ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997 TAG: 9701280110
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
Discipline must begin at home
REGARDING THE parents of the three children who pressed unjust and ridiculous charges of assault against Keith Gaines:
It sounds to me that if these parents would discipline their children, a farce like this would never happen.
I believe in discipline. In my time of growing up, we did learn manners and respect. We learned to say yes, ma'am, and no, ma'am; yes, sir, and no, sir; please; thank you; and you are welcome. And we did respect our elders!
Today's young people and some adults are lacking this discipline, which begins at home. We cannot expect our volunteer coaches to teach our children how to behave. They are there to teach our children about sports and how to have fun.
I attended almost all the football games that Gaines coached because my daughter was a cheerleader for this team. From what I observed, I would have been proud for my son to play football for him.
I am so happy and relieved that the judge in this case found the evidence inadequate and dismissed these unjust charges against Gaines (Jan. 14 news article, ``Coach acquitted in cliff-hanger''). It is to be hoped he and his family can get on with their lives and put all of this behind them (if people will let them).
Gaines, thank you for volunteering your time and patience to coach these kids.
JAMES R. KEITH
SALEM
Hokiei team is always welcome
AS THE general manager of the Eden Roc Resort and Spa on Miami Beach, I want to inform you of some good news concerning our hosting of the Virginia Tech football team during the recent Orange Bowl festival here in Miami.
I am certain that far too many times you have heard negative stories about the young men representing college football teams during such events, but our experience was simply a pleasure.
We feel extremely fortunate to have been able to host such a polite and well-behaved group of young gentlemen, and would be honored to have them back anytime. These gentlemen behaved responsibly throughout their entire stay, and were very friendly and patient with our other resort guests, who were in awe of their many talents and strict discipline.
In all of my 25 years in the hospitality industry, I put the Tech Hokies among the top five groups this resort has hosted. Tech's coaching staff and faculty should feel honored for educating and disciplining these young men so properly.
MICHAEL H. FURCHT
Vice president and general manager
Eden Roc Resort and Spa
MIAMI BEACH, FLA.
Will someone take the child's side?
REGARDING the 8-year-old charged with murder (Jan. 15 news article, ``Boy, 8, arrested in slaying''):
As someone who has been through the murder of her best friend of more than 20 years, and as the mother of a 9-year-old, I know an 8-year-old cannot understand the reality of murder. Therefore, how can he possibly be charged?
I don't claim to know if he did or didn't do it, but I do know the boy needs professional help. Being locked up will only do more damage. He's a very scared child.
The fact that his mother hired a lawyer for herself speaks volumes (Jan. 17 article, ``Mother gets own attorney''). Someone needs to be on this child's side; he needs some support.
The newspaper can be very powerful, and of what better use than to help a child?
I do not know the child or his family, but I do know children. It is our responsibility as adults to help them and guide them as they grow. We are all they have.
REBECCA THOMAS
BOONES MILL
Blowing away help for millions
WHAT A beautiful fireworks display (Jan. 18 Associated Press photograph captioned ``Unmanned rocket explodes'')! Brilliant hues of amber, red and white sparkling against a tranquil azure sky. What artist could have planned this magnificent, almost patriotic-looking scene?
Oh, you mean it wasn't planned? Billions (or maybe just millions) of dollars exploded because of an Air Force, global, experimental boo-boo?
Forgive my simple, cynical mind for not appreciating this waste in the name of progress. Your newspaper couldn't begin to name the worthy causes these millions of dollars could have helped. I could go a lifetime (maybe two) without seeing this ridiculous misuse of money. I don't understand it, I don't appreciate it, and I just don't get it. If this military error wasn't so absurdly funny, it could almost be sad.
The next time the Air Force has the time, money and energy to spare, I suggest it consider the homeless, the helpless, drugs, AIDS, the abused, animal rights, cancer, heart disease, health care, the elderly, the young, the babies, the unborn, etc. The beat goes on.
BARBARA SUTHERS
WYTHEVILLE
LENGTH: Medium: 98 linesby CNB