Ethnically Speaking by Larry Meeks

Dear Larry: In a recent CNN news article discussing a report about the "high school dropout crisis," the number put forward was 6.2 million dropouts in 2007. The article said the dropouts were mostly male and mostly black or Latino.

My husband and I are white and middle-class, if that makes a difference. We have three nephews from three separate siblings. All of them dropped out of school, and we blame their failure on poor parenting. We have three children, all boys. I am happy to say they have done fine and are making their way in this world. I feel I know a little something about raising boys.

With all of that said, it is difficult for me to believe all of the dropouts who are minorities dropped out because of poor parenting.

In your opinion, what is the problem, and why are that many kids dropping out of school? And why is it skewed toward males and minorities? — Nancy

Dear Nancy: In my opinion, this national disgrace is a result of poor parenting. Seventy percent of all black children are born to single mothers. Without fathers and intact families, this trend will increase.

Fathers have a definite role in controlling children, especially boys. Mothers are able to exert control over their sons until those boys reach puberty. Once the boys become bigger and stronger than their mothers, the mothers begin to lose control. Thus, you have boys as young as 10 making decisions without adequate controls.

If I could wave a magic wand and change one thing about America to make a major difference, it would be this issue.

Dear Larry: When I scour my paper for something to read that is uplifting, I usually don't find anything. I migrate to the crossword puzzle, and then there you are! Your column never has failed to get to me. Your love for humanity is evident, and your advice is free of bias.

It is with regret that I must tell you that as of last week, I, too, am one of the many who have canceled their subscriptions to newspapers because of the content and/or lack thereof.

I will miss reading your words of wisdom.

You are about the only bright light in the rubbish we call the "printed news."

My subscription ends in 10 days. Your comment on this situation would be appreciated greatly. Can you convince me that I am wrong?

Thank you for years of service. — Matt

Dear Matt: Thank you for your kind words. I am printing your letter because I am receiving more and more letters from people stating the same concern as you. The most common complaint is that the news is biased and censored.

When I read a national news story, I find out who the reporter is and what organization he or she represents. Once I determine the reporter's bias, then I read the article knowing to be on the lookout for it. As I read, I enjoy asking myself this question: What news and views are missing? I play a mind game with the reporter.

Some writers are so biased that I don't even bother to read their work. I find their lack of fairness/objectivity/professionalism to be so far off the mark it is insulting to my intelligence.

In my opinion, the reason you should keep reading your paper is papers do a fairly good job reporting the local, regional and state news. However, once the news gets into anything regarding Republican/Democratic politics, apply your filters.

The only way to keep abreast with what is happening around you is to read your local newspaper. Television and radio give snippets, but for the in-depth analytical information, you can't beat your newspaper.

If your love of the puzzles and the above comments do not persuade you to keep your subscription, how about keeping it so you have newspapers for starting fires, wrapping fish, stuffing packages, washing windows, protecting things when painting, and covering the bottoms of bird cages?

To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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