Bootstrap education
Anyone in Madison who doesn't want to see the complete dismantling of quality public education should be ready for the "controversial" Tim Slekar ("Is Madison Ready for Tim Slekar?," 8/30/2013). As our state slouches toward a solution for our "ailing" public schools in a package of vouchers, histrionics and teacher bashing, these "solution-seekers" are the same individuals who are relieved when all the urban inner-city children are taught to read in a 30-second montage by Michelle Pfeiffer. Dr. Slekar seems to possess the courage to say simply that public education and its teachers and administrators are being used as a scapegoat for those political voices within our state who refuse to embrace any kind of a comprehensive policy on poverty, early childhood education and comprehensive health care.
I, for one, am ready for Dr. Slekar, as should be anyone who realizes that the upward pulling of straps in our delusional self-made myth must first be accompanied by the appearance of boots!
John M. Kibler
Money isn't everything
Thanks for publishing Marc Eisen's thoughtful article about Bill Linton's remarkable leadership at Promega ("Capitalist with a Soul," 9/6/2013). In terms of Linton's critics, saying that the purpose of business is to maximize momentary total return for investors is similar to saying the purpose of life is to breathe. Yes, ROI and breathing are essential for survival, yet living is much more than ROI and breathing. High quality and a positive impact on others are much more central to a purposeful life and business, and Bill Linton is a high-quality businessperson. Madison and his employees are very fortunate that he chose to hold tight rather than cash in.
Denis Collins, Professor of business ethics, Edgewood College
Useful definitions
In response to Larry Kaufmann's approving column on the Legislature's "Right the Rules" review of business regulations ("Change the Rules, Improve the Economy," 9/6/2013), I would just like to state the following:
lib.er.tar.i.anism, n. the SELF-interest of individuals who know the cost of everything, and the value of nothing.
Mad.i.son, n. 77 square miles of civilized progressives, surrounded by Elmer Fudd, Barney Fife, Joe McCarthy, John Birch, Ted Nugent, Dick Trickle and Ann Coulter.
Rich van Benschoten
