IB: Editorial 'double standard'

Last Sunday's editorial about IB was a real shocker. Mr. Patrick says that "religion and politics" should play no role in deciding what to do about the IB program. Sorry, but religion and politics are based on community values. So apparently, it's OK with Mr. Patrick that IB boosters base their preference for IB on their values, but those who oppose the program based on their values should not be heard or considered. This double standard is made worse by the fact that the performance of IB has been dismal, an utter waste of taxpayer money.

I remember back in June 2010, Mr. Patrick wrote an editorial saying the IB debate had played out in The Press, and that the issue would have to be "settled at the polls." Well, guess what? The voters in the specific zones where the two IB schools are located chose two new trustees, rejecting the candidates who supported IB. And now Mr. Patrick says politics should be ignored? Get real, Mr. Patrick.

JACQUIE MAYO

Coeur d'Alene