The solution to this problem is clear, obvious

A few thoughts on some observations from this past week:
> In all the talk about improving schools and student learning–whether through increased funding for more teachers, improving the availability of technology or another means–can’t we make an argument that a school district is only as successful as the strength of the family units that belong to it?  Think about that for a second.  How many single parent families reside in any given school district?  Why do so many children live in single-parent homes in some areas, while traditional families dominate others?   Are teachers in struggling districts now spending more time raising someone else’s kids in the classroom and less time teaching? Shouldn’t the government do more to encourage marriage and stability and stop facilitating the breakdown of families?  The common thread of this, I believe, dates back generations. . .
> Several readers have commented to me about the shredded American flag which flies over the Hazlehurst South Station Fire Department just down the street from our building.  Flag etiquette says, “When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.”  Leaving the tattered flag flying down the street is undoubtedly an oversight by our busy emergency personnel.  I’m sure a new one will be raised at the station soon . . .
> Finally, former Courier owner Vic Garraway passed away last week.  He had been living in Prentiss for the past several years.  Though I don’t recall meeting Mr. Garraway in person, he still read the Courier each week and even contacted me a few times since I became publisher in 2002 to speak his mind on a couple of issues.  He will be missed.