Commentaries

October 06, 2008

 Commentaries is where Minnesota Public Radio welcomes your thoughtful opinion about current events and issues. Commentaries are like letters to the editor. To be considered for publication, your commentary should be issue-related, clearly written, and follow our Terms of Use. New insights into ongoing topics are especially welcome. Not all commentaries received are published. For topical interaction with others, visit the discussion groups.

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Cellphone etiquette

I am in an online Masters of Education class and the subject of cellphone usuage/confiscation was a rather lengthy one. [MPR News: Some schools look for ways to allow cell phones, without distractions] I believe that when cellphones can be used should be implemented into all schools.

It is amazing how many students have cellphones and do not have pen/pencil or paper: basic materials for education. Parents are not solely the problem with cell phone usuage as students will get them from the mall or the convenience stores with monetary gifts they have received from family and friends for special occasions. There should be some method that allows cell phone usuage at school as well as designated times for the usuage. Many people do not have house phones and use their cellphones as a means of communicating with their children and to be contacted by their children. Some students have reported they receive calls from family/parents who are in the military and the times that they can call is during our school hours in the United States: that's a legitimate reason to have a cell phone at school.

We say that we promote technology and seek better ways to meet future challenges; cell phones are technology and, like the operators of ole, will be replaced by something that we cannot even phanthom. This issue is not whether cell phones should be allowed but a strict rule on when and the method (text vs call) they are allowed.

Mrs. Durant
Pensacola, Fla.


Considering C02 detection

More of this will likely happen. [MPR News: Carbon monoxide poisoning kills 3] This is such a sad situation. My guess is a lot more of these situations will occur with the high fuel and utility costs.

[To consider] as far as CO2 detectors are concerned, who is paying for these? They are not cheap and if it happens to be one wired into the house electrical system and the power is shut off, how will they work? And how do they plan on enforcing this? This will be a tough winter for everyone.

Jenny Hansen
River Falls, Wisc.


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