Deukmejian Veto of Bilingual Bill
The purpose of bilingual education is to give immigrant children the possibility of achieving their full potential in this country. This is done by teaching them English at the same time they are learning, in their native language, essential mental skills and concepts--skills and concepts that they cannot yet grasp in English.
By vetoing the bilingual education bill, the governor has with one stroke destroyed the possibility of achieving their potential for many thousands of children. He has also deprived the rest of us of the benefit of that realized potential in the years to come.
The governor’s action indicates either ignorance or a profound lack of imagination.
Either way, it makes me as a voter seriously wonder whether I want to see him returned to office in November.
DOUGLAS M. PARROTT
Riverside
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