Letters to the Editor

Misleading propaganda

Apr 24, 2008 12:42 PM

To the Editor:

The derogatory and misleading advertisements appearing in The New York Times suggest that the UFT’s primary purpose is to protect incompetent teachers or, in effect, prevent them from being fired. Even the modicum of due process that protects quality teachers from the arbitrary whims of administrators is overlooked. This advertisement is highly effective in that it gives politicians, on both sides of the aisle, and the public at large a very strong talking point concerning the ills of public education. It becomes the perceived “silver bullet” solution.

This misdirected talking-point solution to education draws attention and dialogue away from real problems: overcrowded classrooms, limited and misused resources, noncompetitive compensation, overemphasis on standardized testing, security, infrastructure, etc.

The disparagement of the union as an organization whose primary function is the defense of incompetence is irresponsible and misleading propaganda. It inhibits a healthy dialogue about the many complex problems concerning public education. The real danger behind this “argument” is that it remains dangerously compelling to many.

Larry Hoffner, LaGuardia HS