Severing ties with librarian association ‘midguided’ action that diminishes education | Opinion
Librarians are educational asset
Once again, the S.C. Dept. of Education (DOE) has demonstrated how to alienate those frontline hardworking educators – in this case qualified school librarians. (“SC school chief Ellen Weaver ends ties with librarians’ group over ‘book ban’ stance,” Sept. 6).
The recent unfounded decision to cease its relationship with the S.C. Association of School Librarians (SCASL) is misguided at best.
The decision demonstrates the ignorance on the part of the leadership at the DOE on the critical role media specialists play in literacy as well as selecting material for their collections and assisting in the academic achievement of their schools.
Decisions like these are why many educators will certainly leave their positions, rather than fight current leadership.
Frank Baker, Columbia
Opposed to putting abortion on ballot
A recent article about the push by State Senators Margie Bright Matthews (D-Colleton) and Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington) reported on the effort to put the question of abortion legality in the Palmetto State on the ballot.
As the president of Democrats For Life of South Carolina, an organization for pro-life Democrats, I am strongly opposed to the idea of putting abortion on the ballot.
We should not be putting human rights — especially the right to life — up for a vote. Abortion is never the solution to financial struggles and other problems people may face. Abortion is not a human right because it kills a human being. Popular or not, abortion, and the killing of human beings more broadly, outside of self defense, is wrong. As Albert Einstein said, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.”
Hayden Laye, Walhalla
Remembering those lost by overdose
More than 100 people attended Lexington County’s Overdose Awareness event on Aug. 31, the International Day of Remembrance. The Lexington County event was one of six held across the state.
Members of state agencies, local organizations and families impacted by overdose gathered to show support and pay tribute.
While the experience of pain and grief was apparent, so was the hope and healing shared by the three speakers.
As each parent shared about their loved one, those parents also showed courage and strength to the many in attendance.
The names and pictures of the 65 decedents submitted by family members brought heartache, but the community support and commitment to reduce overdose helped to promote healing.
Mark your calendars for next year’s event: Aug. 31, 2024.
Dr. Pam Imm, community psychologist, Lexington
Stick to job of legislating
Don’t the U.S. House Republicans have anything better to do than waste taxpayer money with all these unfounded investigations? I don’t know, like legislating?
Do your jobs and do something that actually benefits the American people.
The GOP is no longer the party of Lincoln or Reagan. It is a cult lead by one man who is a dictator-wannabe.
Ronald M Andersen, Winnsboro