LETTERS: Constitution, Intel contest and more

Read past preamble for the full story

Yes, the preamble to the U.S. Constitution states the government shall "promote" the general welfare . But a recent letter writer doesn't seem to go past the preamble and look at Article 1, Section 8, which states: "The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States."

We should all be reading the Constitution to see what really is written, not just listening to any agenda, left or right.

Frank Yolango

Northport

Intel contest money lifts science education

A recent writer laments the use of school dollars to fund students to compete in the Intel science contest . I couldn't disagree more.

To compete in today's world it is more important than ever for our students to have a strong science education. The benefits of these programs go beyond the students who participate. The amount of money spent is a small portion of the overall budget and provides inspiration to all students who strive to excel in science.

If we take the small amount of funds used in this program and put it into the existing remedial education programs it will do little to change the overall number of failing students. That situation will only improve when parents put more value on their child's education and stop expecting the teachers and a few extra dollars to do all the work.

Stop idolizing Peyton Manning and start teaching your kids to look up to people like Galileo, Einstein, Newton, Charles Darwin and Steven Hawking.

Dr. Michael Melgar

Great Neck

Stop your whining and support Obama

Stop the constant whining that President Barack Obama is to blame for our current economic woes, or that he has reneged on promises he made a year ago. I did not vote for George W. Bush, but for eight years I accepted the fact that the majority of America did. The people who did not vote for Obama lost and should get over it.

The media pundits and the Tea Parties are undermining and further separating our great nation. They criticize without offering solutions.

It seems both parties are only interested in re-election and obstructing any effort introduced by the opposing group. The division they constantly spew out is hurting our country, and foreign nations are watching and laughing at us. It is time to come together and stand beside our elected officials with some positive input. If you are not happy after four years, you can vote Obama out - but give him his term in office before you knock him down.

Dolores Madsen

Bayville