Teachers need some lessons

Re: Decertify teachers’ unions before our society fails, Nov. 4

I could not agree with Conrad Black more. And as bad as things may be in mathematics, they pale in comparison to the cultural and historical illiteracy perpetuated by our educational establishment.

If you think this is an exaggeration, I suggest asking anyone under the age of 30 who Mao Zedong was and what happened during the Great Leap Forward.

Prepare to be shocked and dismayed, and wonder no more how Marxist anachronisms like Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn have risen from the scrap heap.

Andrew Rosner, Toronto

I was a member of the Ont ario Secondary School Teachers Federation for 27 years. I was angered when my union got involved in social or political activism. I considered these efforts infringements that were none of my union’s business.

I want both my government and my union to respect the separation of legislative and executive powers. I want my government to stay out of negotiations between boards and unions. I want my union to stay out of the legislation of my government.

I want the boards in my neighbourhood to be run by trustees who are qualified, experienced in education, and have proven ability. That will most probably include teachers. I expect them be required to resign f rom teachers’ unions once they decide to run for administrative positions. It is a question of limiting the power and authority of any person or body. Peter Page, Toronto