Garnati wrong on his stance toward home-schooling

To the Editor:

The "I told you so" message from Mr. Garnati (Sept. 6, 2006, "Garnati reminds parents about strict truancy laws") is an unfortunate progression from the Kim Harris "test case" conviction, even as many media reports convicted her as a home-school problem.

Now the Franklin/ Williamson County Regional Office of Education sends truant officers to check on home-schooling families in the area. Why?

Actual law prohibits "ROE authority to go in and check out the curriculum to make sure it's been done in a correct way" despite the state's attorney's opinion. His messages to home-schoolers in the past year and a half, via media and press conferences, are that he and the truant officers are entitled, despite actually overstepping the law.

The message from Mr. Garnati and the ROE is that home-schoolers and their homes must submit to constant inspection from them. And they are currently trying to follow through with that. These visits are harassment of home-schoolers rather than following the actual law. As an Illinois home-schooler, I and many others are watching what is happening to your area home-school families. The Illinois home-school community is resolved to fight for these families.

The message from the authorities in the area should be to follow the actual law and leave home-schoolers alone to educate their children. We would hope that the taxpayers in your communities would want the same from their public servants.

Susan Ryan, Farmer City

Thank you, Jackson County

To the Editor:

We are writing to thank the people of Jackson County. We have been the recipient of their warm tolerance and generosity.

For the past several months we have been actively circulating a petition to place on the ballot, in the general election, a question about the occupation of Iraq. We have talked to people on sidewalks, farmers markets, concerts, and at the university. We came away impressed with the political engagement of the citizens of Jackson County. Everyone, no matter what their position on the occupation, respected the right of free speech and understood the importance of grass roots democracy.

People shared their family stories about relatives in Iraq. Veterans told us about their views on war. At times we were so deeply touched, that stories and memories of some of those conversations stayed with us for days.

It is necessary for us to tell you, who signed our petition for referendum, the results of our labor. We collected 800 signatures. We submitted the signed petitions to the Jackson County Clerk on Aug. 21, 2006. Unfortunately, because of time, we did not succeed in collecting enough signatures to place the question of the occupation of Iraq on the ballot in Jackson County. We regret this as we think that the question, pro and con, is an important one that should be respectfully discussed.

We again want to thank you. Thank you for signing, thank you telling us why you could not sign the petition. Thank you for generosity and tolerance.

Lori Senteney, De Soto

Celeste Williams, Murphysboro

Harness racing world pays attention to Du Quoin

To the Editor:

The story in the Sunday, Sept. 3, edition about the possibility that the World Trotting Derby may be discontinued at the Du Quoin State Fair states that the "harness racing world isn't paying full attention" to the World Trotting Derby. That is simply not true.

Five members of the staff of The Horseman and Fair World, harness racing's weekly magazine, attended this year's race, and a staff member has covered the race every year it has been held. The magazine's Web site, www.harnessracing.com, posted results and a photo of the race immediately after it was completed. Also, The Horseman received calls from a trotting publication in Sweden about when a photo of the race would be available.

The story also includes a quote from Jack Kelly, executive director of the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association, in which he states, "Even in our industry's own trade publications we don't get a lot of prestige." This is also untrue.

The Horseman and Fair World has put a photo of the World Trotting Derby on its cover almost every single year since the race has been held. The race was on the cover of the magazine last year and again this year.

The World Trotting Derby keeps Illinois, and Du Quoin, on the world harness racing map. If the race is discontinued, worldwide interest in harness racing in Illinois and Du Quoin will most certainly be diminished.

Kathy Parker, Editor

The Horseman and Fair World

Lexington, Ky.