Not smart to pay kids for good grades

I was dismayed, once again, by two news items. It seems as if the National Pork Association is offended by our presidential candidates using the expression "like putting lipstick on a pig". They maintain that pigs are always getting bad press and are actually very intelligent animals. I know that is true, and would venture to guess that pigs are actually too smart to be offended by the expression.

The second item was your reporting of Arne Duncan, CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, now paying high school students (in 20 select schools) for getting good grades - $50 for each A, $35 for each B, etc. He says it is not bribery but rather an "incentive." Oh, how "Chicago." Does he really think it is a good idea to pay children for the one thing that is their responsibility? Can you even teach responsibility by paying someone ...anyone? Silly questions, I know, but apparently they need to be asked of Mr. Duncan.

People of Chicago: I know you continually fight battles such as these since common sense left your great city long ago - but do not lie down on this one! Privately funded or not, please do not allow one cent to be spent teaching our children entitlement rather than responsibility. At the same time, may I also suggest that you consider removing Mr. Duncan from his position and finding someone a little more intelligent for the job.

Jeannie Skepnek

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