THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 26, 1996 TAG: 9605240196
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 181 lines
Amazing how some things change over time. I am comparing things in the '30s and '40s to present day. In my time, the only people to get into your personal business or raising your children was the court system - and that was on limited occasions. Now, the government, schools, social services, churches and the public want to tend to your business and tell you how to raise your children. When I went to school, if you needed correction, the teacher took you in the cloakroom with a ruler. I never heard of any children dying from it or children's parents complaining, because they got the same thing at home.
It is awful easy for people to give their opinion of someone's business. It would be more helpful to approach the person and offer help or stay out of it altogether. Some things are better off not said!
The court system is the only judge and jury. The rest are big-mouth-nosey-know-it-all gossipers. If you don't have anything else to do, try to contribute to your community in a positive way instead of a negative one. Laws apply to people; gossip and the need to run someone else's life applies to individuals. People have the right to run their own lives without interference except when they are breaking the law. So, please, all but the court system, stay out of other people's business. If your input is needed, I am sure it will be requested.
Some people take offense to untimely comments and need to clean their own house. Our country seems to be more interested in most foreign problems. Whatever happened to separation of church and state? The president doesn't tell you how to adopt your laws of the church and it is unfair for you to tell him how to pass laws and run the country.
I know the good book says, ``Love thy neighbor,'' but with all this intervention - it is hard to like thy neighbor. Everybody is entitled to their own opinions but should express them in political forums through the voting polls. As far as the state government, it is an extension of city government. Now, city government, if only we could get people on the city council that would heed to the slogan: ``Not for self, but for city,'' instead of ``For self, not for city.''
In my years in Portsmouth I have seen a lot of people come and go. It seems to be the goal for most to see how many benefits they can accumulate before they leave. I know it's asking a lot, but after the next election, please let the goals of city council be for the citizens of Portsmouth.
As for the media, just the facts, please - if you know what they are. A small story with the fact is more beneficial than a big story filled with gossip.
The school system has dropped to an all time low. They are more into trying to control families of students than they are teaching the students. Parents are in fear of punishment to their children because of reports to Social Services reported by the school by the child involved or second-hand information. Often as not, a complete investigation by the school and court is never done before they bring a parent into court. You would have to be in their position to know, if the charges are not proven, what it does to a family. If the charges are proven, more power to the system.
One phrase that was brought out in a recent trial was ``rush to judgment.'' It is being used more than people think. This is not only true in schools and courts but applies to the media and American citizens. I know we are never going to have a perfect world, but with the help and concern of all the above, it would help us get off the world's path to self-destruction.
Harry D. Tevis
Summers Place
April 24, 1996 Bouquets for the band
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending ``The Spirit of Victory'' concert presented by The United States Army Training and Doctrine Command from Fort Monroe at Willett Hall. I sat there filled with joy, wiped away tears during some parts of the program and left feeling extremely uplifted.
The quality of entertainment presented was among the best! The band is one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Those men and women just keep on giving and giving of their talents. They get better every year. They have reason to be proud as they share unselfishly with others their talent.
This year, through music, the band incorporated some history of our men and women in the armed forces with film, which indeed presented a deeper understanding and respect for what they give to our country. I watched with emotion as men crossed their hearts and all stood up during special musical presentations during the course of the concert.
Having a son who is in the service and who will be deployed to a Peace Keeping Mission in June, my heart was open and emotions overflowing with glorious respect for those playing in this band. You could feel the love of music reaching out to touch our innermost feelings from each one on the stage as they performed.
The purpose of my letter is not only to toss bouquets to the band, but to commend you, The Virginian-Pilot, and Joe DeLatte, marketing director, for your support and for publicizing this event in the newspaper. In this day in time when so many large corporations are cutting out their assistance and support of community events, it is wonderful, for lack of a better word, to see and feel your support. Thank you.
