THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 17, 1996 TAG: 9605150096
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
I have never written a letter of this kind before, but I felt compelled to do so this time.
When we moved to the Western Branch section of Chesapeake 30 years ago, we moved to the country. I'm not naive enough to think that there wouldn't be changes during that time. I've seen apartments, stores, strip shopping malls and other things appear where there used to be cornfields.
The ultimate insult was when a carnival appeared recently on the corner of Taylor Road and Portsmouth Boulevard, practically right on the road. I think it was just about the trashiest thing I've ever seen, and I would hope that enough citizens will complain so that it won't happen again.
I would also be interested in knowing who paid the salaries of the numerous policemen that I saw there. I would surely hope that it was a cost to the carnival.
This letter may not do any good, but it sure makes me feel better. Thanks!
Ann M. Ricks
Drum Creek Road Accusation of racism
When I volunteered to coach Little League baseball this year, my ``rookie'' season, I didn't expect it to be easy. Not having a child of my own, this was my opportunity to teach kids the way to play the game. I have played organized ball for almost 20 years and was excited about the chance to coach baseball because I think I have a lot to offer a young athlete.
When the opening day of practice came, I was ready for the kids and felt prepared for the questions and mistakes that would come with the job.
Recently after one of our games a parent came up to complain. She said it seemed I was playing all the black kids in the outfield positions all the time. I explained that the reason for my decision was that the boys had the best gloves and little trouble catching fly balls. She then began to get irate and hint around at the idea that racism was involved.
I was shocked by her words. I'm 25 years old and until last night have never been accused of being racist. This is Little League baseball we are talking about, not politics, issues of law enforcement or job opportunities.
Has the world really become so belligerently pathetic that people can take something as basic as Little League baseball and make it a racial issue?
Racial issues have become so much of a crutch to minorities that it is being used as a way of intimidation and achievement of personnel wants and needs as much as it is used for its intended purpose, a civic rights regulator to ensure equality throughout the masses. Minorities have discovered that using racism as an excuse is now a simple, effortless way to beat adversity because society is afraid of the publicity and spotlight that this type of accusation carries. The thought that all non-minorities do everything in a racist manner is ridiculous at best, but it seems this is the picture being painted across the United States by minorities who don't get their way or refuse to face the true responsibilities of the problem at hand.
In closing, I'd like to say that I'm not backing down from my decision. Hopefully, people will start to get the idea that every issue or opposition they run into is not the result of racism. So don't be so quick to raise the issue. Enough is enough!
Eric J. Duffy
Basswood Court Account for behavior
The Virginian-Pilot should be commended for the thorough reporting of the events surrounding the case of Del. Robert Nelms. If it were not for you efforts the citizens of the 76th District would not be aware of the un-flattering information about their state representative.
The account given of Mr. Nalms' career reveals a pattern of refusal to give account for his behavior. Questions asked about fees paid for consultant work on an environmental project still remain unanswered.
When people take public office they are expected to answer questions about their finances and their behavior. Mr. Nelms does not like this part of the job, so why should he remain in the position?
Bev Taylor
S. Battlefield Boulevard by CNB