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parochial approach to the issue. We cannot say that just because things are fipe here, it is unnecessary to cbnsider the problems faced elsewhere and how vouchers might help parents and children who are not so fortunate as to live in Rappahannock County.
If Columbine tells us anything, it tells us that it is wrong to say that everything is fine here and what happens elsewhere is not my concern. The tragedy of inner-city schools is, in my view, a blight upon this nation. I recently watched the debate in Harlem among the Democrat candidates for President. Young African Americans in the audience questioned Mr. Gore and Bradley on their opposition to vouchers.
Just like myself, these Black Americans are concerned about the safety and welfare of their children. They understand, better than anyone, that inner-city public schools are war zones. They know that spending more money on public education is not the answer. They know that spending more bn locks and security devices is not going to give their kids what they need, a quality education in a quality environment.
I challenge you, Mr. Tieckelmann, to go and spend a year teaching at a public school in Harlem or Watts. When you have finished, then I will listen to your opinion on whether safety is a proper issue of concern in discussing public education in this nation.
Mr. Clinton sent his daughter to private school for her “safety”. Is the safety of children in the inner cities any less important? I suggest you look into the tender young eyes of a five year old Black girl in a Washington slum and tell her that she is safe and that we have done all that we can do to assure her an “equal” educational opportunity. In my mind’s eye, when I look into that child’s face and hand her a voucher to go to the same private school that Chelsea ' attended, I can see a small tear running next to an emerging smile.
I agree with Mr. Tieckelmann’s comments on children with special needs. I just think that there are private schools that are better equipped to handled those special needs than some of our public schools. The parents are usually in the best position to know what their children need. Vouchers would empower them to make that choice.
Finally, I agree very much with Mr. Tieckelmann’s comment that Columbine “teaches us what happens when there is no accountability.”
In response to Mr. Etchells, I was at a loss to understand why he found my letter “deeply offensive.” I don’t see how my concern for
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