Studying, not sports

Do students in sports really perform better academically, or is it that good and decent students are accepted on sports teams ("Hey, stupid," Jan. 19)? I am proposing that the cause and effect be switched. Perhaps it is the good students who can keep their grades up who are also smart enough to understand new sports plays and disciplined enough to study opponents, so that they are accepted to play on sports teams instead of being cut. I do not see the value of giving a high school diploma to an academically underachieving student who happens to play a sport, or even just warms the bench. If an economically disadvantaged athlete needs help to pass, point him or her to a tutor. If an athlete is worried about taking a tough course, set the standard not to all-pass but to an average quarterly grade point, so that five Cs can offset one F. A debate student, a choir singer, or a band member must study extra to participate in their chosen extracurricular activity, so why not an athlete? Let's remember that sports in schools are extracurricular, by definition "outside the course of study," and that the course of study is the very purpose of school.
Jeni Nosbisch
Des Moines

Toys for cops

Des Moines police chief William McCarthy's push to obtain $1.4 million in funding for a so-called terrorism task force is just wrong. McCarthy wants toys plain and simple, and he proved this when he had the department buy him a $200 switchblade knife ("It's your money," Jan. 19). There is no need for a cop to have a switchblade, let alone an expensive custom switchblade, and there is no need for us to have a terrorism task force. Does anyone think that if we had a taskforce, they could actually stop an attack from happening? All we would get for this waste of money is officers that can wear a gas mask while they direct ambulance traffic after an attack that will probably never happen.
Bruce Fleming
Des Moines

The homeless deserve it
Give me a break, Cityview. At least half of the homeless are actually homeless because they want to be ("Down and out in paradise," Jan. 19). They are there by choice and they are drug users or alcoholics by choice. No one made them do it, and unless they can be responsible citizens and rehabilitate themselves they will always be "down and out." I don't feel a bit sorry for them.

Ron Bromert
Des Moines

Everyone should pay

In your Jan. 19 "Winners and Losers" column, regarding Lisa Kragnes' lawsuit against the City of Des Moines you wrote, "And while we think the system shouldn't be changed lest property taxpayers take it in the shorts..." Maybe if all homeowners actually paid property taxes, the rest of us wouldn't feel it so sharply. It is time to end tax abatement. When it comes to charging dubious taxes, and turning off streetlights (I know they're back on, but the budget was the reason), it's time to start expecting all homeowners to pay up. The Madden Company recently built four of its trademark cracker box houses on Hartford - with a sign next to them that reads "10-Year Tax Abatement." Are you kidding me? If you can't afford a house because of property taxes, then you shouldn't be buying that house.
Elizabeth Williams
Des Moines

Andy Rooney he ain't

Why is anyone supposed to care what some philistine taking potshots from Podunk thinks about Des Moines' new library ("New library: do you think I'm sexy?" Jan. 26)? I doubt columnist Carlson ever picks up a book without having a crayon in his hand. Did he ever consider that other people might actually like contemporary architecture? Besides, he shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I don't see Carlson offering millions to build a new library. In fact, I think he'd be perfect in the next Austin Powers movie playing the part he's obviously been working on his whole life: "Fat Bastard." Horse sense? More like horse's ass.
Merrill Kent
Des Moines

Severely ignorant

This is truly a great country that allows everyone to voice their opinions. Unfortunately, whomever wrote this detrius ("New library: do you think I'm sexy?" Jan. 26) is severely ignorant as to what constitutes a quality building and quality urban design as well as the environmental and cost benefits that a green roof provides. This individual also seems to be carrying around a large chip on his shoulder. It is unfortunate that person's opinion saw the light of day.
Channing E. Swanson
Herbert, Lewis, Kruse, Blunck

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