I’d like to thank Ms. Baeuerlin and Mr. Wheeler for giving me the opportunity to illustrate exactly what I meant in my column on indoctrination. Their responses perfectly demonstrate how people often cling to their beliefs despite clear evidence to the contrary — and without offering any evidence of their own.
First, Ms. Baeuerlin. My column explained the difference between sex and gender. I’m not sure whether she chose to ignore that section or if I didn’t explain it clearly enough, so let me try again. Sex is biologically determined; no one can choose their sex — it is, as many say, “God-given.” Gender, however, is not about anatomy. It reflects how society treats individuals and what it expects of them. This distinction has been part of sociological research for more than a century. Only recently have people begun to take issue with the concept.
As for 18-year-olds, I wonder how many Ms. Baeuerlin has interacted with to form her opinion. My perspective comes from 18 years of teaching and thousands of student interactions. But if she’s right and 18-year-olds truly aren’t mature enough to make major decisions, then we should also prohibit them from marrying, joining the military, or voting.
Now, Mr. Wheeler. His initial point was to defend the deep cuts being made to programs like SNAP. I wonder if he still supports those cuts now that he knows most benefits go to the elderly and disabled.
In his follow-up letter, he asked how two people can view the same situation so differently. The answer is simple: fact-based reality versus perception. His claim that large numbers of people abuse the system isn’t supported by data — only by assumption. Are there some who take advantage of it? Of course. That’s true of any system. But just as we don’t abolish police departments because of a few bad officers, we shouldn’t dismantle programs that help people in need because a few misuse them.
My perspective is shaped by nearly two decades of teaching about poverty, analyzing data, and, most importantly, listening to people who rely on these programs. Their stories reveal the real struggles behind the statistics. Before judging them, I encourage everyone to volunteer with a local nonprofit and hear those stories firsthand. It’s much harder to cling to stereotypes once you’ve looked someone in need in the eye and truly listened.
Raymond Barranco
Caledonia
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
