Early bells OK with some

As a single parent of a secondgrade daughter in public schools, I have to agree that there should be more discussion on the time changes introduced by Boston Public Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang (“Time switch foulup latest in Chang’s woes,” Dec. 23).

My child attends the Tynan Elementary School with a start time of 8:30 a.m., and my problem all year has been getting to my place of employment that has a strict 8 a.m. start time.

I somehow managed to get it done with the help of family and friends, but it’s a constant struggle to be on time.

For my part, I welcomed the 7:15 a.m. start time, and agree there should be further discussion on finding a middle ground for all — without completely abandoning these new ideas.

During school vacation week, I found a day care program that started at 7:30 a.m. (and I can find an afternoon program that starts at 1:30 p.m., too). But I am dreading having to plead with others to help me when school starts again so I can make my 8 a.m. start.

As this demonstrates, not all parents thought that it was a bad idea to shift school schedules around. — Dennis J. Flaherty, South Boston

Dems diss tax bill

Michael Graham’s column points out that many of the ideas embodied in the GOP tax reform bill have in the past have been proposed and supported by Democrats (“Tax plan even a Democrat could love,” Dec. 19).

The hypocritical Democrats in Congress are just intent on waging class warfare. At the very least, they should be standing up and pointing to the good parts of the reform bill. — Paul Quaglia, Billerica

Getting to the facts

The American public will eventually recognize the left’s opposition to tax reform as fraudulent when they see that their lives didn’t implode when they return to work on Jan. 2 (“Liz and left lying about GOP bill loot,” Dec. 21). But beware a new tactic that Democrats have been readying: blaming Republicans for soaring health insurance rates.

The left will campaign on the idea that tax reform is actually the root cause of spiraling health care costs. Liberals will say that Republicans now own Obamacare, and the Democratic National Committee may gear up to unleash a massive campaign to try to make this falsehood stick. It will be up to Michael Graham and others in the media to destroy this unscrupulous fabrication before it gets any traction with the public.

— Sean F. Flaherty, Charlestown

Bullies’ words can harm

I read Jessica Heslam’s column, “Nowadays words hurt, too,” (Dec. 13). I know what it’s like to be bullied. I’ve been there. When I was a kid going to school, my feelings would get hurt on a regular basis.

There is that old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” All too often, that’s simply not true.

— Ned Byrne, Weymouth