
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, July 2, 1990                   TAG: 9007030363
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

UNREST CAN BE DEALT WITH, DIFFUSED

I'VE ALWAYS been concerned about behavioral problems and stereotyping, which casts shadows that could block out the sunshine for myself and others. I relate this to the unrest experienced on 11th Street Northwest. The situation is explosive there as well as in some other areas, but it can effectively be dealt with and diffused.

While in business, I dealt with similar situations with block parties that I gave for four years at the end and beginning of school. There were behavioral problems, but my success rate was around 90 percent. The only help that I asked the city for was my noise permits. There were the normal visibility of the police and a certain force from within the community.

Pot, wine, beer and whiskey at that time were hot. Now it's crack that drives the pack, but the same medication used then can be effective now, with the dosage increased. I had to learn not to overreact in moments of heated passion. Behavior modification is needed now more than ever. I take no sides, but to suspend one establishment's beverage licenses, if that pertains to the unrest, will only move the situation to another location.

If we had an all-black or all-white police force, they would be sworn to uphold the law. But whatever the color, to be effective, they need help from within. Young folks who abhor the 11th Street scene should look into a future in law enforcement or any area dealing with behavior. Speak with others so they won't taint their records. Within God lies our equalizer.

WOODROW T. SCURRY SR.\ ROANOKE

by CNB