I met a lady, who, while traveling through our area, picked up a newspaper. Seeing the event listed and the fact that is was free to the public, she traveled from North Carolina to attend. She said she was going back home and tell her friends about this fine concert, the warmth of the Portsmouth people and the beautiful Willett Hall.
Bonnie J. Butler
Robin Road
May 15, 1996 Kudos to registrar
Please allow me to share my personal observations in connection with the Portsmouth's General Registrar's office:
The office is located on the first floor of City Hall, making it accessible to the public.
The registrar has put in place 20 permanent satellite offices around the city.
The registrar involves as many as 75 volunteers, deputized to assist as registrars.
She has located permanent voter registration sites where the most traffic of people gather.
She utilizes deputized teachers to help register new voters.
Distributes election information through the mail to civic organizations and other interested parties.
I found in her office the most advanced technology to increase efficiency.
If questions arise at voting sites, answers can be given within minutes. She publishes a weekly listing of all voter registration sites, using newspapers, television and other means.
I believe that I voice the sentiment of most of the citizens of Portsmouth when I say Deloris Overton, general registrar of our beloved city, is accessible, accountable, responsible, dependable, professional, friendly and efficient. Let all of us join in and give Deloris Overton a vote of appreciation for the effective job she is rendering for the citizens of Portsmouth.
Elder Charles H. Bowens II
Pastor, New Testament Church
May 7, 1996 Support the pageant
I am writing to voice my support for the wonderfully written and truthful letter to the editor concerning the ex-mayor Gloria O. Webb's appearance or lack thereof at the Little Miss Portsmouth Pageant.
The same incidents that the hard-working members of Beta Sigma Phi describe have happened time and time again to those of us who work on The Miss Portsmouth Seawall Pageant. We have consistently invited all city council members and the mayor, usually to no avail, with the exception of Bernard Griffin who has attended on several occasions and Cameron Pitts.
Remarks have been overheard in our audience also allegedly stating that she had had enough and once again, no one was present for the crowning. For those individuals who look down on pageants as demeaning, let me remind you that the Miss America program is a scholarship program, the largest for women in the world, and these young women are bright, articulate, talented and hardworking individuals who develop many other skills through the interview process of the pageant. Such notables as Diane Sawyer, Deborah Norville, Leanza Cornette, Betty Buckley and Kathie Lee Gifford are just a few women who had their start in some so-called ``small town'' pageant. As to the criticism we often receive for being Miss Portsmouth Seawall Festival and not just Miss Portsmouth, pageants all over the state have had to go to the ``open'' or ``festival'' concept as there are simply not enough girls from a local area to produce a pageant that is self-sustaining. We also contact every Portsmouth high school trying to get local contestants.
Tooting our own horn for a moment, this is my 16th year with the pageant and we have been in the top 10 every year but one and have had numerous winners, first runners-up, second runners-up, probably the best record in the state. It would seem to me that this volunteer effort should be applauded and supported by the city as this is certainly a free public relations bonus and advertisement for Portsmouth. The move was relegated from Willett Hall to a local high school because of economic necessity and we would love nothing more than to be back in that wonderful facility. We have lost so many wonderful supporters such as The Famous, downtown Leggett, the Smart Shop and General Electric who used to contribute generously; therefore, it has become harder and harder to stay alive. We offer the talents of these young ladies each year to the city but there are very few takers. Our last four winners were African-American young women who've gone on to distinguish themselves nationally.
We, as citizens of Portsmouth and surrounding cities who work on this civic project as non-paid volunteers, do so because we believe in today's youth and the Miss America Scholarship Program. Would it be too much to ask for just a little support and an occasional thank you, minus ridicule?
On May 12, I attended the Miss Virginia Beach/Tidewater Pageant at the Pavilion and was enlightened to see and hear Mayor Oberndorf's gracious speech and praise to the pageant contestants and committee for a job well done. Perhaps, one can now understand her 80 percent re-election vote as she doesn't seem too busy for the ``little people.''
Kay P. Sykes
Executive director
Miss Portsmouth Seawall Festival Pageant
May 13, 1996 by CNB