I subbed for a Modesto High School class. The experience was nothing but pleasant | Opinion
Next generation brings hope
“Modesto City Schools makes gains on chronic absenteeism. How it’s getting kids to class,” (modbee.com, Oct. 23, 2023)
I am a retired teacher who has spent the last few years working as a substitute in Modesto. I recently had the pleasure (yes, pleasure) of filling in for a history teacher at Downey High School, working with three classes of seniors and two classes of juniors.
Like many of you, I’ve seen countless videos on social media depicting “out-of-control” high school students acting out both vocally and physically against authority figures and fellow students in classrooms across the country. Let me assure you, that has not been my experience this school year.
Of course, I’ve seen my share of disrespectful, troubled students, but they have been the exception — not the rule. My recent workday at Downey was a delight. The teacher I replaced for the day was clearly exceptionally well organized and it was abundantly clear that her students were used to her high expectations for academic performance, behavior, civility and respect for others.
Fear not, Modesto. Our future is in much better hands than you may have been led to believe!
Jack S Stalker
Modesto
Opinion
Willing to pay more for public services
“Merced police disbanding key team due to ‘staffing shortages’,” (mercedsunstar.com, Jan. 5, 2023)
I’ve been noticing in the local news that Merced County and Atwater (my town) are both short of funding for things like safety, police, sheriff’s deputies and fire station staffing. As a local citizen, I wouldn’t mind being taxed more to pay for such things. And I bet a lot of local citizens could afford it as much as I can.
What kind of tax would that be? In my opinion, there ought to be an increase in the tax on the site value of land (not on buildings nor on other developments such as crops, but rather just on natural resources like land).
For things like safety and staffing of public offices here in this county, I would gladly pay more in taxes of any kind (if not a land tax, then maybe a sales tax). Maybe some other local citizens feel likewise. If so, I hope they will chime in, too!
John Lehman
Atwater
Constitutional crisis
“Why haven’t blue states rushed to join Newsom’s call for constitutional amendment on guns?” (sacbee.com, April 21)
There is a call for a constitutional convention to amend — if not rewrite — our Constitution. It takes two-thirds of states to make the call to convene a convention (28 have taken the step, so only six more are needed). If Donald Trump is re-elected, you can bet the call will be made.
What might happen? On day one of his administration, Trump began work on his re-election campaign. “Next time” Trump will surely be looking for a way to avoid being “termed-out,” as the 22nd Amendment requires. He has openly admired Russian President Vladimir Putin’s lifetime tenure and would likely aspire to do the same. He might argue that it’s the people who are limited by not being able to vote for a “beloved” president.
That idea worked on the Supreme Court in “Citizens v. FEC,” which gave corporations a bigger say in our elections. Our saving grace — if we fail to act now — is that it takes three-fourths of states to ratify a change to the Constitution. No doubt, it would be a long and costly fight — a constitutional crisis that might cost us everything.
Harold Crumpley
Modesto
Keeping the peace
“Assembly speaker commits to ‘defending student safety’ amid campus protests. Is there a plan?” (sacbee.com, May 3)
Student safety should always be a top priority, and protection of free speech is a valid argument for not interfering with protests. But once violence sets upon us, it’s time to act on it.
Education, especially with the help of financial aid, is a privilege. Those who are willing to risk that privilege deserve to have it revoked. You must always stand up for what you believe in, but not at the expense of other students’ safety or well-being.
A plan of action needs to be taken expeditiously. Those who are guilty must be held accountable for their actions. We must always strive for peace. Once that has been disturbed, it allows for a sequence of crime to happen — which we cannot have.
Vanessa Taylor
Tracy
