John Carlson’s comments about kids being taught that they don’t have to do well to get a good grade hit a major nerve of mine. The Bush administration brought to light just how pervasive this problem has become – high-ranking officials in business and government are being rewarded for doing lousy jobs and not punished for doing crimes.

As a parent, it’s a daunting process instilling self-pride in a country where corrupt ethics and morals have corroded the importance of pride in one’s performance and work. President Obama is doing all he can to clean up the mess left behind by 40 years of our government overseeing the dumbing-down of our citizens.

We need to inform our school principals and teachers how essential it is to restore John’s phrase into the classroom, “You get what you deserve”.

Alison Snow, Bellevue