Spare the book, spoil the child

I am 71 years old and enjoyed a wonderful education through the post-graduate level. My Italian-born parents continually emphasized the primary importance of education. I was always encouraged to make the best of the educational opportunities offered to me.

Unless this country re-emphasizes and instills public respect and support for education and teachers, our nation is doomed to failure in the world. Other nations like Russia, China, Japan and India are already beginning to overtake this nation's industrial, technological and scientific leadership.

We are not going to find national salvation by excelling in athletics, movies, reality television, video games or in classrooms where education is a mockery of academic standards, high achievement and discipline.

Wake up America before it's too late. Third World status awaits us!

VIRGIL SESTINI

Las Vegas City Life, letters to the editor, February 7, 2008

http://www.lvcitylife.com/articles/2008/01/24/opinion/letters/iq_19267347.txt