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I'm with you, Ms. Barnette ..

While I appreciate the need for fiscal control, it seems there must be fat elsewhere, 'cause we sure have added much to the costs for education without much (if any) improvement in results.

Parents? Sure they hold some responsibility, as do teachers, administrators, and to some level ever member of our community .. especially the kids who need to figure out this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

I've never heard that Greensboro had a reputation as a "thriving center for the arts".
I've known many, many people who have come and gone from this region over the years, and none of them have ever came or left due to the "arts".

So you wouldn't have moved here if you knew that sometime in the future, a little pork would have to be cut from the government schools?...yeah, right.

Arts and music are pork Neo? I think not. I will agree there is plenty of pork, but this is not it. Try cutting out some of the fat in the central office. Do you remember when the merger proponents promised that we'd save soooo much money on administrators? NOT! There's your pork. Cut that out and we could have the best art and music programs in the country!

According to the Children's Music Workshop:

"Early musical training helps develop brain areas involved in language and reasoning. It is thought that brain development continues for many years after birth. Recent studies have clearly indicated that musical training physically develops the part of the left side of the brain known to be involved with processing language, and can actually wire the brain's circuits in specific ways. Linking familiar songs to new information can also help imprint information on young minds.

There is also a causal link between music and spatial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately and to form mental pictures of things). This kind of intelligence, by which one can visualize various elements that should go together, is critical to the sort of thinking necessary for everything from solving advanced mathematics problems to being able to pack a book-bag with everything that will be needed for the day.

Students of the arts learn to think creatively and to solve problems by imagining various solutions, rejecting outdated rules and assumptions. Questions about the arts do not have only one right answer."

Yeah... I guess we wouldn't want students to have any kind of tools that enable them to think clearer and more creatively. All I can say is, it's a shame that so many people see cutting arts programs as "cutting the fat."

I would not consider the arts and music to be pork either but I do agree with Neo's main point that nobody in their right mind would claim their chief reason to move to Greensboro because of "its reputation as a thriving center for the arts".

Especially medical professionals who can "find employment virtually anywhere".

Perhaps if they cut out training students how to put condoms on dildos and 'diversity' training, they could find time and resources for music and the arts.

"However, I am beginning to regret that decision because of a recent ruling by the Guilford County Board of Education to cut my child's elementary art and music classes by 50 percent."

If this is the first decision made by the Guilford County Board of Education that makes you regret moving to this county you must be VERY new to the area. This is peanuts compared to the other hijinks they've pulled in the last couple of years.

Since you're obviously rich enough (medical professionals) and only have one 'child', I have two words for you: private school.

neocon said:
I've never heard that Greensboro had a reputation as a "thriving center for the arts".

Wow! Like we couldn't have predicted that kind of rubbish coming from you. How about posting your highest level of education, neo? Based on your posts, my guess would be "some high school". Sheesh!

Bishop,
Great post!

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neocon said:
I've never heard that Greensboro had a reputation as a "thriving center for the arts".

That's because the people you hang around with have no clue. Your small gaggle of friends wouldn't know culture if it bit them on the arse and you are the mirror image of that group. Maybe you can answer the question posed about your highest level of education received??

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Nitprick says,
"Perhaps if they cut out training students how to put condoms on dildos and 'diversity' training, they could find time and resources for music and the arts."

Find me a link to a local N.C. school doing this to the detrimant of the arts! I always thought you to be one ring above neocon in Dante's inferno, but now you have me believing you are at best equal to, and at worse, even farther out of the mainstream.

`

Ms. Barnette,

Since it hasn't come up:
"As medical professionals, we are able..."

I'll guess that, since a non-medical professional like myself, and one firmly entrenched in the middle class, can find time and money to donate to my local school system, if you were to make a phone call you would probably be told of a way to donate supplies and/or time to your child's classes to make up for the shortfall.

As your LTE points out, they certainly need it. A 50% cut is significant. Do you "truly value the arts?" Are you helping to "widen the gulf" between the privileged and disadvantaged, as your letter laments, by not personally contributing? If you're not writing checks to help what you feel is important, why should any of the rest of us? Sports programs have booster clubs- why not start one for the arts?

