Letters to the Editor for Aug. 1

I grew up in Iowa. At that time (just a few years ago) Iowa was ranked scholastically in the top 25 percent of the nation (don’t hold me to the percentage but I think that’s right). Out of this class came a “rocket scientist,” several doctors, execs in large corporations and mostly generally well-educated people. I count 33 kids in that class. 30-plus was typical for the classes I was in through high school. So I’m not sure I buy it when people complain that current class size is hindering their child’s education. Maybe times are different (home environments certainly are) but maybe class size isn’t the problem.

Chris Smith

Hood River

(middle row, sixth from right)

Call to leaders

Both of my sons in the past month have witnessed strong anti-Semitic statements coming from children within our community. For those under-informed, I encourage you to entertain these facts: 1) The Old Testament from your Bible was written thousands of years before the New Testament, and 2) Jews and Christians pray to the same One God.

I urge all area religious leaders to speak with your congregations about the origins of the Bible and the idea of tolerance. Jesus was the first and often the only person in his day to accept everyone for who they were, be it prostitute, leper, or wealthy landowner. This small reality seems left out of the discussion when people express bigotry and intolerance of others unlike themselves.

Steve Kaplan

Hood River

‘Good work’

Reading the Women in Business portion of the paper recently, I was reminded how much I appreciate what you all at the Hood River News offer our larger Gorge community. And generally your focus on positive and wholesome community happenings in the main Hood River News paper consistently reminds me of the awesome diversity of people and culture here, such as your recent weekly business spotlight.

Keep up the good work!

Avery Hoyt

White Salmon, Wash.