Rick Perry, socialism, Arlington City Council, Social Security, school discipline

The one big problem with the primary debates is there is nobody willing to jump up and say, "That is wrong and here is why."

On Sunday, Rick Perry called Obama a socialist. This isn't the first time the term has been used by a Republican to describe the president.

The dictionary defines socialism as any of various economic and political theories that advocate collective or government ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods. Further, socialism is a system of society in which there is no private property. As a Marxist theory, it is distinguished as having an unequal distribution of goods and pay as determined by the amount of work done.

Which, if any, of these definitions could anybody (including Perry) say the president subscribes to or is leading the nation into?

-- Harry Lingo, Arlington

Dr Pepper's black eye

In my quiet life as a retired person, I have few opportunities to express my viewpoint, and perhaps this is as it should be. But I cannot remain silent with regard to what the people who set policy at Dr Pepper Snapple Group have done, collectively, to the Dublin Bottling Works. They have damaged the community, dishonored a century-old business, unjustly discharged employees and showed a callous attitude to the very thing capitalism is supposed to support -- a well-run, profit-making small business that had no hand in the parent company's problems.

How will degrading this company bring any material aid to the financial problems the ownership faces? Whatever gains might be acquired will be more than overcome by the enormous ill will that seems to be growing into a major black eye for those who made this unfortunate decision.

-- Charles Mitchell, Arlington

Stop sensationalism

Homicide rates are down substantially all over the country, and in the Fort Worth area as well. Other serious crimes have declined in the same manner. So why is our local newspaper full of those kinds of stories on a regular basis -- not only local stories, but statewide and nationally?

No wonder the average person on the street thinks crime rates are at all-time highs!

-- Jan Fersing, Fort Worth

Marines' misjudgment

What happens "in theater" should stay "in theater." The only crime of these Marines was misjudgment to post a video to the world. To apply sane judgment to this act is unreasonable. War is insane, and poor judgment by young Marines under stress should be treated not as a crime but as a release from a stressful situation.

Walk in their footprints, see what they have seen -- how would you react? Much worse atrocities happen to our young men "over there."

-- Judy Wilson, Benbrook

Dictating to the people

The Star-Telegram Editorial Board could use a lesson in how dictatorships work. (See: "Arlington: Time limits aren't a muzzle to public debate," Jan. 3)

I found this quote troubling: "No, the job of the mayor and council is to make often-difficult decisions about city issues and put policies in place to improve life in Arlington. That purpose is not served by people who believe they can browbeat council members into seeing things in a particular way."

Really? So the Arlington City Council is an all-powerful government who should do what it feels is "right" for the city, its constituents be darned? Are the people who voice their concerns just a nuisance whose "purpose is not served by people who believe they can browbeat council members into seeing things in a particular way?" The Editorial Board seems to favor "big government" that is all-powerful and all-knowing, and works for the collective good.

What the editorial fails to realize is that Stalin and Mao thought the same thing. Look how that worked out for the Russians and Chinese.

-- David Blair, Fort Worth

Social Security tax

Years ago my father told me Congress was spending our Social Security tax on other programs. I wrote my representatives and asked if this true.

Rep. Joe Barton answered: "Social Security is financed primarily by payroll and self-employment taxes, as well as by a portion of the proceeds from the income taxation of Social Security benefits."

"The revenues are deposited in the U.S. Treasury. Social Security benefits and administrative expenses also are paid from the U.S. Treasury. By law if Social Security revenues exceed expenditures, the 'surplus' is credited to the Social Security trust funds in the form of U.S. government securities. The money itself, however, is used to pay for whatever other expenses the government may have at the time."

Our representatives tell us Social Security will soon be broke, while taking money that our employers and working Americans pay in and using it on tax breaks and other programs.

Write your senators and representatives. Ask them: "Why didn't you invest this money in a secure trust fund for present and future generations?"

-- James Evans Sr., Arlington

Leading through threat

As a retired Crowley school district teacher, I am appalled when principals negate the instructional and emotional needs of campus staff and students while doing little to establish positive relationships. Because of a principal's autocratic leadership style, a negative campus environment is created, with teachers in constant fear. Teachers and staff are reluctant to report legitimate concerns to the central administration for fear of retaliation or termination.

Such principals should research current studies on school climate and culture showing that positive, nurturing leadership is a major contributing factor in successful schools.

Also, principals should handle student discipline issues that have been accurately and appropriately reported by staff; support and allow dedicated and talented teachers to do their jobs without retaliation should they disagree with a decision; and set a campus example for educational excellence, not just demanding it from staff.

Intimidation and threats do not make a campus successful -- students and dedicated teachers do. As instructional leaders, principals are charged with addressing all aspects of teaching and learning. Create the nurturing and positive environment that your students and teachers deserve.

-- Susan H. Cornette, Fort Worth

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