Letters to the editor – Tuesday (6-10-08)

Published 12:00 am Monday, June 9, 2008

It’s up to adults to put children on right track
Regarding the June 7 article about a Salisbury teen who threatened to kill a police officer:
Who is to blame when a child behaves like this?
No.1: Parents. Parents who don’t discipline children can’t expect them to behave in a civilized manner. I’m not talking about abusing your children. I’m saying they have to know that there are consequences for their behavior. How can children be expected to respect people when their parents don’t show respect for others, especially when the parents are racist toward others? Kids learn by example!
No. 2: Schools. They just don’t care any more. Not my problem.
If you don’t show children love, compassion and respect, don’t expect any in return! They will turn out just as the child in the story did. On the road to nowhere.
Parents, love your children, set aside some time for them, ask them how they are doing, bring the family together at the table for supper. You will be surprised at the outcome!
I myself have six children ó two of my own and four that I have adopted that are my neices and nephews from Salisbury. . I set aside time for each one of them. The four I have had since June 2007, and they were on that road to nowhere. But I did all of the above, and lo and behold, they are now well-adjusted kids full of respect for themselves as well as others. So it is never too late to give children the love that they so deserve, and I can guarantee that you will not have to worry about them threatening to kill an officer or even being in court for that matter!
ó Tracy Wagoner
Pittsburgh, Pa. (and former Salisbury resident)
Show that we care
Americans are caring, giving people, and we deserve a foreign policy that reflects our values and hearts.
Today, Congress can take a big step to help make that happen. The Senate is considering expanding an initiative called PEPFAR, which takes aim at the world’s deadliest diseases, including malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis and can help to save millions of innocent lives. Sadly, the bill is being held up right now. The Senate must make this a priority and get it passed.
In Africa and some of the world’s poorest places, people are needlessly suffering and dying from entirely preventable and treatable diseases. Each year, at least 1 million people die from malaria, most of them young children living in Africa. Malaria is a disease we know how to prevent and we know how to treat. An expanded PEPFAR initiative will give more of these suffering people the simple pills and treatments that will make them better and allow them to ultimately lead productive, full lives.
The Senate has within its grasp the chance to make an amazing pledge from our own country to the people around the world suffering from diseases we know how to stop. As a local member of the ONE Campaign, I strongly urge Sen. Richard Burr to sign that pledge, allow PEPFAR to be debated and voted on, and help show the world how much Americans care.
ó Sarah Langford
Concord
Every now an then something really good comes along. The Pops at the Post on June 7 was one of those things. It was my first time at the event and I hope it is not my last. Even with the heat the event was very enjoyable. My thanks to all the people and sponsors who made it possible and a special thanks to the the Salisbury Symphony who went beyond the call of duty to play in the heat.
The crowd was very well behaved and it was good to meet some of our Rowan County neighors. Events like the Pops make it another good reason to live in Rowan County.
Edgar Overcash
Mooresville