Letters: Legislators take a cue from Del Shannon

ISEE THE Democrats in Wisconsin and Indiana have been listening to the oldies station - and their favorite song is "Runaway" by Del Shannon.

They say they're representing their constituents, but they're really only representing their donors.

I know some people are saying teachers unions love the kids, and the kids are losing by the teachers not being in class. But after seeing some test scores, maybe they learn more with the teachers out.

Tom Bell, Philadelphia

So the same greedy people who put this country in financial ruins have now decided to place the blame, via Gov. Scott Walker, on middle-class America. Surprise, surprise!

Every union in this country has agreed to make concessions over recent years. The working class has recognized these tough times and has been willing to adjust.

Corporate America sees this as an opportunity to implement a dictatorship. But collective bargaining is the reason this country is the greatest in the world.

Jason Henry, Philadelphia

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Having lived across the U.S. and now in the City of Brotherly Love, I've noticed that at any hint of snow, Philly closes its schools.

The other day, with less than three inches of powdery snow, we shut down. The Philly schools need to man up! Working-class parents feel the most pain. They have to miss work or find child care, which is costly. And Mayor Nutter's agreeing with the decision to close the schools is just another example of Hizzoner's bad calls!

Philip M. Ricardo, Philadelphia

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First, Roberto Acevedo Jr. sued the Philadelphia Police Department, claiming he'd been beaten by police.

He later starred in a rap video where he is seen flashing $100 bills while a co-star holds a prescription pill bottle and what appears to be a bag of marijuana. Now he's a member of the Police Department. Why am I not surprised?

Rob Boyden, Drexel Hill

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So, 43 percent of Philadelphia high school students drop out because, among other things, school is boring, teachers are uncaring, parents aren't with it, etc. Why, then, do 57 percent make it through and graduate, with a good number going to college? They attend the same boring schools, have the same uncaring teachers. Is there something the 43 percenter-ers can learn from the 57 percent-ers?

Roberto Rodriguez Sr., Philadelphia

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The Philadelphia School District has long practiced intimidation and harassment against outspoken teachers. Very few are willing to be quoted in news stories or testify at the School Reform Commission for fear they will face discipline or lose their jobs.

Hope Moffett and the other signers of her op-ed are to be congratulated for standing up against the shameless tactics of the administration.

Lisa Haver, Philadelphia