Ethnically Speaking by Larry Meeks

Dear Larry: Everyone in America should learn to speak English. There is no excuse for anyone who is not able to speak English in this country. I know what I am talking about because I do volunteer work with an adult literacy group.

There are organizations in every state and in many towns and counties where adults can go to learn to speak, read and write English.

These organizations give instruction in classes, and many have individual tutoring. Some employers give their workers time to take classes, knowing it's good for business. I even know of some groups that will go to the workplace and give instruction.

The lack of adult literacy is appalling. Twenty-five to 35 percent of our adult population cannot compete because of a lack of English skills. What is even worse is most of them are native-born citizens.

The U.S. cannot compete in the global economy without a skilled work force, and we are falling behind. All areas of life are affected by low literacy: jobs, families, schools, communities and participation in our democracy.

Nearly 70 percent of the prison population is unable to read and write. And don't blame the schools. There are multiple reasons some people have not learned to read. Their having learning disabilities is only one of the reasons.

I could go on, but really I just wanted to get across the message that literacy is an avenue to success in life and that there is help. — Mary

Dear Mary: Thank you for the information and your tireless efforts to increase literacy in America.

I am sure your letter will help those who are willing to put in the time and effort.

That is what it takes for one to learn a second language. Almost everyone can learn to speak. It is not genetic or based upon a high IQ. Even people with low IQs can learn to speak. I admit that some people have an aptitude for languages and learn faster than others. But with enough time, effort and determination, most anyone can learn a second language.

Dear Larry: I am a minority single mother with a son who is a sophomore in high school. My son is a gifted athlete. He lives and breathes football. That is all he talks about, and he would watch it on TV 24/7 if he could. He knows almost all the players and their statistics in the NFL. He is able to predict the plays each team will run before the plays even start.

It is obvious my son is smart, but one never would know he is bright by his grades. My son barely has a C average. I am afraid he will not even graduate. He doesn't care, because he thinks he will be a great football player and become rich.

I know my son is a good player, but I do not know whether he is good enough to become a pro player. I want him to concentrate on his grades.

What can I do to motivate him? — Worried Mom

Dear Mom: I would use what he cares about the most: football. Let him know that pro players are chosen from the college ranks and that the average NFL career is 3 1/2 seasons. That means that if he wants to play pro football, he must graduate from high school and attend college.

If you are unable to reach him with your logic, talk to his high-school coach.

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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