Teachers have always been overworked and under paid. And at one time teachers were highly respected and appreciated. And you are right when you say parents are partly to blame. But I put most of the blame on the government and the bleeding hearts. At one time, parents and teachers were the deciding factor in how their schools were run and how their children were taught. But then this control was taken out of their hands and we were told what to teach, how to teach, how we could control the behavior of the students. Teachers were chosen on their ability to teach and on their character. They had strict rules to live by and I would say that over 95% of them were dedicated and gave their profession the top rung. Then, we faced prison terms if we were blamed for discipling a student. How many times, in the 60., I was told by a student if I made him remain after school or have extra work to do for misbehaving then his parents would put me in jail. I have lived raising my own children, helping my grandchildren and now I am tutoring my great grandchildren. I have told all of them, if you misbehave in school just wait until you get home. Their parents do the same. They teach their children to respect the authority of their teachers. But now, it is so easy to blame the teacher for their children's failures. My grandchildren and their spouses work but they still keep control of their children. So when we pass around the blame we should start with ourselves for letting the schools get in the condition that they are in. When will parents wake up? Guards in schools, lock downs because of bomb threats, lock downs with students with guns or knives. Now when one student is caught and the Principle or teachers take control, they are subjected to reducible, questioning, and go through trying times. And it is the same with the police. They do not receive the same treatment the criminals do. I retired early in 1968 simply because I could not endure the upheaval that was placed upon the teachers. So I went to a private school where rules were made to be obeyed for the good of everyone. Who suffers for all this? The students. Some care and take the reins of their own lives and learn preparing them for a future, others just simply enjoy today and give no thought for their future. Why are children today not being achievers? They are bored and nothing inspiring to fill their time. No chores, no responsibilities, just money handed to them and left to roam the streets. Then parents wring their hands crying and saying, what could I do? I would have gone to jail if I had punished my child or I would have had to face charges. This is the cry that I have heard many times over. The good old days were not the best but when my parents finished the eight grade in the early 1900, s they had an education. That education was filled with the desire to learn more. When I finished college and signed my contract to teach, I was sure puffed up. I was the best teacher in the whole world. On the first day of teaching, I stood before that class dumbfounded and not a clue of what to do. At the end of that day, I cried to my father that I didn't know anything. His remark was" your education is just beginning, now take hold and become the best teacher in the world" I shall never forget the student who saved the day for me. His name was Robert Preston, a fourth grader, who must have realized my dilemma and said" Miss Roberts don't you want to call the roll?" That brought me to my senses and so that day was the greatest of my life. I realized then that I had a lot to learn and I set my goals and proceed down my life,s dream. Rambling? Yes, I am. But what memories, all these messages have brought back. And I will not give up on our students of today. Some of them will take the reins and carry this country back to its " old timey beliefs, Honer, Integrity, pride of being an American. Doing what is best for our country and our citizens. Now is the time for each to examine our lives and say " where do we want this country to go?" What can we do to give the best to our children? How can we make their lives better, safer, and more secure? I shall end and hope that I have not offended anyone. That is not my intention. Just sharing the hopes and fears of an old senior citizen who has been there and lived it. Pat