By Staff
To the Editor:
This is directed to Melvin G. Gibbs (Belhaven) who wrote a letter on March 11, responding to Del Stutzman's letter on March 5 concerning OLF.
Mr. Gibbs is entitled to his opinion. However, his response didn't offer a hint of why he objected to her views. It was a personal attack and did not justify newspaper space. It added nothing to the readers' knowledge on the subject of OLF.
Complaining about something, but not doing anything to change it is different than recognizing a problem and trying to make it better. Del speaks her mind and she has an intelligent mind. Some people, as Mr. Gibbs did, find that intimidating. Opinionated women in this area, who dare to speak out on subjects they are knowledgeable about, are often considered "fair game" and open season is declared. Debate is not an option. Criticism and ridicule follow. She has courage.
Sometimes things just won't change unless someone does speak out. Counties like Beaufort County fail to crawl out out of their Tier One status, because they are held back from progress by people who don't have a vision. While her observations on OLF evidently are not popular with many folks in this area, they are hers to express and people with open minds can glean something from another persons' outlook.
Her letter was informative, well written and not steeped in emotion. She did not cast an edict that everyone had to follow. Since Mr. Gibbs didn't agree, he had the freedom to simply put the newspaper down. He had the freedom to pick up the phone and tell her that he disagreed with her and why. Instead he used his freedom to write an offensive letter, degrading her as a person, because she has strong convictions about OLF. Someone paid for the freedom he enjoys; we all enjoy that freedom. No doubt, some pilot somewhere died defending that freedom. It is, as Mr. Gibbs said, a free country, unlike some of the countries our troops go into. I know where Del is coming from. There are others who feel the same way. Some have spoken out. Many are silent.
His assumption that no one around here would miss her and she should go back from whence she came because she has complained from day one wasn't justified and isn't true.
Del Stutzman is a caring, responsible, personable lady. She volunteers with several agencies in the area and serves on various boards, trying to make a difference in the lives of others and in the community. Why does she volunteer as a tutor with the Beaufort County Adult Literacy Program? Because she cares enough to do something about the number of adults in this area who cannot read or cannot read well. We need more people like her. Our county should be so lucky!
LORENDA PEARCE
Washington
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To the Editor:
Kudos to the cast, teachers, supporters, producers and all involved in the production of "The Sound of Music" at the Washington High School. Our world leaders could learn much from the teamwork, cooperation, standards of excellence, and spirit demonstrated by all involved to turn out a spectacular production.
Attending the performance was more than just an evening of entertainment – it was an absolute blessing!
LYNNE COX
Belhaven
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To the Editor:
After reading Mrs. Hackney's editorial of March 9, I gather that we Republicans have already elected Frank and Jesse James. Then according to Mrs. Hackney, we added Bonnie and Clyde. When she refers to a Hit List that sounds like Al Capone is also on board.
Mrs. Hackney, you say we are certain many people, I say, I am certain many people agree with me that it was proper to accept a resignation of any employee when it was offered. I do admire the fact that you feel quite eligible to cast the first stone. If you are upset over how the county commissioners are handling business for Beaufort County you need to keep your crying towels handy and consider running for county commissioner in 2004. You may even get some votes.
RED L. CRATCH
Washington
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To the Editor:
I read with interest the statement that Mr. Richardson made that he will seek the county board's help in impounding the next round of drug money seizures, so Sheriff Alan Jordan can't buy any more "shiny cars." I would like to suggest that Mr. Richardson and the rest of our county commissioners, be they Democrat or Republican, start accompanying the Beaufort County Sheriff's Department on their drug bust. When the commissioners have had to lay their lives on the line by going into these drug infested neighborhoods where the dealers would rather kill you than give up their drugs then and only then will they have the right to impound anything or make condescending remarks about Alan Jordan and the men and women who are employed by the sheriff's department. The people of this county showed their confidence in Alan Jordan when they put him back into office. Allow him to do his job without your arrogant interference. And, please, begin to show a little appreciation for the job the employees of the department do.
Mr. Richardson, if you and the other commissioners would spend less time "bashing" each other and the various departments of this county, perhaps it would become a better place to live. Has that ever crossed your mind?
LINDA H. ROWE
Belhaven
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To the Editor:
Since I attended the March meeting of the Beaufort County Republican's Men's Club, I pretty much know what was said.
Therefore, when I read the WDN account of the meeting, I did not understand why all the speakers were not given some coverage of what they said.
Actually, the total coverage given to the meeting was rather large (even a picture) but there were no quotes or statements about what Hope Van Dorp said in her speech of about 15 minutes.
You ask why should she have been quoted? Well, she is the present chairperson of the Beaufort County Republican Party and is seeking re-election.
I realize a reporter cannot satisfy everyone and I thought Bill Sandifer had a right good article with this one exception, it being rather unfair to Ms. Van Dorp.
FRANK HOLLOWELL SR.
Plymouth