Contempt

Contempt

Not a Joke

Io the Editor:

At the last meeting of the Board of Supervisors, I was shocked to hear hat those of us who objected to the -emoval of the dumpsters were “low lifes, cry babies and people wanting to xtllute the Chesapeake Bay.”

It isn’t often that an elected offi:ial openly voices his contempt for his electorate. He has already shown by his action, what he thinks of us.

It is difficult to understand Mr. Massie making a joke out of what half of the people in the County feel is a legitimate concern (his reference to the placement of the Scrabble and Huntly dumpsters). Apparently he has no respect for his predecessors who placed them there either. It is understandable that the votes of the other Supervisors were motivated by what they believed their electorate wanted, although, I submit, that they put the (perceived) parochial interests of their people, before those of the county as a whole. I suggest that they look at the addresses of the people signing the objection to the removal. They will find a great many people in their districts. Mr. Massie does not have that excuse. Those of us in his district want the dumpsters to remain.

Mr. Anderson observed that the action to close took place after the last election. I don’t believe most of us in Mr. Massie’s district will forget his action or the derogatory way he feels about us. Hopefully Mr. Massie is a “lame duck” Supervisor.

MARY W. BAILEY

Washington

Goals 2000

Questions

To the Editor:

What is the goals 2000 controversy all about?” Why is a state like California now trying to get out of the program? Why are Democrats threatening to sue Gov. George Allen to force him to participate in the program?

What is it costing the federal government to administer the program (with our tax dollars)? Are there strings attached? If a district applies for the grant, what are the national standards it must meet? Is it an assault on parental authority? Is it government intrusion?

This is a complex issue — one that should be fully evaluated before taking any action to participate.

During my research, the program appeal to be more about social engiV neering than academics. One of the excellent books 1 studied was A Critique of "America 2000: an Education Stratgy" by Kathi Hudson, vice president of Citizens for Excellence in Education. I consider her very credible, with a degree in political science with emphasis on public policy. She also wrote Reinventing America’s Schools.

Since no decision must be made until June 30, the Culpeper County School Board wisely tabled the issue until the May meeting. Last Tuesday night, April 9, the Rappahannock County School Board unanimously voted to approve Goals 2000 participation. However, their action was not