I think the way these people are behaving is irrational and irresponsible. They are casting aside all other jobs and people in their lives because of this court event.
What will these people do when the trial ends? Will they face reality, or will they find another escape?
Marianne K. Amoss
Baltimore
Pleased with school
We were very disappointed with your April 17 article, "Maryland School for the Blind in turmoil." From our experience, it just isn't so.
Ben, our multiply-handicapped son, has been a student at MSB for two years. "Old time" teachers and professionals were his guides his first year; newcomers have taught Ben this year.
His growth -- physical, academic and emotional -- has been as phenomenal this year as it was the year before. We give equal credit to both groups of educators.
The article questioned the school administration's responsiveness to parents.
The one time we needed to call MSB President Louis M. Tutt, he graciously responded that very day.
Finally, since when is a Buick a "luxury car" for the president of a prestigious institution?
Rhett & Margery Waldman
Baltimore
Blame the parents
Let's place responsibility where it belongs for the problem Towson is experiencing with rowdy youths leaving Skateland. Where are the parents of these children?
It's not only unfair to hold Skateland responsible for the behavior of these kids, it's illogical. Can you hold K-Mart responsible for the actions of its patrons as they leave the store? How about Giant? Or Macy's?
Most businesses provide some sort of security for their patrons while on their premises. But if a business should take this too far, it would be accused of infringing on someone's rights.
Parents have to be responsible for their own children. This responsibility doesn't shift to Skateland simply because the child spends a few hours there skating.
Instead of fining Skateland by forcing it to incur additional expenses to pay for extra security measures, let's fine the parents of the children involved.
Maybe then these parents would pick up their children at the end of the skating session, rather than allowing them to loiter or roam around Towson.
Beth Ullmann
Bel Air
Will miss Burl Ives
When Burl Ives died at age 85 on April 14, the world lost one of the most versatile entertainers in show business history.
He made more than 100 albums, appeared in 13 Broadway productions, made more than 30 films and sang in concerts even into his 80s.
At Christmas he was the narrator of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the voice of "Frosty the Snowman." His songs "Blue Tail Fly" and "Jimmy Cracked Corn" are immortal.
As Big Daddy, he appeared in Tennessee William's "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" on Broadway in 1955 and in the film in 1958.
In 1948 he wrote his autobiography, "Wayfaring Stranger,` which detailed his life as a balladeer.
Joseph Saffron
Baltimore
