THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 2, 1996 TAG: 9608300011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 27 lines
I felt compelled to write regarding the article about the airman whose last picture was captured at an ATM machine in Hampton (Metro-News, Aug. 21). The expression on his face broke my heart and I do not even know the young man. I cannot imagine being his mother, father, sister or friend and being placed in a position to see that picture.
I am appalled once again at the horrors and atrocities that occur within our society. The fear the victim had to endure in his last hours is incomprehensible. I am sickened by the predators who lurk on our streets at an ever-increasing rate. These atrocities no longer happen to someone else. They happen to our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
These predators do not just ``hatch'' from somewhere. They evolve from babies just like the rest of us, and choose to be what they are. Is being underprivileged, poor or abused an acceptable excuse?
Having been given the opportunity to see the last picture of an innocent victim with his captors is shocking. It is important to remember that every innocent victim has a ``last'' picture . . . those of us who value life don't normally experience the pain of it.
SHARON L. BOUCHARD
Virginia Beach, Aug. 21, 1996 by CNB