Defense of school, union misses what is really ‘scary’

After reading the Mailbag on Jan. 1, I felt the need to respond to

teacher Joe Robinson, but am not quite sure where to begin.

I believe his initial intent was to defend his union, (defend

probably isn’t the word to use since he called them the “feeblest of

organizations”; maybe explain is a better word) but then he writes to

assure the reader that all is well with student behavior and

motivation. He also takes issue with the phrase “dumbing down” of

education used in a previous letter and shares statistics about

Advanced Placement classes being offered and used at Newport Harbor

High School.

He then goes on a lengthy and quite detailed description about the

atrocities that have been committed through the centuries in the name

of religion. And how our founding fathers agreed that there would

never be a state religion in America. Then it’s back to explaining

the rationale of why the union felt compelled to help rid the school

board of the member with the “scary ideas.”

He feels that his union is feeble and powerless. I see a union

that is strong and powerful with political and social goals that are

not in the best interest of students or teachers.

The world is not “better behaved today than it was 35 years ago,”

and the students of today are a reflection of that fact. C’mon, take

off your rose-colored glasses. Or at least go visit a school in

another district, say, Los Angeles Unified.

There is no question that in his attempt to connect with God, man

has done some terrible acts of inhumanity. Why is that need so strong

to have a relationship with God that we continue to do the same even

today?

The Bible says that God put that desire in our hearts. Does man’s

failed attempts change or discredit who God is or what He wants for

or from us? Did the chance of having a Christian voice on the school

board continue really cause teachers to “shudder in horror”?

From the historical documents and writings that I have read, I

don’t think it was the intent of our founding fathers to relegate God

to a ceremonial throne with no power to affect societal affairs. In

Communist countries, God has no power because he doesn’t exist. In

America he exists, but he has no power. Which is worse?

How is an individual silent prayer sponsoring a state religion?

How is displaying a historical document sponsoring a state religion?

And how would including a design theory be “changing our science

classes to match her” (Wendy Leece) particular religion? I didn’t

know a belief in creation was exclusive to Christians.

In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote the

phrases “all men are created equal” and “endowed by their Creator.”

Hope this “scary idea” didn’t make you “shudder in horror.”

MICHELLE ROE

Costa Mesa