‘Lax Teaching of Values’

It was somewhat reassuring to note that Jeane Kirkpatrick spread the blame for the Opengate fiasco at our embassy in Moscow. President Reagan chose to place the entire responsibility at my feet. As a teacher, I have come to expect blame from all sectors for society’s problems, but I feel a need to respond when our President chooses to single me out as having sole responsibility for a few Marines’ lack of moral values.

As an educator, I have found, and I am constantly reminded, that the influence of the home on a child’s educational progress and moral development is monumental. In imparting values to our younger generation, parental influence cannot be ignored, and the power of education by example cannot be underestimated. Parents have infinite opportunities to impart their moral values to their children. From dreaming up tax deductions to smoking or drinking to voting in every election to participating in charity projects, we as parents illustrate our moral values by our actions.

Neither Kirkpatrick nor President Reagan chose to mention the influence our nation’s leaders and heroes have on the moral values of the people of this country. (I wonder why not!) Need I mention the number of Reagan appointees that have been indicted or are under investigation? The entire Iran-contra debacle raises serious moral questions concerning our laws and to whom they apply. Can a Justice Department devoted to challenging our civil rights be judged as setting high moral standards? The Reagan Administration may be remembered specifically for controlling inflation, lowering taxes, and “Star Wars,” but perhaps it would better be judged in light of the moral examples it has set for our young.

I realize that we as educators can do more to help students appreciate democracy and the country in which we live. But how do you encourage the development of a positive impression on economically disadvantaged students who face a lifetime of unemployment, gangs, drugs, and a crime wave unprecedented in our history? Where are their role models, their positive images? Somehow the wonderfulness of our country may escape their notice.

We should all make our young people aware of the opportunities available to them, and encourage the development of the skills necessary to take advantage of those opportunities. We hope they will choose to put in the time and effort necessary to succeed. Students do have options. That is why I teach.

FAY DEEN DOYEN

Los Angeles