Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Comparing snail mail and e-mail

Ruthe Deskin is assistant to the publisher. Her column appears Thursdays. Reach her at [email protected].

There's nothing that looks more forlorn than an empty mailbox. That's one of the reasons I don't mind so-called junk mail.

I like the idea that when I put the key in the lock and open the box something will be waiting for me, even if it is a brochure attempting to sell me something I don't need. Occasionally an offer comes along I can't resist -- such treasures as two tapes entitled "Stage Door Canteen." All of those wonderful songs from the World War II period bring back memories of a time when America was truly one nation of patriotic citizens fighting for the ideal of democracy. But that's another story.

I don't have the same feelings about e-mail as I do about my regular mailbox. All the junk mail sent by computer needs to be assigned quickly to "trash." I am especially resentful of the messages that offer "the best porn on the net for free," or those gross offers to "party," and explicit sexual remarks. If I had children with access to such junk I would find some way to mark it all "off limits." I haven't mastered the art of deleting so the stuff is still cluttering my computer.

Another e-mail offer that has frightening possibilities is the writer who claims to be able to "find anything about anyone with all the details." There is nothing to guarantee the truth of the findings and that poses great danger. Unfortunately, we seem to be stuck with e-mail weirdos invading our space.

Some months ago I met with several substitute teachers who were unhappy with the conditions under which they worked and frustrated at not being able to get full-time jobs, although they had all the necessary credentials. After discussing the situation with school officials who promised to "look into the matter," I heard nothing more.

It seems the substitute's place in the system is status quo. They believe they are being treated like second-class citizens. A recent Sun story about the fourth grade at Helen Jydstrup Elementary brought forth a response from a sub:

"It seems the salary disparity between subs and regular teachers just keeps growing. I know sub pay hasn't increased in over three years. ... At $80 per day, or $40 for a half day, with no benefits, I think almost everyone would agree this paltry sum should be raised. ... They put 'guest teachers' like me in and expect us to do lesson plans, behavior modification, call parents, attend meetings. ... Even though the per diem pay rises after 10 working days, it is still not enough. In addition, if you are out for two days, you are put back to $80 for another 10 working days.

"It is also unfair to students to have transitional teachers hustling in and out of their classrooms, many of whom don't have the necessary credentials to even teach the class. Parents should be up in arms. Why is this being done? It's so the district can save money, but at whose expense? Is there anything that can be done or anything you can suggest to help us get the recognition we deserve?"

Having been down this road before, I can only give the same advice. Contact the school board trustee in your area. Get together with other subs and organize meetings with school officials, but don't expect too much help in this area because many of the current subs need their jobs and are fearful of rocking the boat.

archive