As an experienced educator, I continue to see the erosion of support for our children. Current circumstances demonstrate how financial priorities objectify our children and trump their well-being.
School shootings have transpired, yet automatic weapons continue to plague us. Federal funds meant for kids are diverted by corrupt officials. A poisoned environment is now having a direct impact on our children, yet carbon emission vouchers are still being issued.
Gridlock in Congress is a civic failure to our children, and for that reason, an earnest advocacy for all children should be reflected in upcoming legislation.
However, we cannot continue to be complacent with the disconnect between citizen and government. Take time to contact legislators and direct them to uphold their fundamental responsibility to our children. The "fiscal cliff" that looms, is no match for the precipice that our children face.
West El Paso
I'm not surprised that this paper cannot get the correct TV schedule in yesterday's edition (repeated previous day's schedule). It's the same paper that endorsed BHO for POTUS while we fall farther in debt by the day.
There needs to be a wake-up call regarding the lack of respect, and the lack of parental teaching respect to their children. What existed as common courtesy seems to have skipped a generation or two.
Whatever happened to respect for elders, teachers, leaders, and one another? Whatever happened to "please" and "thank you" and addressing a person properly?
One big example is failure of businesses to use respect in telephone calls when they fail to identify themselves before brashly asking, "Is so-and-so there?" and calling people by their first name as though they are best buddies.
On occasion, I have asked who they are and why they have not been taught proper telephone courtesy? Some have replied to me with abusive language or slammed the phone in my ear.
So much for gaining prospective customers or getting information they may seek.
All of this is a reflection on lack of training in the home, part of why there is bullying among children and young people on the path to prisons.
Wake up, parents!
Central El Paso
There are some folks who attend the UTEP basketball and football games who like to get hot and bothered at individuals who like yelling and making noise.
Well, people yell and make noise to show their support for their team and nobody should be offended by it.
The best place for these folks who cannot stand noise or yelling is their home where they can enjoy peace and quiet. Please stay home and do not offend others.
Julio A. Herrera
East El Paso
If there is a God, and most of us believe there is; and
If He is in control of all things, and most of us believe He is; and
If He is the giver of life and most of us believe He is;
Then how could the Connecticut massacre happen?
There are at least two theological explanations of how God could have prevented that evil: 1) to take back the gift of free will He gave us, but that would violate his unconditional love for us, and 2) the other possibility is given by the Apostle John in his first letter, "The Son of God was sent to destroy the works of evil," but that would imply that either the Apostle is wrong, or some people have not yet accepted the Son and His teachings.
But the truth is we're much too educated to accept the theological, therefore let us continue with the sociologists, psychologists and any other theorists' explanation of what happened because at least in their answers we can continue to say, I'm OK, and you're OK.
West El Paso
Thought you might like to know that the El Paso Times sports article on Dec. 17 in regard to the Cowboys' overtime thriller was written by Schuyler Dixon, Associated Press writer.
He is a graduate of Coronado High School and the University of Texas. He is covering most Dallas major professional sports -- Mavericks, Cowboys, Rangers, etc.
He is the son of Dr. Don Dixon and wife Louise Rittmann Dixon, both of El Paso. Both are deceased.
Thought it might be of interest to you and your staff. Sky is my nephew.