Our president has decided to cut funding for RIF (Reading is Fundamental). This is the very program implemented in 1966 that gives free books to at-risk children and provides them the tools and support necessary to build a strong foundation in literacy. Without the government funding, the program will be crippled, and many children will fall through the literacy cracks.
As writers (and readers), we know the disturbing trend towards non-reading. How many of us know kids who didn’t even want to read Harry Potter–the most popular children’s book of our day–because they’ve “already seen” the movie? Cutting funding for RIF reinforces that belief, tells these kids that even the government doesn’t see reading as a crucial element in their lives.
If you’re as shocked and incensed by this as I am, please follow this link and click on the top right hand corner of their home page to send a letter to your congressmen/women. The letter is already written, all you have to do is sign–but there’s room to put in your own two cents, if you’re so inclined!
Hopping off my box, now. Have a good weekend, everyone.
Hell and Wheels 
May 12th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Strugglingwriter–“I remember RIF day in Elementary School. Its how I discovered The Westing Game, my favorite book growing up.”Exactly. That’s why early foundations are so important. Thanks for signing–and stopping by.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Our president is an incurious, idiotic a$$. Everyone knows this. Remember the list of books they released that he supposedly “read”? Give me a break.Anyhow, I’m heading over there to sign the petition. I remember RIF day in Elementary School. Its how I discovered The Westing Game, my favorite book growing up.
April 28th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Christina — My nieces and nephews read in phonics and I think something definitely gets lost in the beauty of the language.Steve — Thanks, Man. It’s funny; the Lori Perkins agency is next on my list to submit to. I didn’t know there was a new agent there. So, thanks. This next glimmer of hope comes in the wake of another rejection earlier today. So, you’ve got good timing, bud. Made me feel better.
April 27th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Yo, Avery! New agent looking for fantasy, willing to look at ‘longer’ works. You might wanna email your cover letter and a four,five pages of your mss.The link:http://agentinthemiddle.blogspot.com/2008_04_20_archive.html#4592090372759867360
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:05 am
I’m not 100% when it comes to politics, but I really hope when we get a new president, that the funding comes back. I volunteer time with 14 year olds and am so surprised that most of them write in phonics and even that is questionable: couch when they mean cough, feedel when they mean fetal.
April 21st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
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April 21st, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I reckon we could squeeze y’all in!
April 21st, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Spy — You’re my kind of girl.Lana — a job at a library. One of a short list of about three jobs I haven’t yet had or wouldn’t loathe having.Charles — “The government wants an uneducated audience…” My thoughts exactly. Wanks.Steve — Is there room over there for a couple more irritated Americans?
April 20th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
I wish I still *had* a congressfolk– Clinton was still diddling interns when I left. Now, every time I think it can’t get worse…
April 20th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
This is what I added to the Letter:Reading is the “only” way to get an indepth understanding of subjects. Without reading, students become shallow thinkers, over focused on the visual and without the ability to synthesize complex issues. Please do not cut this funding. Anything that benefits the development of reading skills is important.
April 20th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I’m going over to sign. The government wants an uneducated audience and this is one way to help get it. What assholes.
April 20th, 2008 at 6:25 am
Thanks for the link. A worthwhile cause, for sure. I’m glad I work at our local library, where I can have SOME influence, at least. I’m fortunate in that we have some very nice kids who are interested in so much more than TV or video games!
April 18th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Done.I hate Bush.