Evidence of evolution cannot be disputed

Evidence of evolutioncannot be disputed
EDITOR:
Although I'm aware that it is as much a waste of print as it is a waste of breath to try to change the minds of people who don't accept evolution, I cannot let the remarks of a recent letter writer and others pass without a brief response.
The vast majority of people know that evolution is the basis of all study of life on the planet. The evidence for it is so overwhelming and indisputable that virtually every reputable scientist accepts it. Not to do so could be likened to undertaking the study of physics without accepting the laws of gravity or to hold that the earth and humanity are the center of the cosmos.
Denying children knowledge of the origins of all species of plants and animals living around them is to put them at a cruel and crippling disadvantage. And this at a time when their education is already lagging behind much of the rest world where, incidentally, the United States is a laughingstock because a few of us are -- incredibly -- still debating evolution in 2003.
WILLIAM L. JONES
Canfield
Execution of 'Bambi'was not for public eyes
EDITOR:
While writing this letter we are still trying to decide who is the greater fool, the person who made the decision to execute the injured yearling deer in full view of neighborhood children or the person who decided the whole episode should lead the evening news on Channel 21.
Is there any chance that either or both of these people were involved in the "attack turkey" fiasco in Canfield a couple of months ago? That would explain the similar reactions to otherwise docile creatures. As with turkeys, the cases of an injured yearling deer attacking humans are few and far between or at least undocumented. Would not tranquilizing the injured animal followed by its humane disposal later, out of the view of children, have been a better choice of action? I'm not sure who said the tranquilizer would not work fast enough to prevent the deer from charging someone, but I do know if it will knock down a healthy 1,500-pound horse it would surely disable an injured 150-pound deer before it could do much damage.
As for the TV coverage -- this whole episode carries "If it bleeds, it leads" way too far. Any viewer with both brains and children present raced for their remote to turn the piece off, and there are far more important, tragic shootings taking place in Youngstown than that of an injured deer! Even in Youngstown there had to be something of greater news value or public service with which to open the evening news. Film of the execution of "Bambi" being shown at dinnertime is not exactly what the FCC had in mind when it discussed programming that "serves the general public good."
The "sharpshooter" chosen to dispatch the injured deer is another topic! Two shots at point blank range from a high powered rifle, and the last we saw of the deer was it still writhing in pain on the ground. We sure hope this isn't the same "hunter" they had in mind to eliminate the turkey in Canfield. He would have run out of ammunition before he ever hit a turkey.
It is decisions like these by public officials or others who serve the public that make you wonder about paying taxes.
TOM and JACK SEDLOCK
Mineral Ridge
Austintown tax moneygoes to big-buck school jobs
EDITOR:
I am a homeowner in the Austintown school district. Just as I expected, they are considering a 5- to 10-mill school levy.
Austintown is one of the top communites in construction of new homes, homes going for $150,000 and up. Where is all this additional tax money going?
I understand Fitch High School has a principal for every grade, four total. It seems to me, in my days we had one principal and one vice principal. If enrollment is larger, they might want to cut back on these big-buck jobs and have maybe one principal with two vice principals.
When Austintown schools look for a way to cut and save money will be the day I consider to vote for a tax increase. Before you decide to vote or not vote for a school levy, look at your August real estate tax bill and check out your tax money going toward schools.
ANDY PAPPAGALLO SR. Mineral Ridge