THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 1995 TAG: 9511170743
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
Now that Election Day is over, what is left? We have some candidates who are happy and some who will try again.
As I stood gazing at names that I have seen for the last six months, I thought, ``What has the political system come to?'' My children and I have been bombarded, through TV, radio, newspaper and magazines, with name-calling, back-stabbing, cheating and mudslinging, all in the name of running our government.
Where is it going to stop? Will there be a day when hit men are hired to kill the opponent?
You should be ashamed of yourselves! What are you teaching my children? Should I cut them off from all media during election time? We parents try to teach children the merits of honesty and to stand on their own two feet, and why it is good not to lie, cheat or call other people names.
The election campaign undermines everything that we try to instill upon them. Cannot a candidate have a platform consisting of his own convictions? What were the platforms of our candidates this election year? Does anyone know? I don't.
But I do know the dirt on the other guy, whether true or not. There should be a law, but who makes the law? It seems there is catch-22.
Remember, our children are watching and learning by example!
Jerry Dean Stallings
Smithfield Hey, it's government for the people - still
With the battle of the budget ongoing (as of Thursday), and the various politicians sitting warm and content in their offices, supposedly mending the budget, I would offer the following budget solutions to them. Bear in mind that I have friends sent home from work and am in turn being advised to line up at Navy relief if the military's next paycheck doesn't happen:
1) It works for the kids. I'm sure it would work for the senators and congressmen, supposedly grown up now. Gather them all together and lock them inside their various chambers. Don't let them out until they have an acceptable budget.
2) Shut off power and heat to the capital buildings. Let them debate in the cold and dark. Maybe then they'd be able to appreciate what hard-working people are facing.
3) If all that doesn't work, maybe we should take a hint from the business world and replace them all!
Maybe some of these solutions are a little harsh, but I'm starting to think that the various people running the country have forgotten what it is they are meant to be doing. If I remember correctly, the Constitution is about WE the people, not I the politician.
Jonathan M. Griffiths
South Main Street
Suffolk A pleasant trip
Recently a group of ``garden clubbers'' and guests attended the Fine Arts and Flowers exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.
The buses were furnished by the Suffolk Department of Parks, Recreation and Facility Management. Our bus driver, Lisa Mizelle, museum coordinator, was most efficient and courteous and made the trip even more worthwhile.
Sincere thanks to the City of Suffolk and Lisa Mizelle.
Margaret M. Utterback
Cherry Point Road
Suffolk Quick, helpful action from fire department
On Tuesday night, there was a minor fire in our home. After we called 911, the Suffolk Fire Department responded immediately, sending numerous vehicles to the scene.
The firemen thoroughly investigated and handled the situation, quickly and efficiently, and advised us how to avoid a similar problem in the future. Shortly after the fire trucks had left, I called Capt. William Baker at the fire station to ask a question about the condition of the house. He drove back to re-examine the area and assure us of its safety.
Our family is very grateful to the Suffolk Fire Department for the prompt and courteous service we received, and a special thanks to Captain Baker for going ``the extra mile.'' We appreciate their assistance very much. It's a blessing to know that our firemen are there when we need them!
Jo Joynes
North Broad Street
Suffolk by CNB