Lobbyists using gifts to influence a legislator’s vote and children giving their teacher a well-deserved gift under the class Christmas tree is simply not the same thing. However, on Dec. 7, the members of the Alabama Ethics Commission embarrassed themselves by issuing an opinion that stated the suggestion that it is harmless for a school child to give a Christmas gift to their teacher ignores the potential for abuse.”
Read that sentence again; it is a quote, not a misprint.
Our teachers work hard and most treat their occupation as a calling rather than simply a job. A Christmas gift is a time-honored tradition that helps teach children that giving is more important than receiving. It also encourages our teachers to continue striving for excellence because it reminds them that they are loved and appreciated.
Stopping bribery in Montgomery is one thing; stopping little children from giving their teacher a Christmas gift is a totally different thing. In this case, what is needed most of all is very simple . . . common sense.
Robert Smith
Ohatchee
