Why did the 9-R bus driver involved in the recent accident need a whistle to blow? When I was a child, it was a privilege to ride the bus. We were allowed to talk in quiet voices, and if we got rowdy, we were let off to walk the rest of the way to school. There we faced the principal, who notified our parents, and we spent our recess facing the wall. Punishment at home meant no dessert or, worse yet, no playing outside (back then, those meant something!). We would also lose the privilege of riding the bus for a specified time (i.e. We walked. Dads drove the only car to work). Of course we had to apologize to the driver!

Every one of those children who was creating a distraction should face a similar punishment, and the parents of these children should also apologize for their children’s misbehavior.

Also, was there any reason to photograph and quote an inexperienced 8-year-old child who wrongfully “thought the driver was going ‘too fast’?” (Herald, Nov. 19) No wonder there is a shortage of bus drivers in Durango!

Trish Ireland

Durango