Our county has a functional illiteracy rate of 20% (Literacy, Level 1- Able to follow brief written directions and select phrases to describe pictures). 46% are at Level 1 or 2:
https://www.casas.org/lit/litcode/Detail.CFM?census__AREAID=2166

That means that "nearly half... cannot read, write, and calculate well enough to function fully in today's society…" That was written in '93, (http://social.jrank.org/pages/939/How-Educated-Are-We-Functional-Literacy-Educational-Attainment.html),
so, with the substantial increase in computer use, it is even more significant today. Those citizens can do their jobs and function out of habit, but nearly half of our population can't think well enough to get much use out of a library.

Will understanding a treble clef be more useful than knowing that one should rarely use a semi-colon? I don't know. But I agree that the arts certainly have value. Will you prove your dedication with your checkbook? Or are they not quite -that- valuable?

Roger

TLC,

It's never been my desire to live in the 'mainstream'. The 'mainstream' probably wouldn't pick up on the fact that detriment doesn't have an 'a' in it.

Fortunately for me, I could care less about what you thought, believed, or any other notion you might have about me. Remember that the next time you address me. Or don't. I don't care.

Detriment...D-E-T-R-I-M-E-N-T.

I learned to spell that in the 3rd grade...along with how a majority in congress can stop a war. Apparently the government schools doesn't focus much on these types of things anymore, for there is one among us who lauds the public zoo system and brags about being a WF grad who can't spell and thinks congress needs a 'veto proof majority' to defund the war...pitiful.
(too much tokin' on the bong and not enough studying, if you ask me :])

Yes Chicken Little, arts and music are pork. If you want the 'schillrun' to indulge in them, fund them with your nickle, not mine. If I want my children to study the "arts", I'll pay for it.

Back to the point about moving to Greensboro because of it's "reputation as a thriving center for the arts"...
This is a crock. Am I supposed to worry that Catherine Barnette and her hubby will move if the school board cuts funding for the 'arts'?
I say don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

Catherine-

Rockingham county has the perfect program for you that won't cost you a thing. Check out www.tgrc-nc.com

I am truly sorry if my reference to my medical profession sounded snobbish. We are not at all wealthy and I am actually not working right now while our children are young. I am very middle class and glad of it!

Despite your doubts and criticisims, I truly decided to move to Greensboro because of the arts and culture present here. As a child I attended concerts and other events in this city. As an adult looking for a place to settle, I was impressed with the many museums, the Cultural Arts Center, the Science Center and the Greensboro Symphony. I wanted to raise my children in this place with all the advantages I never had growing up in a small town.

Roger, I do write a donation check to the PTA every year in addition to the donations of extra school supplies and books for students and teachers throughout the school year. I also volunteer my time as a classroom assistant and as co-chair of the PTA Hospitality Committee which sponsors staff appreciation events once a month.

At their last meeting the Board of Education Staff admitted the arts cuts are not primarily due to a lack of funding. It seems to be a scheduling issue, although their reasoning is very convoluted.

Thank you for your feedback. You have certainly opened my eyes to the varying opinions on this seemingly uncontroversial topic.

Cathy Barnette

What an elegant and well-met response, Ms. Barnette. If I were one to wear a hat I would tip it in your direction.

Roger

I carelessly misspelled a word.

neocon NEVER answered the question.

So, neo, was the third grade your high water mark?

Did you do some high school study?

Night School?

G. I. Bill funded "Business School"?

For someone who has ALL the answers, you seem a little reluctant to mention your qualifications.....is that because you have none?
Do you have even a two year degree? Maybe from a "for profit" school with a dubious reputation???

If you are going to continue to advocate for the abolition of public education, at least tell us WHY you are qualified to make the argument!

If you are going to continue to 'pretend' you are an educated person, then at least tell us where you received such schooling!

Your friend, Little Danny, at least told us of his three and a half years at UNCG and his final semester from Orange County Community College. So what qualifications do you have? What discipline, if any, did you study?

