THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601260175
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 100 lines
In reference to George F. Borjes' letter to the Currents dated Jan. 21, let me say the younger members of the audience who enjoyed George Carlin's performance are not a part of any sick society.
More than likely, these people knew going in what kind of entertainment they were going to see - unlike Mr. Borjes' naive choice to attend.
However, nowhere in his letter did I read that he got up and left the show early, therefore indicating that he couldn't have been as ``contaminated'' as he would like you to think.
As far as freedom that Mr. Borjes said he fought for in World War II, this is exactly one of the many forms of freedom that this great country has, thanks to the many veterans that did such fighting; and I'm sure that the younger members of the audience would thank you for allowing such a show to be performed.
In the future, I would suggest doing a little more research into the entertainment that you are going to spend your money on. I'm sure someone in your circle of acquaintance did know what kind of humor Mr. Carlin would be engaging in.
Your interpretation of this show, which is also a freedom that many countries don't have, would be like going to a rock and roll concert and saying: ``Didn't you think the music was a little too loud?''
Theresa L. Angle
Chesapeake
Jan. 21, 1996 They really are `finest'
I have often heard of Portsmouth's Police and Fire departments referred to in a derogatory manner as ``Portsmouth's Finest.''
My first experience with ``Portsmouth's Finest'' was during the holidays when my electric smoke detector began to alarm and would not cut off. Being scared of a fire, I became alarmed and called 911. The Cedar Lane station responded immediately even though it was in the middle of a shift change. After inspecting the smoke detector, they said that it could be dust causing it to go off. After blowing the dust out for me they told me that it was old and needed replacing immediately. They even disarmed the smoke detector for me.
I apologized for troubling them and was told, ``. . . that is what we are here for.''
My second experience with ``Portsmouth's Finest'' was Jan. 22, as I came upon an overturned car on the Churchland Bridge in the opposite lane. Please note: I dislike bridges about as much as fire. During my stay on the bridge, I witnessed both departments working together efficiently and professionally. They truly were a team that day.
After about 40 minutes of emergency vehicles coming and going and making that bridge shake and sway, one of the ``finest'' came over to explain that my wait would only be a few minutes longer. He went on to explain that the bridge needed to be sanded before we could descend. That made me feel good to know they cared about the other motorists as well.
Thank God for ``Portsmouth's Finest'' - they are there when you need them.
Roberta Nance
Castle Way
Jan. 23, 1996 Editor's view one-sided
On Dec. 20, we were privileged to have as our guest the mayor of the city of Portsmouth, Gloria O. Webb. There was open forum discussion on the matter of the Portsmouth School Board member elections on that day. Mayor Webb came to us out of her concern for this city and what the citizens felt as well as her own opinion in the matter. There were questions asked and comments made both pro and con. Ida Kay Jordan, editor of the Currents, attended the meeting.
We are concerned about professional and responsible journalism. On Dec. 29, the Currents ran an article on Page 2 by Ms. Jordan that was completely one-sided. When I pick up a newspaper, I'd like to hear both sides of a story so that I might make an informed decision on my own. Ms. Jordan quoted only one minister when many other ministers and citizens made very valid comments contrary to the opinion stated in the article. It is clear that Ms. Jordan evidently came with her own opinion and biases.
If, or since this is the case, then the closing remarks that the Interdenominational Minister's Forum would ``dictate or intimidate'' anyone is reprehensible. We believe that the mayor, in her own way, is concerned about this city. To suggest that this city's ministers stand less than caring and in the highest frame of integrity is culpable.
Many papers and persons have been sued for much less in the way of slander. Don't worry, because of our spiritual character, we shall only pray for Ms. Jordan.
Nonetheless, we do expect an apology from her. In the event of any other open forum, without an apology, Ms. Jordan will not be welcome. We believe in this case that no news, especially one-sided, will most assuredly be good news.
The Rev. Leonard E. King
President
The Interdenominational Minister's Forum
Jan. 23, 1996
Editor's Note: The comments referred to in this letter were made by Ida Kay Jordan in an opinion column and not in a news story. by CNB