Should Education and Commerce Be Combined?

The Opinion page column "Whittle's Schools - 3R's and Lots of TV," July 6, makes important points. Prominent among them is that the schools will be supported in part by showing commercials in classrooms. For many, school is a bad enough experience as it is. But under the guise of improving education, Christopher Whittle proposes to connect learning and commerce - a move certain to add to the stress and confusion of schooling by compromising the students' freedom of thought. Ned Vare, Guilford, Conn. Morals in schools

Regarding the editorial "Choice in Schools," June 30: I am a public school teacher, principal, supervisor, superintendent and professor of education. When I received my college education in the late '40s and '50s, one of the books on the list to be read by all education students was "Teaching Moral and Spiritual Values in Schools." At that time I was a firm supporter of public schools and opposed to religious and private schools. I saw public schools as contributing strength to our melting-pot society, a cculturating the learners by bringing them together into stronger common values, not merely teaching "3 R's."

However, since moral and spiritual values, which are basic to good education, have been largely eliminated in public schools, I have changed my position and support religious and private education. The choice should be made to give public support to religious and private schools. They are an essential and stable part of the educational system of our country. Herbert Humbert, Buckingham Pk., Calif. Separation of church and state

Hats off to the author of the Opinion page article "In Prayer Case, the Supreme Court Kept History in Mind," July 6, for his explanation of the separation of church and state. If everyone could read this article and follow the facts as set forth here, there would be much greater understanding among us all. Edith C. Smith, Erwinna, Pa. Community heroes

Your series on "Commitment to Community," June 8, 9, 11, and 12, is inspiring. The series points out that we can supplement the everyday headlines without dodging reality. It is a tribute to the thousands of men and women who are everyday heroes.

These stories assure all of our citizens that they can make a positive difference without relying on government to "fix" their neighborhoods. Andrew M. Mecca, Sacramento, Calif. Dept. of Alcohol and Drug Programs, State of California Remembering abandoned children

The editorial "The Plight of `Border Babies'," is very informative. With so many other issues facing society today some of the less publicized ones seem to get lost. It is important to remember these children and to make society aware of the problem of abandoned babies. Not only is it sad for the abandoned children, but they cost the government millions of dollars that could be spent many other ways. Melody Dye, San Leandro, Calif.