March 05, 2008 04:00 am Unrealistic standards Your editorial endorsing all day, every day kindergarten aptly stresses that the advantages of this deplorable change have to do with convenience for parents, monetary gain for the school district and benefits to the low-income children whose home lives are far from ideal. Unfortunately, there are very few benefits for most of the 5-year-olds who must be subjected to this imitation of a work week and the early academics that accompany it. Child development experts have been warning for years that the stresses of higher academic expectations on our youngest children are harmful physically, mentally and emotionally, but the businesses that are our schools continue to cite a handful of weak statistics to support pushing more and more children to earlier performance of unrealistic standards. As competitive adults strive to live vicariously through children, it's no wonder that we are seeing an "epidemic" of childhood and adolescent disorders and diseases that used to be limited to adults. But no matter, the school district will get extra money, the parents will get free daycare and the children will be less of an inconvenience for everyone. Christine Bazzett Schoolyard bullies If what I read in the paper recently about Traverse City Light & Power's executive director, Richard Smith, is true, and he's using bullying tactics against people concerned about what's happening with the substation in Elmwood Township, he needs to be fired immediately. And I feel his dealings with Wolverine Power need to be looked at. Also the comment made by Jim Hoogesteger needs to be dealt with, if it's true. It's just another form of bullying. I would hope people appointed to these positions would be above the schoolyard bullying. Marc Ryan Unfit to govern Recently, a letter writer expressed amazement at the fact that so many people in this part of the state vote Republican despite apparently being in poverty. I have a theory about that. Perhaps people up here realize that the Democrats have no respect for individuals. A key example of this is the fact that the cult of the donkey routinely advocates more draconian restrictions on private gun ownership. Remember what cost the Dems control of Congress in the 1994 elections? That's right, it was the so-called "assault weapon" ban. Until they realize that the right to keep and bear arms is for individuals, the Democrats will be regarded as unfit to live in this country, let alone govern it. Richard Gibbard Strong-arm intimidation I was much chagrined to read in your newspaper that the Food and Drug Administration was using strong-arm tactics to intimidate a local producer of natural supplements. Brownwood is accused of making false medical claims as to the health benefits of their fruit-based products. Many Americans make well-informed choices to use natural supplements, and I feel we have a right to read a company's Web site and decide for ourselves whether the claims and testimonials have any verity. There is much scholarly research to support the claims that naturally occurring substances found in fruit can alleviate pain caused by inflammation, boost the immune system and even lower cholesterol. I choose to use Brownwood fruit concentrates and I am not being duped. The FDA could better fulfill its mission in an effort to stem the gross over-medicating of America due in part to an unholy alliance between the drug industry and the American Medical Association. Natural supplements are a God-given gift, and are not drugs. Hang in there, Brownwood! Chris Ventzke Credibility at stake A city lends a gun to police officers, along with the city's credibility and liability. He had better merit that level of trust. When a police officer says untrue things (saying he quit a job when he was actually fired) or disobeying rules (hiring in a place with residence requirements, then refusing to move there) can we trust him? What other rules will he disobey? City of Frankfort applications ask for four previous employers and reasons for leaving. The reverse side states that false statements are grounds for dismissal. If the officer in question told the truth, why was he hired? If not, why wasn't he fired for that? He complains of inability to start fresh. Citizens could also. Arrest records are permanent. When do citizens get a "fresh start?" Remember "F-Troop" on TV? The questionable ethical situations, incompetence and bumbling were hilarious. Today, it isn't that funny. Frankfort faces lawsuits each time our newest prospective rehire goofs -- again. May common sense prevail. J. Douglas Holmes Beyond beautiful Thanks to the City Opera House, Traverse City is finally getting the high caliber of talent it deserves. Specifically, international violinist Stass Pronin performed at the Opera House on Valentine's Day. Stass' lush performance was a much-needed breath of fresh air for Traverse City audiences. The City Opera House board of directors deserves our appreciation and support for bringing such quality talent to town. The showcasing of such a gifted musician outside the usual orchestral context was brilliant. Stass' moving performance was accompanied by pianist Steve Larson, who used the very piano recently donated to the Opera House by a Traverse City resident. It is just one example of a generous and valued donation by a community member that will be enjoyed here for generations to come. With its stunning restoration and rejuvenation, the City Opera House demonstrated to both audiences and performers that it is a place worthy of their presence. The building is beyond beautiful, and elegant, but comfortable. In this grand yet intimate setting, the acoustics are of high quality. The City Opera House has become a perfect climate for the arts to flourish in Traverse City. Jim Bruno Insurmountable proof The Feb. 12 editorial on a smoking ban raises an important public health topic and one that the editors of your paper have gotten right. The evidence is insurmountable that second-hand smoke is a significant health hazard -- so much so that entire countries, like Ireland and France, are looking at the benefits of a ban, or at least, a regulation. Our legislators who resist making good public health decisions need to be replaced by those who do. Dr. Neill D Varner
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