Published: July 02, 2009 08:09 pm      

America needs crafts as much as it needs college graduates

Your editorial on June 14, “Tech Ed: Introducing youngsters to the trades is a good idea,” is right on, especially the last paragraph (“Programs such as Tech Ed are worthwhile and should be pursued and expanded. America needs plumbers, electricians, carpenters and auto mechanics just as much as it needs college graduates.).

Even though I am a college graduate I get uneasy when the proclamation is to go to college with no consideration given to the trades and crafts. Who is going to do our plumbing, carpentry, machining, tiling, masonry unless encouragement is given to consider the crafts and trades? You are correct that U.S.A. needs that crafts as much as it need college graduates.

I also give credit for printing both liberal and conservative commentaries by syndicated columnists. Balance is needed and it seems to me we do get balance in the Times-News.

Again as to Tech Ed, I do know the original G.I. Bill for education included vocational, farming and even learning to fly airplanes, which was five. I do not know if present G.I. Bills include vocational training or not. Something to look into and if only college training is specialized the vill needs changed to include tech ed.

Keep up your good and balanced work.

Paul Shogren

Oakland