Character education is key (02/26/08)

To the editor:

On Saturday, Feb. 9, The Commercial Review headline read "Operation Hoosier Support set Feb. 22. I planned on being out of town that day, so I was not able to attend this event. However, I do plan on being involved in some way in supporting our troops. There was also an editorial by J.R. titled, "Character begins in the community." Like J.R. wrote, "in a perfect world, a program like Character Counts wouldn't be needed." Yes, ideally, parents should lead the way in developing character.

Sometimes we as parents can try our best to teach our children, set a good example and be good role models, but in this day and age that does not mean our children will follow our example or leadership.

Let's face it. We all have a bit of rebellion in us. However, to be good citizens and have good character, we need to resist the rebellious nature in ourselves. As J.R. went on to say, many young people are not getting the leadership and/or examples at home.

Each one of us can make a choice. We can have low self-esteem, or an attitude that "I am going to do what I want and I do not care what anyone thinks."

I say if anyone has any sense of self-pride and self-will, they can strive for a better life. Strive for an attitude that I am going to build a good character and rise up in the community to do something good not only for myself, but for those around me. If each one of us can just reach out to just one and make a difference in one person's life, and that person continues the link, just think what a chain it could be in the community.

I was out of town on Wednesday so was not able to attend the event at the high school. However, on the radio this morning (Thursday) I heard elementary students talk about the color of character.

I am proud of those youngsters for how clearly they spoke. I am finding so many young people talk too quickly and not loudly enough for older people to hear. Many a time I have needed to ask a young person to slow down in talking and/or to speak up so the older people can hear them. And this is not only school-age, but also those out of school.

Yes, character building should begin in the home, but for those who do not get it at home, they can decide for themselves where they are going and have the determination to make this a better world for themselves and others.

If you missed the editorial by J.R., it needs to be made available to every home in the community. The six pillars listed by J.R. are: Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Also, if there is anyone who knows of anyone that is a part of the 3,400 National Guard members stationed in Georgia that will be deployed in March, I would like to hear from you. I have a grandson, Michael Betterton, who is one of those National Guardsmen and I plan on going to Georgia Feb. 29 for family weekend.

There is a military support group that meets on a Thursday evening, and I have not yet been able to meet with them. I am very much interested in being involved not only here in Jay County but also as a member of the Jay County Indiana Extension Homemakers Association, I would like to get our members across the state of Indiana involved in supporting our troops.

Roberta Horn

Pennville

Afraid?

To the editor:

I read with mild interest Nate LaMar's account of his foray into national politics and his advocacy of Mike Pence as a running mate with John McCain on the Republican ticket.

Could this be the same Mike Pence who, when given a choice, voted himself a hefty pay raise because, as he said, he was more afraid of his wife than he was of his constituency?

This kind of bravery should not go unrewarded, and, if our nation goes further in the red, Bush's tax proposal will insure he will be if his wife will let him keep it.

Larry Chittum

Portland[[In-content Ad]]