Teacher commended

On April 25, my wife Paula’s picture appeared on the front page along with a story about a rally in Havana, Cuba, in favor of the return of Elian Gonzalez to his father. Since then several readers have expressed criticism of her participation in that rally and her stance on that issue. I have no quarrel with the expression of differing views on the issue, but I respectfully ask those who have questioned Paula’s qualifications to teach and dedication to her country to consider the following:

1. She devoted her April school vacation to studying education in another country, on her own time and at her own expense.

2. The position she expressed at the rally — in favor of reuniting Elian with his father — is the position of our country’s government. It is the Miami relatives who have been defying the U.S. government and demonstrating in opposition to it.

3. You could not possibly know anything about her patriotism or her opposition to the rule of Fidel Castro because the article did not deal with that nor have you discussed it with her — but rest assured she has recent first-hand knowledge of exactly what life is like in Cuba today, including both the repression as well as the strength and vitality of family ties in Cuban society.

4. Before you publicly cast doubt on someone’s professionalism you should probably inquire of those who work with, and learn from, her. In her case, you would discover she is highly regarded as an outstanding teacher and a remarkable person. Tim Collier Gardiner