The New Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word tribune, in part, as "a defender of the people." We think that's been the spirit of this paper for a long time.
If you remember the recent reproduction of our first-ever front page, you know that our first front page carried an editorial, "Why Wait for a Fatal Accident?" The editor was hopping mad because two accidents occurred in three hours on Wolcott and Blue Spruce Roads -- with one of the cars swerving across the front lawn of Tribune assistant editor Les Grolnick.
"Slower driving must be the order of the day," read the editorial. "We admonish all speed merchants -- be they residents, workmen or visitors -- you take the lives of our wives and our children in your hands every time you hurtle through these streets."
That seems to set a fitting tone for a publication that strives to be "a defender of the people." Not a newsprint version of the Lone Ranger, but a fair, accurate, readable source of information and one whose editorials strive to support the interests of the community it serves.
From that inaugural issue of Dec. 18, 1947 to today, the Levittown Tribune has aimed to be a unique voice of a unique community. That we're still here, and doing well besides, must mean we've succeeded. But it's something we work at every week, every issue, section by section, article by article.
Levittowners would universally agree that the local schools should develop intelligent, value-centered children. But as two news stories proved, defining whose values should prevail is a thorny question..
Last month, the Levittown Board of Education adopted a policy endorsing a general statement on values education, as promoted by the New York State School Boards Association, that calls for the district to reinforce values of citizenship, honesty and integrity, as opposed to more personal values that relate to family preferences, lifestyles or religion.
Then earlier this month, the Island Trees Board of Education basically rejected the request by resident Sonia Meyer to add a creche to its holiday displays. School-board president Jerry Donahue and attorney David Rubin said that the displays were enough to both reflect the values of the community and stand the test of the courts.
Our verdict? The standpoints taken by the Levittown and Island Trees Boards of Education appear to stand the test of case law, not to mention the First Amendment. It's also the right route, not just the safest, for those public agencies that are supported by the tax dollars of Christians, Jews, Muslims and atheists. If Levittowners feel the schools can do more, and still stay within the law, they should be heard.
We don't claim to be religious or legal experts. But it seems that Levittown and Island Trees' policies guarantee that all of us will be free to bring their children up to strengthen our faiths (if they choose) outside the classroom, and that that the schools will be free to build them up into being smart, well-rounded citizens inside the classroom.
