June 27, 2009 11:20 pm
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• A curfew is a good idea
My hat is off to Mr. Jim Cody, general manager of the Valdosta Stadium Cinemas for imposing the curfew on anyone under the age of 17 spending unsupervised evenings at the theater. This community is exhibiting dramatically increased unsupervised parenting. Such lack of supervision is a fertile ground for unruly and delinquent conduct which the court has to deal with on a daily basis.
The actions of Mr. Cody, hopefully, will send a message that there are those in responsible positions that expect parents to supervise their children and to get them off the streets at a reasonable time.
The Juvenile Court and its staff is dedicated to minimizing inappropriate and criminal conduct committed by anyone under the age of 17. In the event the theater or anyone else institutes law-enforcement involvement and charges are brought in the Juvenile Court alleging unruly or delinquent conduct, such as trespassing at the theater after warning, then, the court will be in a position to hear the evidence and deal with those who are found guilty of the offense.
Once again, congratulations to Mr. Cody for a positive step forward in creating a more responsible atmosphere in our community,
O. Wayne Ellerbee
Chief Judge
Valdosta
• Celebrate the Fourth safely
As American adults sport the red, white and blue for Fourth of July celebrations, Johnson Distributing Company reminds them to demonstrate true American spirit by being a designated driver or skipper. You’ll join the nearly two out of three adults — 137 million Americans — who have either been a designated driver or been driven home by one.
In addition, these tips can help keep your Fourth of July festivities fun – and safe:
Buckle up. Ask everyone to wear a seat belt or a life jacket.
Be an attentive driver. Always be in control and aware of the drivers around you.
Don’t speed. Resist the urge to speed by making sure there’s plenty of time to reach your destination.
Drink responsibly. Adults who choose to drink should make responsible choices about when, where and how much.
Johnson Distributing Company is committed to keeping our nation’s roadways and waterways safe. We offer programs to encourage the use of designated drivers and skippers, including designated skipper this year at Twin Lakes on July 4th. Retailers supporting the event include Lake Dogs and Winsel Boats. Thanks to efforts like these and increased law-enforcement, drunk-driving fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday period are down 75 percent since 1982, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
This holiday weekend, demonstrate your true American spirit by looking out for family and friends and helping to make sure everyone has a safe, fun holiday. Remember, responsibility matters.
Tim Keller
Valdosta
Johnson Distributing Company
• Freedom will flow again in Iran
The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are rights that are neither derived from, nor granted by the state, they are God-given.
The massive demonstrations in the streets of Iran are just illustrations of man’s yearning to live, to be free, and to pursue happiness.
The levies of slavery have been broken and there are not enough fingers of hatred and bigotry that can plug up the holes, or hold back the fresh waters of freedom.
There comes a time in the history of all peoples when they get tired of being trampled over by the iron feet of oppression, and the yearning to be free becomes so powerful that no amount of political maneuvering or military might can stop it.
At one time, democracy was freely practiced in Iran. But when the people of Iran discovered that they were being cheated by American and British oil companies, they nationalized the companies, and claimed for themselves the oil that was rightfully theirs.
In 1953, the CIA, in an effort to control the flow of that oil, installed the Shah who abused and oppressed his people, which led to the 1979 revolution and return of Islamic rule. Like most, the 1979 revolution eventually lost its way, and became what it had denounced. And now, the people are once again demanding to be free. And we must never forget that once people make up their minds, it's only a matter of time.
Floyd Rose
President
Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Valdosta-Lowndes County
• Legalize marijuana
Increasing public safety is another excellent reason to legalize marijuana. During my 18 years as a police officer I was dispatched to zero calls generated by the use of marijuana. My profession could arrest a lot more deadly DUIs and child predators, if we stopped chasing soccer moms and others smoking pot.
Howard Wooldridge
Washington, D.C.
• What’s a teen to do?
Maybe I missed the memo but what is there for youth/teens to do in the summer? Where are the jobs for youth? Does this city have a summer youth job program like other cities in Georgia and Florida?
I have three teenagers that have been applying for jobs since April and have not been called for even an interview. Actually they have been applying since we have moved here, five years ago. To keep them busy during past summers I got them involved with SGMC volunteer program, but they want real money-making jobs, not a meal ticket.
Often I hear that establishments hire their own children, relatives or family friends, leaving others unemployed. Did I miss the memo?
Janice Nelson
Lake Park
• Thank a teacher
Once again, a ranter uses their bias by making a ridiculous statement about educators. It is interesting that none of these critics join the profession.
This ranter has no idea of the dedication that most teachers feel toward their job. They endure many challenges: lazy parents, vengeful administrators, impoverished, sometimes undisciplined, students, and mounds of unnecessary paperwork.
Teachers still do their best, in spite of the obstacles. Their joy is in the moment when a child smiles, or an expression tells them that a student has learned a difficult concept.
As in any profession, there are the lazy and uncaring few. But, how dare you make accusations that assume something about all teachers. This isn’t whining. It is “having it up to here” with ignorant criticisms. Please support and thank you child’s teacher.
Mark Gilpatrick
Valdosta
• Get to work, President Obama
I am at a complete loss for words to express appropriate outrage at the performance of our inexperienced and maybe unqualified president.
His impulsive, unresearched, run-and-gun management style is entirely inappropriate for the presidency. To make matters worse, Congress, obviously intimidated by the popularity of the president, has almost completely abandoned its responsibility for restraint and control of presidential overreach.
He seems more engaged in development of his international persona with his random travel, than with attending to his less engaging presidential duties.
If possible I suggest we park Air Force One, turn off all live microphones, and influence President Obama to proceed to the Oval Office, schedule meetings with his staff and cabinet and go to work. I recommend that the attorney general give a briefing on the Constitution using the General Motors bankruptcy to illustrate government overreaching — who is too interested in the Constitution anyway.
President Obama, you are recklessly spending us into oblivion.
I suggest you should get comfortable — 2012 will be here before you know it.
Eric M. Burk
Valdosta
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