Stimulus funding could prevent education layoffs

Mr. Turner,
I have donated money to Providence and to Houston Academy, and even to Grace Bible School. So no I am not a bigot nor do I look down at people. I remeber my roots and what it took to get where I am at these days. I want the children to have the same oppurtunity no matter who or where they come from nor the color of their skin. You see my parents bought an FHA home the one they could afford and paid for it in full. In the third grade my first year in the wiregrass I picked cotton, I am a white male, for three cents a pound, I raked leaves with my teo older brothers, picked up pecans for a man whose son is now band director at Dothan High, cut grass and even picked vegetables what ever task my brothers and I could do we did. I played trombone in my high school I worked one summer at age 12 in a small grocery store pumping gas, stocking shelves for $25 a week Mon-Sat 7-5. I was allowed time to practice baseball or even let off early to play a game. I bought a silver trombone with this money. I worked my way on everything I have Mr. Turner, I now have 256 employees and I do have an open door policy, fact is I had my office door removed so anyone can come in and talk or what ever they need. I get out in the field alomost daily and turn wrenches for a living, I operate heavy lift cranes set equipment you see my desk is a set of wrenches, a job box and necessary equipment to do my job. I don’t sit at a desk all day, yesterday was an unusual event for me to be at a desk. I have people that sit at desk I don’t have to, I want my employees to know I work just as hard as they do and I listen to them.
I helped two older brothers with college some just paying there auto insurance, or some times helping one meet his mortgage payment or what ever was needed. I asked nothing in return. Today my oldest brother has passed away in Dec 2003, with a degree from Auburn. My brother next oldest to me is CFO of CBS fianicila as I undertsand and with the last contact from him. Before that he was Vice President Controller for Television at Paramount Pictures, he worked his way up through the ranks and I am extremely proud of all my brothers and my sister, who unless she has retired is in her 31st or 32 nd year at SONY. So you see Mr. Turner we have all worked for what we have.
Throw money away not in this life time. But as I have said earlier I would give all the money I have if it would help just one child achieve there goals in life. I do not give to sports as I believe money is better spent in the arts and music. Sports some how makes some people angry and unpredictable, yet some argue it gives them self confidence.
So Mr.Turner you do not know me at all and you definetly do not know who or what schools I have given money or time to. Mr.Turner I have even coached my nieces girls softball team when she was younger. So you see Mr.Turner it is more than money I try to give it is encouragement, the money helps. When was the last time you spent time on a softball diamond, I kow this is contrary to my earlier statement of not giving to sports, but, my niece who is like a daughter to me she and her friends needed a coach I excepted the challenge.
Again I do not throw money nor time away if possible Mr. Turner, but I try to give back to those who I feel are derevant of help, to help them make a life for themselves as I continue to try and make for myself. It is 12:26 AM and I have just gotten back in from working at a job site, did I have to go no I wanted to. And that is my point I do what I want to, I am 51 years old and I give to alot of differant schools and charities, so Mr. Turner until you walk a mile in my shoes don’t critize or accuse until you have walked that mile beside me and I invite you to do so at any time.
I have put up with your slanders remarks in this column yet you have no idea who or what I do with what I have.

123,sure it can change but it took it 40 yrs to get this screwed up and i think it will take alot longer than that to straightem it back out.Even then the only way will be to segregate the slower learning kids from the faster learning ones and then bring back a good paddle to the classroom AND USE IT !!! Religion plays a big part in teaching kids respect and discipline and needs to be a part of the learning process.There again my suggestion of allowing parents to choose the school that best fits their child would help to solve that problem. One of the biggest problems in public schools is lack of discipline. Until that is under control there is no way of efficiently teaching basic education. If a parent has to pay for the education then that parent would be alot more involved and help with the discipline as well.

pinget, wouldnt it be better to school those kids independently and my idea of parents pay still apply?Point still remains. No need for schools to be funded with monies extorted from me and other tax payers thats willing to fund our own kids education.

hey michael , why dont you donate some to schools like houston academy, northside methodist or providence. Are those kids not deserving of donations too? You talk all this big talk , lets see you put some money where your mouth is. If these kids are different to you then doesnt that make you a bigot?

Mr. Turner,
I take quite offense to you thinking I am foolish to spend even one dime on public schools. For if only one child walks out ahead for the goals and purpose of these schools then this is money well spent. I did forget to mention that most of my money goes to people with disablities. But half of my money is spent on public schools and I am proud to spend every dime I can. Like you I don’t plan on it being here when I am gone this way I can determine what my money is spent on however these prgrams can spend it any way they want, I do not nor will I try and tell them how to spend the money as long as it is not wasted.
Follish no just that I care more for my nieghbors and families children. Mr. Turner why don’t we just lock up all thise children whos families cannot or do not want to send there children to public school so biggots like you can try and control them.
How and where I spend my money is very wise and thought out. Dalecountymom if you know of something in Ariton School other than sports where money may help please let me know michaelthins@hotmail.com