Letters to the Editor

Expensive plan

In 2001 I wrote that the Stono River bridge should not be built and the Mark Clark should be completed to James Island. This suggestion was forwarded to Columbia, and the answer received was that the contract for the Stono bridge was too far along to change.

Not building the bridge would have allowed Riverland Terrace to develop into a quiet residential area like the old village in Mount Pleasant when the bridge over there was relocated. In addition, a million dollars or so would not have been spent on the "Riley Tunnel" to provide a safe crossing for the golfers, and part of the old bridge could have been developed as a fishing pier. Now millions more are being spent to improve the Folly Road intersection.

This is all in the past, but I still feel that the Mark Clark should be completed. The longer it is delayed, the higher the cost.

ROBERT A. GISSELL
Cotton House Road
Charleston

Safe living

I read with deep concern the recent article titled "In harm's way," about how some College of Charleston students wind up living in risky neighborhoods. I used to work at MUSC and often saw what appeared to be students with their backpacks riding bicycles across the Crosstown in the early morning, probably heading to the C of C.

I also noticed young men and women coming out of or going into renovated old homes between the Crosstown and Calhoun Street, and couldn't help but wonder why their parents would allow them to live in these areas.

Does the C of C mention this to their incoming freshmen, or would this be "politically incorrect"?

As a parent of a prospective C of C student, I would be certain my child is living in a safe environment while away from home regardless of whether the rent may be more. What's more important: your child's life or having him or her living in a dangerous section of Charleston?

MARY LYNN WEST
Tomota Court
Mount Pleasant

Improve literacy

The recent article "Putting the focus on literacy" dramatically points out that a frightening number of our students are poor readers.

Dr. Nancy McGinley rightly stresses that the district will concentrate on improving literacy from kindergarten through 12th grade.

This, however, misses a very critical point. Our students don't read because their parents or grandparents don't read. Illiteracy is a generational curse. Education has less value when a family's concentration is putting the next meal on the table or paying rent. As a society, we have to find ways to relieve the stigma of illiteracy by encouraging all adults with low literacy skills to seek help and stay the course.

Adults who improve their literacy skills, get or retain jobs, obtain a GED or continue their education are healthier and are less likely to be on welfare or in jail.

The issue of illiteracy has to be addressed not only from the elementary through high school levels, but also with the parents. At Trident Literacy Association, we see adults every day who have taken that step. We reach about 2,500 students each year. But with 20,000 adults in the tri-county area with less than a ninth-grade education, that is a drop in the proverbial bucket.

Literacy is the keystone of civilization. Support the schools in their efforts to improve literacy, and support Trident Literacy in its efforts to educate adults. By doing both, we can save many lives and build a stronger community.

CHERYL MONIZ
Marketing Director
Trident Literacy Association
Rivers Avenue
North Charleston

Honesty counts

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the person who found my credit card April 28 in the West Ashley Home Depot parking lot and returned it to the store for me to retrieve.

This is just another example why Charleston is considered one of the politest and most considerate cities in the United States.

DANIEL KULBARSH
Cathedral Lane
Charleston

Work horses

I wonder whether the visitors from Iowa City who were so appalled at our horse-drawn carriages have an idea how people, goods and materials were transported before the advent of the automobile.

I was glad to read they will not be back to have their hearts bleed all over the streets of Charleston.

TOM HARVEY
Trenholm Drive
James Island