SCIENCE

U.S. losing its stature

I read that Rep. Paul Brown, R-Ga., recently stated that evolution, embryology and the Big Bang theory are “lies straight from the pit of hell” meant to convince people that they do not need a savior. Rep. Brown sits on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

One need look no further to understand why America is fast losing its position as the world leader in science and technology. And why our children perform so poorly in math and science. With this type of leadership, every American child will be left behind.

BRAD EIDAM, Boise

EDUCATION

Drugs are not the answer to improving performance

Regarding: Doctors help students make the grade — with drugs.

If some kids perform poorly while others perform well, doesn’t that indicate the school system is working at least a little bit, or that some of the responsibility for failure falls outside the system itself? Dr. Anderson argues that the education system has failed. But then how exactly are the square-peg kids helped by doping them to fit into a worthless school system?

If every kid did poorly, I’d see your failing education system and raise you a massive conspiracy. But if only some are failing, while others do well, and some excel, then we should look at student’s methods, too — not only at the system.

Our education system is not perfect, but I can’t help but think we’re missing the point when doctors start drugging perfectly normal kids — and no one freaks out about it. This seems just a bit like giving the little Dutch boy a pill to fatten his fingers rather than trying to fix the dikes.

If this is where our society is headed, we have big problems, because we’re going to destroy our kid’s futures more completely than any sub-par education system ever will.

ROBERT MURPHY, Boise

HOURLY CUTS

CEOs should examine their hurtful actions

I am so proud of the CEO and board of Olive Garden and Red Lobster for its ethical, moral and humane stance to cut the hours of their employees in a move to avoid paying President Obama’s health bill for their workers. Not only have they righteously lowered the hours of these hard-working employees, but they put the same in a position so that not only will they not be able to afford to support their current standard of living, but certainly now will not be able to afford any health care.

I would personally like to avoid these places, except that again would only hurt the workers who depend on customers’ support and tips.

Guess that’s why the big boys deserve the big bucks: they do what’s best for the corporations, employees, and shareholders. Time to sell stock.

NICOLI FERRELL, Boise