Letters to the Editor

Act Fast on Warming, Before Planet Cools

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

That seems to be getting much closer. A recent Senate Subcommittee on Environment and Public Works report shows that more than 650 real climate scientists from around the world are now openly challenging the U.N.-Al Gore "consensus."

Mother Nature, by not cooperating with the consensus crowd, might be causing further angst. Earth's temperatures have not increased for the past eight years. Predicted rises in ocean levels have not happened, and are reported to have dropped. Arctic ice cover is increasing, as are some glaciers. And the ongoing lack of solar activity presages (gasp!) cooling.

All this might well contribute to the consensus enthusiasts' concern that their perceived problem might disappear before they can fix it.

E.G. Martin. Williamsburg.

Try to Spare Arts From Draconian Cuts

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

In Virginia, arts and culture are a billion-dollar industry -- employing 20,000 people, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity, and drawing both national and international tourists.

People are already taking more "staycations," as they look to avoid airfares and hotel expenses. A strong arts sector encourages people to stay local and attend cultural events close to home, boosting the respective local economies.

A strong arts and culture presence can also assist with economic development.

Though arts offerings are not the main reason for a company to relocate in Virginia, combined with other factors such as taxes, schools, and workforce potential, a strong arts presence can give the commonwealth an edge over another state.

When support for the arts is reduced, it is not the frills that are being cut. Rather, the reduction is undercutting an industry that is a cornerstone of tourism, economic development, and the revitalization of many downtowns.

When support for the arts increases, the result is an increase in tax revenues, jobs, and a creativity-based economy.

The arts are part of the solution to the challenges that the Commonwealth of Virginia and the country face today. The arts bring inspiration, meaning, and enjoyment to our lives -- they are instrumental in strengthening our communities educationally, socially, and economically.

Please support Gov. Kaine's budget for arts funding and encourage Virginia legislators to do the same.

Kirk Spitzer, Chairman,

Fat Tax Would Feed The Lean Budget

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I propose that residents of the commonwealth weigh in every year at DMV offices and the Body Mass Index be used to determine how much each person is overweight. We might exempt children and senior citizens (which thankfully includes me).

Not only would this be a terrific way for the commonwealth to raise money, we might create a healthier citizenry in the process.

If people don't want to pay the fat tax, all they have to do is eat less, which will also save them money.

John Clark. Richmond.

A Univeral System Can't Be Exclusive, Too

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Fite argues that public schools are unique institutions because they are both publicly funded and publicly operated. He claims that most government programs are publicly funded, but privately provided like Medicare or food stamps -- although he seems to forget about the police, fire, and military.

Fite wants a Medicare or food stamp model of funding for our schools. The government provides funding for programs, but citizens get to pick where the service is provided among private providers.

Fite forgets that doctors and grocery stores are not exclusive. No one stands at the door and says we don't want your business, or we won't treat you because your cancer is too advanced.

Public K-12 schools were established to provide exactly what Fite claims to support: a universal, basic education for all. Fite wants taxpayer support for children to attend private schools, but still wants the government schools -- that he complains are a failing, nationalized monopoly -- to operate.

Public schools serve gifted children, those with significant learning problems, and everyone in between. Public schools must exist if we are to have universal basic education, and we should not be paying parents to leave a system we established to provide this service.

You cannot have an educational system that is both exclusive and universal.

In Virginia, we do have a post-secondary system that is much like the model that Fite supports. Parents can apply to public or private colleges, and there is taxpayer support available for both. However, no one is required to attend and many don't.

One need only look at these programs to see what public K-12 schools might look like if they were able to exclude children as the private schools do. Many of the colleges and universities considered the best in the state are public institutions.

Greg Muzik. Richmond.