Name new school for A.C. Mascorro

Editor:

There are certain times in life when the apparently insignificant can be seen for their very significant contributions to the community. These are people who quietly go about their responsibilities in a very dedicated and thoughtful manner. This describes my father, A.C. Mascorro Sr., whose great passion in life can be stated in two simple yet profound words: service and education.

His life was dedicated to serving and educating. This Brownsville native graduated from Brownsville High School, attended Brownsville Junior College, and honorably served our nation during World War II. He attended the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Southwest Teacher's College in San Marcos where he attained his bachelor's and master's degrees in education, as well as his administrative and superintendent's degrees. My father enthusiastically served BISD for 40 years as a teacher, assistant principal then as principal, retiring in 1985 as principal of Resaca Elementary.

He also joyfully served his church, the Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana Mexicana for 60 years as choir member, elder, teacher, pianist and church historian.

My father taught in word and by example. As he spent the last nine years of his life confined to a wheelchair after having his legs amputated; he was anything but confined as he continued teaching and writing songs and poetry.

His former students and co-workers speak of his dedication, love for education and especially his love and care for children. These are the qualities that define an outstanding individual who quietly made an impact in the lives of many.

It would be a great honor to his memory and to the many lives he touched to have a BISD school carry his name. Until the last day of his life in January of 2005 he continued to serve and to teach, being a living example of his lifelong motto: "Work and love what you do, and if what you do serves others, all the better."

A. Cesar Mascorro Jr.

Harlingen

Via the Internet

Know all the facts before criticizing

Editor:

This is in response to Michael Orbin's letter of July 14. Mr. Orbin believes what he says, but he does not have all the facts.

We "whiners" are all American citizens. I am American by birth, but it's possible I am a better American than he.

The American government, Michael Chertoff and Homeland Security are flaunting the U.S. Constitution. They are building a fence, using taxpayers' money, not following the river but in certain areas as much as two miles from the river.

What makes Mr. O as an American citizen feel so secure living inside a fence with gaps across every roadway, not enough Border Patrol to man those gaps? If you believe illegal immigrants (terrorists) will not still cross the river, you are extremely naive. If you believe this Washington faux pas will make America safer, you are very much mistaken.

Mr. Orbin, please get all of the facts before criticizing the actions of people who do believe in America, the Constitution and its citizens who are willing to stand up and defend the rights of every citizen. Go to the library and catch up on the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and amendments. Read the Preamble to the Constitution, and in three weeks we will welcome you to join the "whiners'" club.

God bless America.

Pamela Taylor

Brownsville