Letters

Enlightening Discussion • Thank you so much for sponsoring the forum on women in education. It was an enlightening conversation attended by articulate and compassionate educators. Now that some of the problems have been defined, it would be interesting to get the group together again sometime to discuss actions that could lead to much-needed solutions.

It has been a difficult week, both personally and politically with the tragic loss of Governor Carnahan. His strong stand on education changed our state for the best and that leadership will be sorely missed.

Again, I so appreciate Ingram's willingness to inform Kansas Citians about these important educational issues. Mary L. James, Board of Curators University of Missouri System

Investing in Education • Thank you for participating with Park Hill Educators in the Workplace. The partnership between school and business needs to be strengthened, and this is a way to do so. We took with us new insight into the business world, and this knowledge is beneficial as we create lesson plans and share information with our students. We appreciate your effort! Jackie Roberts & Mary Huffman Park Hill Middle School Parkhill Educators in the Workplace

Sour Grapes? Maybe • Each time I turned the page, it seemed there was something of interest for a recently returned person to the KC metropolitan area. From the pros & cons on the Liberty Memorial, to the excellent article on Election Losers, I was completely ensconsed in the October issue of Ingram's.

However, I came back home to KC from Columbia, MO and I found that the information about the city was biased . . . mid Missouri certainly has a well educated work force but that is because the business community can hire the graduate student's wives, with advanced degrees and pay them very little. That is only one example of the work force. It is impossible to get ahead in that community unless you are with the University for several years, are an attorney, a doctor, or involved in one of the insurance companies in management. Everyone needs a job and there is always someone who can take your place, so pay is small.

The cost of living in Columbia is not any cheaper than Kansas City and it does not offer the variety of goods, services and discounts because of sales that can be had there.

I also started my own small business while I lived in that community. I did not think that the "good ol' boy" syndrome would be so evident in such a world class community . . . but it was and is. If you are a woman, do not try to do something on your own without a husband or the backing of a male sponsor.

Sour Grapes? Maybe, but there are facts that cannot be denied.

Yes, Columbia is a great little city that has the small town atmosphere, with many amenities of a bigger city. It's a great place to retire, and to live if you have the income and resources.

I'm just glad to be back home. Keep up the good work on your magazine and articles.

Charlotte A. Brown,Gammy8845 @aol.com