Or, could it be you are just an armchair bigot, who feels betrayed by the "system" and therefore you blame your failings on others???

Or maybe, just maybe, your alligator mouth got way ahead of your mental faculties??? That would be my guess.

`

Forgot to mention..."too much tokin' on the bong"... The bong filled with Panama Red purchased with daddy's nickle.
:]

Yes, I dropped out halfway through the 3rd grade...I taught the government school teachers all they could absorb, so no point in staying in the zoo any longer.

Oh, one more thing.
I've never taught my kids to be ashamed of their country as you have, and shown them the fear that lies just beneath your surface.
:] again.

So why are you so afraid to admit your total lacking of education? It is totally in line with your thoughts about it, so you might as well admit it.

Why are you such a coward?

Why can't you simply answer the question about your education?

Are you embarrassed?

Are you regretful?

Or are you just an armchair critic with an alligator mouth and hummingbird's ass?

How far did you go in school?

It really is a simple question.

Let's see if you can belly up to the bar and answer it.

But I've answered your question, Canuck. At 17 and mired in the 3rd grade, I gave up on government schools. I enrolled in the school of hard knocks and never looked back.
What part of that don't you understand? Is it beyond your grasp? Has your tiny mind been cooked by the goodies purchased during your WF days with daddy's allowance?

Canuck sez...
"Why are you such a coward?"...

You have GOT to be kidding me, right? Coming from one who wraps himself (AND his children) in the Canadian flag before traveling abroad is questioning some one's... ANYONE'S courage? LOFL. DING DING DING!!! NO MORE CALLS, FOLKS...WE HAVE A WINNER!!!
...MAY I HAVE THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE...

Embarrassed, regretful? No, not at all. I'm gainfully employed in a very rewarding, although somewhat stressful career. (You'd be surprised at the number of people on any given day who demand paper over plastic)

"Alligator mouth and hummingbird ass"?...
Again, this is quiet funny coming from one who shows his inner fear to his children by making them travel under the flag of a wuss country in order to avoid the stares of the radical French. LOL

Ya know what...there are lots of new names around here and no doubt many of them are wondering "what's up with old neo and the Canadian flag bit" but just don't want to ask either out of politeness, or may be just a wee bit shy about striking up a conversation with me. Well...(drum-roll)... without further ado:

Ned,
This is a great letter and I share your thoughts. As I contemplate another international trip with my family, I am even more disturbed at our standing in the world. While visiting London and France, we sewed Canadian flag patches to our backpacks---it saved us from the ire of many and we met many new friends through that act. I only wish we did not have to do that again.
Thanks again for your letter.
Posted by THE LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE | March 20, 2007 9:47 AM

This was in response to a lte written by one time n-r editorial writer Ned Cline urging President Bush to capitulate to the terrorists and surrender....
Yeah, that's right...the same "liberal conservative" that now asks me if I'm a "coward"!
LOL!!

You can't make this stuff up...

`

neo, you are truly laughable--no guts, but laughable.

Last time: How far did you go in school?

Rather than post your usual drivel, just answer the question. See if you can do that this time.

`

You've been up and bloggin' since 9:00am and are just now getting around to thinking of some witty response? LOL
I've answered your question...now answer mine:

Does the kids talk among their friends about the trip to France when Dad made them wear the Canadian flag patches, or are they too embarrassed and ashamed?

I'll be waiting, but not holding my breath for an answer.

WHEW!!!
I'm turning red in the face waiting for an answer, Canuck.

One more time:
Does the kids talk among their friends about the trip to France when Dad made them wear the Canadian flag patches, or are they too embarrassed and ashamed?

Perhaps they aren't embarrassed or ashamed? Perhaps they have been raised to believe that America is the root of all evil in the world and it's a good thing to lie about the country of one's origin and take the yellow road as long as there is a Republican in the wh?

These are but a few of the questions I'd like to see addressed honestly by you, but I suspect you lack the balls to answer them in your own mind, much less in a public forum.

But, that's ok...we already know the answers, eh? ;>)