Voice of the people

School board should address bullying

Quite often, my son complains of students making fun of his weight, among other things. He has told me how his feelings are hurt and he has become depressed about this issue and claims he doesn't know what to do. I tell him to leave it to the Lord, but by all means, I want him to defend himself.

He has made progress in his grades and has done tremendously well in all of his classes. I am pleased with his behavior. I sense there is a need of some etiquette classes, perhaps in the auditorium where the children can learn how important it is to respect each other when it comes to bullying and mannerisms.

People wonder why kids take guns to school. If something isn't done about this issue, the wrong kid may get angry and go on a killing spree as you read in the papers, this time due to children getting picked on by either teachers or peers. My wife and I have made several phone calls this year to Huntington Middle School. If I could figure out a way to withdraw him and relocate now, I would do so.

My son has been teased and bullied on an overcrowded bus and in an overcrowded school, so wouldn't he be better off in San Quentin? I know kids will be kids and say hurtful things at times, but this is really beginning to bother me.

I urgently ask the Cabell County Board of Education to implement some sort of discussions for your students and teach them real-life etiquette and manners. From what I understand, Huntington Middle School is filled with more thugs than kids like mine who make the honor roll.

Donald Smith

Huntington

Suspending gas tax won't cut price

After all the silliness of the presidential campaign, an issue has come up that defines the true character and leadership ability of the three candidates. Two propose the politically popular idea of suspending the gasoline tax. One tells us the truth and says no way! Suspending the tax would only increase the demand and raise the prices and possibly cause shortages.

The only real way prices will come down is if the supply is increased or the demand is decreased. The former is not going to happen.

We the people have a choice: either cut out unnecessary driving, take public transportation, car pool, buy more fuel-efficient vehicles, have the government reduce the speed limit and enforce it or pay ever-increasing gasoline prices. Your choice, America.

Robert Cruickshank

South Point, Ohio

A few ideas to stop drunken drivers

A recent letter writer suggested DUI prevention methods including an engine cut-off when a car is driving erratically. I applaud anyone who wants to prevent DUIs on our roads. However, this particular idea is dangerous. The last thing we need is a car that shuts off while moving in the hands of a drunk. Other drivers could hit the car, or worse yet, be struck by the moving vehicle before it stops.

Here are some better ways to handle the DUI problem:

• A Breathalyzer in each car. If you're drunk, the car won't start.
• Stop the insanity of roadside bars and bars in restaurants. Getting someone drunk and sending them on the road is a major cause of DUIs.
• No more cold beer sales, especially in gas station mini-marts. We must disconnect the sequence of buying a cold beer and then getting in a car where you can drink, get drunk and drive.

I am not suggesting prohibition. If you want to buy a beer or two or three, then go home, put it on ice and drink, that's your business. You are not a danger to society when you are passed out on your sofa. You are a menace to society when you are drunk behind the wheel.

Mark Hallburn

Hurricane, W.Va.