THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 9, 1995 TAG: 9507060014
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
In his Another View, ``Why shortchange Virginia's students? Embrace Goals 2000'' (June 28), Lt. Gov. Don Beyer went through a laundry list of the advantages of joining the list of states participating in the Goals 2000 program. Either Mr. Beyer has no clue as to what this program is or he is part of a national problem.
Goals 2000 is the latest attempt by a small number in the national government to restructure society. This restructuring involves leaving the parental oversight of the children out in the cold while the state assumes that it is acting in the best interest of the children. It is right for Governor Allen to oppose this restructuring on any basis, especially one of state and parental rights.
Mr. Beyer comments that any action proposed by the national government, concerning Goals 2000, would be completely voluntary. I am not sure if the lieutenant governor is very aware of the ``voluntary'' actions the government proposes, but they may as well be federal sanctions when funding is tied to cooperation.
Last of all, this issue is not about education; it is about who oversees the welfare of the children. Those who agree with Mr. Beyer need to study the results of the two test states - California and Pennsylvania - and see what the results have been.
In Pennsylvania, all community services have been moved to the school complexes so the kids may get counseling, or medical advise without the presence, or consent, of parents.
In California, eight girls were given the Norplant birth-control device without the consent of parents. Do we want that type of governmental interference in our state? I don't think so!
Opposing this federal intrusion into our lives and our state is not only a good idea but imperative if parents are to remain in control of what happens to their children. If Mr. Beyer wishes to have the federal government raise his children, that is fine. But he should not attempt to make that decision for my family.
I commend Governor Allen's refusal to concede his beliefs in this matter, and the stand he has made for our state.
WALLY STEIDLEY
Chesapeake, June 28, 1995
wallste(AT)beacon.regent.edu by CNB