Questionable Project

In regard to the article by Tom Gorman Nov. 27, on a survey conducted by San Marcos High School students concerning people’s attitudes about the Bill of Rights, I have a few comments.

If instructor Jerry Franklin was responsible for the methodology used in the survey, then his intent and/or intelligence are certainly questionable. To station high school students outside stores and ask people to sign petitions, with no explanation as to what you are being asked to sign, is less than professional or productive. The public is constantly being interrupted in our shopping and other errands by people asking us to sign petitions for everything from legalizing the use of narcotics, to abolishing the death penalty.

My wife and I were approached by three different young people, outside two stores and asked to sign petitions for something to do with “civil rights.” However, when pressed for details of the petitions, none was given and at no time were we informed that the activity was a high school class project. Having no idea what we might be signing, we did not sign or further discuss the issue.

I think the results obtained were just what Mr. Franklin was seeking. It’s not politics that is turning Americans into cynics, it’s questionable exercises such as this. Our civil rights and liberties are very important to all of us. Had the survey been conducted in such a manner as to encourage forthright answers on the subject, the survey could have been productive.

I would be more than happy to discuss my deep faith in our Bill of Rights with Mr. Franklin or any of his students at any time, providing I know what they really want to talk about.

BEN HATFIELD

San Marcos