The GOP’s ‘Pledge to America’; education solutions for young black males; low-wage jobs

America and rights

Re “A son’s loyalties tested: An uproar over Communist imagery in a museum picture leaves a photographer torn between his duty to his father and his artistry,” Column One, Sept. 21

I defend the right of the protesters as much as I defend Brian Doan’s right to show his photo, but protesters’ rights don’t include defacing his work. They can boycott, they can sing and shout, and they probably can even send ugly e-mails as long as they are not threatening.

The irony is that the protesters presumably came here seeking a better life, which must have included escaping the harshness of communist rule — and then they seemingly engage in that same kind of harshness.

I don’t deny that they have every right to be angry, but Doan’s right to express his views, thoughts, ideas — whatever — trump their actions in defacing hisproperty.

Judi Jones

San Pedro

Everyone’s take on the ‘pledge’

Re “ GOP details ‘pledge’ to voters,” Sept. 23, and “Republicans’ ‘pledge’ aims to strike a delicate balance,” Sept. 24

Finally, Republicans come up with a plan of their own. The 21-page document is nowhere near the thousands of pages that healthcare reform took, but it’s a start.

House Minority Leader John Boehner’s plan is simple, but when did simple become wrong?

Straight and to the point is not what one typically associates with politics, especially in America, but we need to get back to the basics.

Jake Burns

Santa Clarita

Tax cuts for the rich? Repeal healthcare? These are the “new ideas” from the GOP? Sounds like more of the same stuff that got America into the economic mess it is in today.

The GOP has shown itself to be completely out of touch with the lives of ordinary people. Why anyone would support these fools is beyond me.

But the country is filled with non-thinkers who will happily vote against their own best interests. They remain willfully ignorant and are proud of it.

Scott W. Hughes

Westlake Village

A more apt title for the GOP’s “Pledge to America” would be “Pledge to Corporations.”

Bill Gibson

San Clemente

I remember when a pledge by a Republican meant something . But I am old and have a good memory. You have to go back to pre- Ronald Reagan days to find a Republican politician who stood by his word and demanded fiscal responsibility.

If America falls for this “pledge,” we have learned nothing from history, and we will be doomed to repeat the failed Republican stewardship.

Bill Yoak

Garden Grove

Bridging the achievement gap

Re “What works,” Opinion, Sept. 22

David L. Kirp is correct to voice concern over the alarmingly high dropout rate among African American male high school students. He is also right when he points out that youngsters who attend high-quality preschools are more likely to succeed in school than those who don’t.

The problem in Los Angeles and throughout California is that access to high-quality preschools is often limited due to availability or income guidelines. Despite the proven benefits of a preschool education, there is a reluctance by some to invest resources in efforts to expand early education opportunities.

That is a mistake that carries a heavy price, as early education is a key to securing a skilled and educated workforce that can compete in the global economy.

Preschool is an investment in our children’s and society’s future.

Celia C. Ayala

Los Angeles

The writer is the chief executive of Los Angeles Universal Preschool, which serves about 10,000 children in 325 preschools.

I read the Op-Ed on America’s achievement gap for black male students and all of the writer’s “solutions.” I was looking for one word in the article that didn’t appear. That word is “parents.”

Hugh A. Rose

Newhall

Good preschools, smaller elementary school classes, a focus on reading, altering attitudes about intelligence, linking schools to their communities and paying attention to character-building are certainly key components to making a difference for black male students.

May I also suggest an essential component: food.

What can a teacher say when a child, not focusing on the day’s lessons, says: “I’m sorry. I really can’t concentrate. I’m hungry. We don’t have enough food to go around and today I couldn’t have breakfast.”

Michael Risman

Santa Monica

The opinion piece is yet another incomplete story. Kirp offers many reasons for the disparity gap in achievement by African Americans: poor teachers, poor resources, lack of good preschools, etc.

Not a single mention of lack of parental interest and involvement. Not any mention of these underachieving students coming from single-parent homes of many siblings, most with no father. And many of these students are being raised by grandparents who no longer have the energy they once had.

There are many, many reasons for underachievement. Let’s be honest and tackle one of the most important reasons: When are we going to get back to the basics of being a responsible parent?

You don’t have to be rich to take an active part in your child’s education.

Lois Wetton

Temple City

Businesses, wages and what’s fair

Re “Stiffer penalties proposed for shortchanging workers,” Sept. 17

Cal Chamber member companies take issue with this article, specifically with regard to AB 2187, which would make wage theft a misdemeanor crime.

One of the main reason companies join Cal Chamber is to stay compliant with California’s complex employment laws.

Cal Chamber would never condone any intentional wage violations. However, AB 2187 goes well beyond that and could result in criminalizing employers with legitimate disputes over wage claims. Further, the bill is unneeded because existing law requires employers to make the employee whole should wages be due.

AB 2187 won’t create more people to enforce the law. In fact, it will divert current staff’s time away from prosecuting intentional violators. Criminalizing employers with legitimate disputes over wage claims will make California’s business climate even more rugged, costing jobs at a time when we can least afford it.

Allan Zaremberg

Sacramento

The writer is president and chief executive of the California Chamber of Commerce.

I would like to point out that my office’s high level of enforcement is having a measureable effect for the benefit of low-income workers and for a level playing field for businesses.

With respect to the carwash industry that you discussed, in 2008 my office inspected one-third of carwashes in California, assessing $3.7 million in penalties.

The total number of inspections in all low-wage industries by my office in the last two years — 9,000 in each year — along with the significant groundbreaking litigation filed have had a major impact in fighting the underground economy for the benefit of low-income workers and legitimate businesses.

Angela Bradstreet

Sacramento

The writer is the state labor commissioner.