare I have a read a commentary as full of half-truths than that by Dr. Tammy Grissom (March 11). To address three points individually:
1. Her statement that private schools are accountable to administrators rather than the public is laughable. Private schools are accountable to parents as well, something public schools are not. If a parent is unhappy with a private school, the student can be removed from that school and be put in another. Public schools are accountable to a school board, whose members are often teachers and who are elected with the help of the teachers’ union’s time and money.
2. While it is true the state Constitution requires the government to provide free public schools, nowhere does it say the government may only provide for those schools.
3. It is true vouchers force the public to support two different school systems. The current system forces the public to support one school system, a system which has failed too many children.
Vouchers for private schools will not eliminate the right to “… attend school as guaranteed in the state Constitution …” but provide an alternative to a system that has, despite huge budget increases, failed.
Larry Zeh
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Corker, Alexander made right choice
In the past, I have disagreed with Sen. Bob Corker on a number of issues and have criticized his position on those issues. Now I want to take the opportunity to commend both Sen. Corker and Sen. Lamar Alexander for their good judgment in refusing to sign the ill-conceived letter sent from a group of U.S. senators to the leaders of Iran.
This letter is pure partisan politics and is an attempt to undercut negotiations and embarrass our president. Unfortunately, the letter sends a negative message that our country is weak and divided.
Again, my compliments to Sen. Corker and Sen. Alexander for refusing to be a part of this.
Rev. H. Hunter Huckabay Jr.