Dear Editor:
The article by Cynthia Walker published on Friday, Dec. 5, 2003
titled
”
Alliance, a bunch of wimps,
”
and the scathing
”
Jeers,
”
remarks by columnist Doug Meier regarding well liked and
respected former Gilroy High science teacher, Ron Kinoshita, have
something in common. Both documents were authored by cynical,
self-serving, despondent, malcontents.
Dear Editor:
The article by Cynthia Walker published on Friday, Dec. 5, 2003 titled “Alliance, a bunch of wimps,” and the scathing “Jeers,” remarks by columnist Doug Meier regarding well liked and respected former Gilroy High science teacher, Ron Kinoshita, have something in common. Both documents were authored by cynical, self-serving, despondent, malcontents.
Cynthia, your statement, “teachers are blaming the AAE for editorials in The Dispatch? they might as well blame the AAE for the color of the sky,” is an inaccurate depiction of what was actually inferred by Mr. Kinoshita. Misinformation continues to be one of the rots of society, and in this instance you are at the core. But, alas! I am here to set the record straight.
In the eloquent letter to the editor written by Ron Kinoshita and spurred by the ludicrous writing submitted on Nov. 20, 2003, he indicated, “It has undermined years of work by the Academic Alliance. Even though it was totally wrong, you have placed a ‘guilt by association’ in the minds of the teachers at Gilroy High School.” He further elaborates, “your editorial is written in such a style that makes it difficult not to place some blame on the Academic Alliance. That’s unfortunate.”
Let me simplify it for you, Cynthia. Criticism emulating from the notorious editorial (Nov. 3) was not constructive, and did not inspire people in RLAG or in the Academic Alliance to work together. Inspiration is something that can be accomplished by positive and constructive feedback, not by name calling and egocentric rhetoric.
Secondly, Cynthia, I fail to see the absurdity of Ron’s statement, “parents concerned with the socially oriented books can easily supplement their children’s literature with all the ‘Great Books,’ outside reading, while working towards the modification of the reading list.”
It is admirable how you leave out key points of Mr. Kinoshita’s editorial. Furthermore, I guess suggesting parent involvement with their child’s education is “absurd,” well at least in Mrs. Walker’s sheltered existence.
Thirdly, Cynthia, Ron knows that a strong-willed, passionate educator can effect changes in a very short time. That statement defines Mr. Kinoshita, and recounts what he accomplished for 38 years.
Lastly, on to Mr. Meier. “Jeers” to you for launching a “personal” attack against my father. Yes, Ron Kinoshita is my father, and a former teacher of mine. I had the honor of learning from my father not only at my home, but also in the classroom. During the third quarter of my sophomore year at Gilroy High School I was a student in Mr. Kinoshita’s biology class. Hey Doug! I went to GHS! That place where all the future Wal-Mart and Super Wal-Mart employees go to school. By the way, what did Wal-Mart ever do to you anyway?
I happen to know some Wal-Mart employees and they are honest hard-working people. The word, “elitist,” keeps popping into my head when I think about you. Hmmmmmm …
Ron Kinoshita is a well spoken, respectful man with a positive attitude that has inspired many young people, including my siblings and I. During his 38 years of professional educating he has given his heart and soul to the Gilroy Unified School District. He is extremely well respected and loved by those who know him, and he more than deserved to be the Educator of the Year. By the way, Doug, he has received several other awards and commendations throughout his illustrious career. Positive things actually do happen to good people.
In reference to his commencement speech, I read it and liked it as did many others who went out of their way to contact me and offer positive feedback.
Mr. Meier, stick to your boring, incessant babble, and leave the personal attacks against my father out of your “rag” section of The Dispatch. Information on why Mr. Kinoshita received “Educator of the Year,” amongst other awards, is available. Research = responsible journalism.
Steve Kinoshita, Gilroy
Submitted Tuesday, Dec. 16 to ed****@****ic.com
