Student Snitching

Re “ ‘Rewards’ Becoming the 4th ‘R,’ ” May 3: I am not surprised anymore with what I see and hear, but the “snitch program” is the most despicable and morally damaging program that has been created to date. Bribery is a crime, and paid informants are the lowest form of life next to child molesters, serial killers and wife beaters. I was taught not to tattle as a child. The reason for this is to build trust with your neighbors, colleagues and companions and to make people responsible for their own actions, not spying eyes for some politician who can’t handle his own business, which is to find a way to make his constituents safe without resorting to more Big Brotherism.

When are people going to wake up? I do not want to live in a police state, where the government hides behind sugarcoated lies and quick fixes and fear of your next-door neighbor is the norm, and even your own children tell on you for CDs and hip-hop clothing rewards. Let’s speak up and cut this nonsense off at the roots.

SAM PLUNKETT

Sherman Oaks