Letters to the Editor
From our weekly issue dated December 09, 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.
Neighbors can help
From Leandro Paige
Lakeview, Ore.
I don’t blame people for their concerns regarding our law enforcement officers and the sheriff’s office. As most people who have had to call 911 in an emergency for help know, it’s usually after the fact that the officer arrives. On average this can be anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours later.
In Letters to the Editor (Illinois Valley News, Nov. 18) Jondalynn Ballard wrote about his break-in and assault at his home. Was an officer there at that moment to help? No. He had to fend off the offender, then after call 911. It then took two hours for an officer to arrive.
How far away was the nearest neighbor who could have helped? Maybe not during the break-in, but immediately after to provide a sense of security. Neighbors generally are seconds to minutes away and can be of aid almost immediately.
As with Ballard’s friend and youngsters who were stranded by an officer when her car was impounded, they went to the nearest house for help. The police didn’t help, but a concerned citizen did.
And concerning why the officer left them stranded is the little-known fact that the sheriff’s office doctrine was changed in the ‘80s from, “To Protect and Serve the People,” to “Protect Society.” They don’t serve the people anymore.
And again with the letter from Scott Conas, when there was no 911. The neighbors looked out for each other back then. If you needed help you called the neighbor, then the police. If there was a problem in the neighborhood the people got together to resolve it peacefully.
I am not advocating vigilantism, or taking the law into your own hands -- but concerned citizens helping each other out.
Be careful, know the law. Ask the sheriff’s office, district attorney, and if possible a criminal attorney about what you can and can’t do legally. And remember safety in number, and look out for your neighbor, and they’ll do the same for you.
Cut off domestic violence
From Chris Mallette
I.V. Safe House Alliance executive director
My staff and I had a sad day last week, as we were online researching the string of domestic violence murder-suicides that started in November and is continuing into December.
There were six incidents during November, leaving 14 dead and one in critical condition. During the first two days of December, there were another two incidents leaving another three dead and a string of children orphaned.
Some were rich and lived in upscale neighborhoods. Some didn’t. Some were still married. Some were divorced. Some were going through divorce. Some had been separated a long time. Some had restraining orders. Some didn’t. Some were killed at home. Some were killed at work. All the victims were either women or their children.
All the killers were men.
In most reports in the newspapers, neighbors described the killers as “good neighbors,” “hard-working” or as someone who had an “anger” problem when he drank. In follow-up articles, other neighbors, friends or co-workers paint a different picture.
They knew something wasn’t quite right or they were glad that their friend, neighbor or co-worker had left her abuser – some even expressed feeling hopeful because she had left.
I am sad, and I am angry. In Oregon we have so many good programs to help victims. We have communities of men and women who really care and want to see the violence end. But it isn’t enough.
I am struggling here. I don’t hate men. I have sons I adore and count on. I have men I work with and count on. Half our board of directors consists of men. Half our donors are men. But it isn’t enough.
All these people are dead – not because of a failing economy – not because they were unemployed – not because their murderer was drunk. All these people are dead because their murderer was losing control of his victim – and that was unacceptable in his mind.
They got away with controlling their partner through emotional abuse, through psychological terrorizing, through using their children, through coercion and manipulation. Did anyone notice this? Did anyone stand up and say, “This is just plain wrong?”
Did anyone say to her, “I’m afraid for you,” or “Here’s the number to a program that can help you, do you need a ride?” I can’t imagine what it would feel like to lose someone I love to a domestic violence homicide.
Let’s all vow here, today, that we will not miss an opportunity to help a victim or correct an abuser. We’re in this together – men and women – and that is what it’s going to take.
If you need help or want to help, you can reach the Alliance at 592-2515, Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If it’s after hours, you can phone Women’s Crisis Support Team at 479-9349 or (800) 750-9278.
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