Letters to the Editor
From our weekly issue dated April 22, 2009
(Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, including statements made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.)
Typed, double-spaced letters are considered for publication. Hand-written letters that are double-spaced and legible also can be considered. “Thank you” submissions are not accepted as letters
Commendable young people
From Donald Lockridge
Rogue River
In this day and age, we find a lot to complain about and little to laud. And on those occasions when we find something good happening, we smile for a second, feel good for a short spell longer, continue with our daily lives.
Recently, I had the opportunity to see something happen which made me feel good for quite a long time.
On Saturday, April 4, I stopped at a fast food restaurant in Grants Pass to sinfully enjoy a hamburger, fries and vanilla shake. When I entered, I encountered a scene which may have caused the faint-hearted to beat a hasty exit for a somewhat more tranquil environment.
I am stalwart, so I ventured into the bedlam because nothing was going to deter me from fulfilling my quest.
The place was full of high school students in baseball and softball garb. Still, I stood in line, awaited my turn and while doing so, observed what was occurring. What I saw as I waited and while I enjoyed my feast, made me feel wonderful.
I watched a group of young people enjoying being together. I watched a group of young people able to converse in words acceptable in any society. I watched a group of young people who said, “Please,” “Thank you,” smiled at other patrons, were respectful and polite not only to their peers and coaches, but to all the other patrons.
I watched a group of young people, some who obviously enjoyed the company of members of the opposite sex, behave in a classy manner which kept their PDAs tasteful.
Many of our young people do not realize that when they are in the public eye, especially in the uniform or colors of the school they represent, the public will make a judgment on the mores of their group in particular and teen-agers in general. The impression they made on this old guy was wonderful. They are to be commended, as well as their coaches, and the staff at Illinois Valley High School, for such a classy group of young people.
Oh, I see by the article in the Monday issue of the Daily Courier sports section, their classiness carries over to the competitive field.
By the way, my hamburger, fries, and shake, tasted great.
Bullying needs addressed
From Leandro Paige
Warner Creek Correctional Facility, Lakeview, Ore.
In the I.V. News Letters to the Editor I’ve read a couple of letters talking about bullying in our schools.
I grew up in Illinois Valley, went to Evergreen Elementary, Lorna Byrne Middle School and IVHS. I was teased and bullied in all three schools. It was so bad I stopped riding the bus to school when I was in middle school.
I walked or rode my bike to school to avoid being teased. I was teased because I would blow up, and the other kids thought it was funny. In high school I spent a lot of time in ED lab.
At 18, I dropped out with just 12-1/2 credits out of 27 needed to graduate. The emotional scars are still with me many years later. It has thoroughly and totally affected my life.
This problem needs to be addressed in three places. One, with the victim and his family. The parents need to listen and be supportive and realize that words do hurt. Siblings should be encouraged to be there for each other. Try to find out why the child is being bullied and help them cope.
Two, it should be dealt with in the school. The teachers, staff and the school counselors are the people immediately present. They can pass information to both parties’ parents and can intercede in conflicts, provide moral support and help the victim cope.
And third, with the parents of the bully. Again learning why the child is doing what they are doing, helping him or her cope with life in school and out, and if necessary, provide punishment.
It will take a group effort of all three and even the community to eliminate this problem.
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