Education a key political plank
The promise of a good education for everyone is part of what makes America great. As an educator in our community, I’m deeply committed to the success of all our students. I’m proud to join other educators across the nation in working to re-elect President Barack Obama. He understands that a good education is not a luxury — it’s an economic imperative for living and competing in the worldwide economy.
America has always made a commitment to putting a good education within reach of anyone who is willing to work for it.
Mitt Romney has repeatedly attacked educators and their unions and he’s surrounded himself with advisors who also have demonstrated an unwillingness to work collaboratively for the good of our students and the nation. We need a president to lead us to work together for our common good — not one who is trying to divide us.
There is no greater predictor of individual success than a good education. In order to keep the promise of the American dream alive for all Americans, we must work together and invest in education. Barack Obama has made education a top priority since taking office. He has made sound investments in the future for our children and the nation, fighting for funding to keep educators in schools and classrooms, expanding access to Head Start and Early Head Start, and increasing funding for Pell Grants and worker training.
As an educator, I’m proud to support Barack Obama, who works with us, not against us.
— Dianne Burpo
Terre Haute
The politics of bridge story
In last Tuesday’s Tribune-Star, an article on page one dealt with the Eel River bridge problem. The title of the article announces “Officials advocating for more than a quick fix for Eel River bridge.”
Does James R. Mann II have a job that makes him an official? I don’t know the gentleman, but I was unaware that a candidate for a state office became an “official” before being elected. Three-fourths of the article is about what Mann thinks about the bridge. Finally, the reporter gets around to mentioning Charlie Brown, an “elected” commissioner of Clay County, and Bob Heaton, our “elected” state representative.
When I contacted Congressman Heaton about the matter, he told me he was not informed of a news conference, but was phoned by the reporter for comments. That would explain why Mr. Mann’s picture was taken in front of the bridge — a subtle endorsement perhaps?
I realize newspapers can endorse whomever they want to endorse on the editorial page. But could you try to make the reporting unbiased, especially when it’s on the front page?
— Marilyn Bahney
Clay City




