Two recent letters to the editor indicate that certain people want to "Empire Build" the foreign language department.

One writer said that, "US citizens are the laughing stock because so few are fluent in any foreign language." I have traveled in several non-English speaking countries, particularly Germany and Mexico, and never found this attitude. They were always very helpful and courteous. I learned a few words and phrases in German and Spanish.

One writer suggested that we teach Chinese in our schools. What Chinese language? There are three different Chinese languages and many dialects. Recently, a friend of mine went on a guided tour in China. The first tour guide, when he met the tour guide from another area, spoke to him in English. When asked why the two spoke English to each other, they replied that they could not understand each other's Chinese. So much for teaching Chinese.

Another suggestion that because the military has difficulty with persons who speak Arabic and Farsi, that we teach it in Manhasset. How many students would take it? Of those who take it, how many would use it for the good of our country? Even if a student studied Arabic in Manhasset, by the time he graduated the need for some other language would appear.

English is universally spoken by air traffic controllers and tower operators throughout the world. English is commonly used in international business transactions.

We have got to improve teaching of the basic subjects and eliminate personal interest courses and "play school" courses.

I help the needy, not the greedy.

Eugene W. Garges Jr.