Anti-bullying efforts meddle, waste

I read where Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, (“Braley, Harkin introduce bill to combat bullying,” Sept. 23) now want to spend federal taxpayer money to combat bullying in schools. Let's review: Social Security is soon to be broke. Medicare is on the ropes. Social Security disability is riddled with fraud. Food stamp overspending is rampant. The military is questionably funded. But these two want to spend yet more money (that we don't have) on anti-bullying programs?

These two politicians have always believed there's never a problem that can't be solved by throwing more money at it. But their strategy would get Washington to meddle even more in our local schools.

Perhaps these politicos (and I'd include Gov. Terry Branstad here) need to stop and think: Are all of these anti-bullying programs actually encouraging bullying behaviors? Some nascent research suggests this may be the case and, if substantiated, should be no surprise. We've had DAWN (drug use avoidance program) in our schools for decades. The results: virtually no discernible impact on drug use among pupils.

We've had bullies for thousands of years. I seriously doubt that the Wizards of Washington can find the answer. This is yet another example of the government trying to perfect a solution where they have no business meddling.

Rich Zeis

Walker