I find it rather interesting that Sens. Bernie Sanders, Patrick Leahy and Elizabeth Warren voted against Betsy DeVos to head the Department of Education.
Devos is a supporter of private education, vouchers and parental choice. Sanders and Leahy represent a state where independent schools have existed for generations. In fact, according to the Weekly Standard, there are 129 independent schools in Vermont with a total enrollment of approximately 9,200 students, which represents about 11.5 percent of the state’s total student population. Two examples are Burr and Burton and St. Johnsbury Academy. Both of these institutions are over 165 years old and very successful.
As far as Elizabeth Warren is concerned, according to a Weekly Standard article, she wrote a book, The Two-Income Trap, in which she said, “With fully funded vouchers, parents of all income levels could send their children and the accompanying financial support to the schools of their choice.” … The problem is not vouchers; the problem is parental choice.”
Why shouldn’t parents and taxpayers have a choice?
Bruce St. Peter
Grantham
Trump May Make Nation Less Safe
Donald Trump’s effort to keep terrorists out of our country by barring some people from the Middle East may actually make us more unsafe. By not including those from Egypt and Saudi Arabia on his list, (maybe because he has investments in those countries?) he has given ISIS an opportunity to raise havoc in the United States and abroad, and deliver a fatal blow to the Trump presidency. ISIS is getting more sophisticated in its strategic planning.
It is well known that 15 of the 19 9/11 attackers were Saudi nationals. The often-extremist Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt. If ISIS can pull off a terrorist attack killing Americans on our soil by using Saudi and/or Egyptian perpetrators, Trump’s cynical endangerment of our safety would face a backlash in the streets that would dwarf the very successful Women’s Marches. All because he wanted to protect his investments.
Charles Buell
Norwich
This So-Called President
My opinion is that Donald Trump deserves as much respect as he shows others. He lies on a daily basis, makes false, outlandish claims that he can’t back up, and puts the wealthy or incompetent in positions of government power. I’ll always respect the office of president of the United States. I’ll never respect this so-called president who currently holds the position.
Stephen Raymond
Sharon
A Great Race in Hartford
The Ledyard RedZone 5k on Feb. 4 was such a fun time. I want to thank the organizers and sponsors, Hartford Parks and Recreation and the Ledyard National Bank, for a well-managed race.
I’ve been running races for nearly 40 years, and this race was among the best according to all measures. The course was well-marked and the path that was off-road was cleared; the volunteers were helpful; the amenities were great — everything from nice shirts to prizes and snacks; it was family- and dog-friendly; and it was all for a good cause, with proceeds benefiting parks and recreation program scholarships.
Friendly folks and a nice race nearby (we typically drive an hour-plus to most races), in the crisp cold air and sunshine — is there a better way to start the day?
Judy Phillips
Norwich