LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Early child education is important

6/17/2011

Brian Bucher emphasized in his May 29 op-ed column, "Early education pays off," the importance of investments in early education to support the academic success of young children.

Mr. Bucher, regional president of PNC Bank in Toledo, described PNC's commitment to Ohio's youngest citizens. The importance of this investment has once again been recognized by a recent study in the journal Science. This study found that poor children who attended preschool were more likely to graduate from high school and attend college than their peers who didn't attend preschool.

These individuals were also less likely to be involved with the juvenile justice system and less likely to engage in substance abuse.

High-quality preschool has also been linked to modest academic gains, which can ultimately lead a school from "academic emergency" to "continuous improvement." That increases the attractiveness of the district to prospective home buyers and helps to maintain a stable tax base.

Isn't it time for Ohio's leaders to recognize a smart investment when they see one, and increase support for Ohio's early education system?

Tom Brady

Chairman and CEO Plastic Technologies Inc. Springfield Township

 

Some health-care foes are hypocrites

Mr. Obama's health care legislation will require everyone to participate. Many do not feel it appropriate to be forced to purchase health insurance.

But it is interesting to note that some of the same people who object to this requirement also laud recent moves by some states to eliminate public workers' bargaining rights, including health care. I guess if it works in your favor, hypocrisy is not an issue.

Wade Born

East Streicher Street

 

League in the right to deny exemption

If University of Toledo basketball player Naama Shafir wants to play, then she needs to be uniform with her fellow players ("This solution would be 'T'-rrific," Readers' Forum, June 15).

Why should FIBA Europe, which coordinates basketball overseas, change the rules just for her? The rule is that each player must wear the same uniform.

Ms. Shafir wears a T-shirt under her basketball uniform to conform with Jewish modesty rules. No other player in the FIBA wears a T-shirt under the uniform. Why have the other players wear a T-shirt just to satisfy her, as the letter writer suggests? It is easier for her to change than to have the whole team change.

Ed Coon

Norwalk, Ohio

 

Lack of flowers a blooming shame

I've noticed that no flowers have been planted in the containers by the Martin Luther King, Jr., Bridge, along Cherry Street, and even on Monroe Street near Fifth Third Field. That says a lot about diminishing pride in the city.

Isn't there an organization that would take over responsibility of these areas and make a positive impact on our city's image? I'm hoping to see some beautiful flowers soon.

Suzanne Ricci

Seaman Street