THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 17, 1995 TAG: 9508150110
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Long : 107 lines
I was driving south on Military Highway on July 20 at approximately 2:45 p.m. when I had a flat tire on the right front of my pickup. I pulled off Military onto the entry road to Best Square.
While I was changing the tire, several people stopped and offered help. The first was a black man, next a young white woman in a Volkswagen, then Norfolk Police car (NU)6-455 and finally, a white man in a pickup.
At first I said, ``This is not my day.'' By the time I had replaced the tire I decided that this was a great day.
To all who stopped and offered help and to the two police officers who did help, I say thanks a million. Who says people don't want to get involved?
John G. Saunders Jr.
Cypress Road, Portsmouth Thanks to 'angels'
It was Wednesday, July 26. It was hot, even at 7 p.m., as it has been for so many days now. My ``quick'' stop at the 7-Eleven at Olney Road in Norfolk could have turned into a serious problem for me if it had not been for two very kind gentlemen.
In this day when we are so suspicious of strangers around us, it was a wonderful relief to find two ``guardian angels'' in one place at the same time.
When I couldn't start my car, one of the gentlemen was quick to notice that I had a problem and went to his van to get some tools. While the hood was open, another young man stepped up and asked if he could help. His ability with the workings of automobiles was uncanny. He put his hand on the problem in record time and got my car started.
The problem was minor and has since been permanently repaired, but if it had not been for them, I would have had to call a tow truck.
I know I said thank you to both these men, but because of the heat, I did not linger very long to show my appreciation. I want them to know that I am extremely grateful. It's reassuring to know that there are still a lot of good people out there!
Pauline M. Clynes
S. Kellam Road, Virginia Beach A proper role model?
I am an avid reader of The Virginian-Pilot/Ledger-Star, and as a rule have little to complain about with its correspondents. However, an article by correspondent Dawson Mills in the Compass July 27, leaped out and deserves comment. Mr. Mills has written an excellent article but I question his choice of Joe Smith as an appropriate subject for reporting and using as a questionable ``role model.''
Mr. Smith accepted and then forfeited his scholarship in order to advance his chosen career in the NBA. In my opinion, that disqualifies him as an appropriate presenter of a scholarship. He did not use his for the purpose it was intended other than to advance his own career. That he signed an intent to attend the University of Maryland to play basketball and advance his own education and then renounce that intent and scholarship in order to play professional sports does not speak well in itself as to his qualifications as an appropriate ``role model'' for younger men and women who desire an education without other motives.
No where in Mr. Mills' article does he mention these facts, but does report Mr. Smith states, ``It's something kids look up to, celebrity status.'' I don't feel all kids are looking forward to being a celebrity, but are looking forward to obtaining a good education, something Mr. Smith obviously did not have in mind when he accepted his scholarship.
Mr. Smith may be a good basketball player, but scholarships are not given for the purpose of entering professional sports and I feel this is something that should be investigated before they are awarded. If, after proper investigation, the recipient then goes on to play in a professional league, he/she should be required to reimburse the college or university the appropriate funds that have been expended in good faith by that institution. The acceptance of a scholarship and then not completing the terms of that scholarship deprives another sutdent of an education.
Raymond L. Fields
Riverside Drive Rerras tough on crime
Under the leadership of Stanley Walker, violent crime skyrockets through the consistent early release of violent criminals from prison and into our communities. Three out of every four violent criminals convicted in the state are repeat offenders.
A major part of this increase in violent crime was caused by the liberal parole and early release policies that Stanley Walker supported for years. The worst murderers received only 10 years on average, and vicious robbers and rapists served only four years on average. These liberal parole policies allowed violent criminals to be released back into our communities after serving as little as one-sixth of their terms.
During Stanley Walker's 30 years in the General Assembly, he did not support tough on crime policies like three strikes you're out, truth in sentencing and abolishment of the liberal parole system prior to the election of Republican Governor George Allen in 1993. What took Stanley so long to respond? For years, the Democrats used their power to kill strong anti-crime measures in committees.
It is time for a change this November. The citizens of the 6th Senate District can elect Dimitrios Rerras, who supports tough on crime policies like longer sentences for violent criminals and reform of the juvenile justice system. As a neighborhood block security co-chairman, Dimitrios has worked to lower crime rates. It's time to have a concerned citizen like Dimitrios Rerras representing us in Richmond, instead of a 30 year incumbent who seems out of touch with the needs of the people.
Robert P. Walker
Tulane Road by CNB