LOGAN'S PONY CLUB
FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY Contact Logan
LETTERS TO THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR
There's always 'a cause and effect'
When it comes to placing blame for the outcomes of our flawed world, nurse Rodrigues misses the point. In today's precise and scientific world, these outcomes always have a cause and effect.
People make mistakes all the time that have little effect on the outcome. When things go wrong while you are deemed in control of the outcome, as most medical professionals today are, it should always be about responsibility and your oath to do what's right for the patient.
Assessing blame would be pointless and has little effect on my son's quality of life. Through all the ups and downs on the roller coaster ride of love and learning with Logan, we have only asked for justice for our son so that his outcome can be made right.
We prefer to leave the blame assessment up to a judge.
'New teacher entrance exam panned' (March 15).
For teachers who feel insulted over the matter of competency testing, I offer a comparison to my profession.
As a licensed class A automobile mechanic, I'm governed by regulations that guarantee a minimum level of skill. People's lives could be in jeopardy if my skills and workmanship fall below this standard. Heavy fines and a license suspension are the norm, unlike the teachers' profession. Further, my employer is also liable for the repair services I deliver to the public.
Instead of accepting responsibility for these abysmal test results, and assuring the public that they will do better, the teachers assign the blame to others.
Why is it so hard for teachers to pull up their collective socks and get back to delivering core educational services that meet minimum expectations?
I couldn't use the teachers' line of reasoning if I were unable to meet the standards set for my profession; I would simply find myself out of a job. Why should teachers be any different?
-- Mark-Alan Whittle, Hamilton.