Set a good example for
that younger sports fan
Editor:
A week ago (Saturday, March 30), I sadly said goodbye to a quickly closing University of Kansas men’s basketball season as I watched my favorite collegiate team lose to the eventual NCAA champions, Mary-land, but, with my 10-year-old foster son nearby, I resumed control over my emotions.
I think of the hockey incident which occurred two years ago when a father lost control of his emotions and beat another man to death over a children’s hockey event, costing the life of one man and the freedom of the other, who is presently in jail.
As I have previously alluded, I am a big sports fan. I have often listened to Bob Clark on the radio (610 AM), I love my Kansas City Chiefs and my Kansas Jayhawks. Plus, if a child in my custody (like my foster son) would be playing in a sport, then I would be in support of that child 100 percent, but, for his sake and others’, I need to keep my emotions in check and under control. Even when I disagree with the decision of the referee, umpire or the coach, I need to keep myself in control, not to fall into the trap of getting into a shouting argument with a game official, coach or, even worse, during the game.
I share this same call for self-control to all parents of kids who are in sports. Sports are wonderful for a child’s fitness and character, but remember (whether we like it or not), we have an enormous influence on our children; they are consistently watching us and patterning their character after us. Therefore, we must demonstrate good character even though a game may not go the way we would like. A lost game is much better than a fist fight, the bad influence to your child or the stripping of your reputation of decent character (even if it is the championship game). We tell our kids to practice good sportsmanship on the field or court; let us demonstrate good sportsmanship in the stands and bleachers as well.
Jim Wilburn
Belen
Thanks for the Easter aid
Editor:
At this time, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the following individuals for their help during our annual Easter egg hunt, which was held on Saturday, March 30, 2002, at Anna Becker Park: Mildred Gar-ley, Savannah Rodriguez, Denise Garley, Brenda Baca, Arlene Espinoza, Frankie Gallegos, Amellia Platero, Kathleen Romero, Natalie Garley, Selena Lucero, Diane Lucero, the Denovo group, Rodger Otero, Joshua Peña, Chris Lanear and Joe and Gloria Mocera. Their kind efforts were deeply appreciated.
I would also like to give a special thank you to Wal-Mart for co-sponsoring this event and to Cole’s Service Station for their donation.
Brenda M. Gurule
Director of Recreation
City of Belen
Prayer already allowable
Editor:
Every time I read about someone connecting prayer in public schools to “ethics, morality, doing what’s right or wrong” and “personal accountability,” it makes my blood boil!
Such is the case caused by a report in the News-Bulletin (April 3, 2002) regarding “other business” at a county commission meeting in which precious time was wasted discussing and voting whether or not to “endorse a House Joint Resolu-tion introduced in Congress” to “reinstate prayer in public schools.”
Statements such as those quoted by one of the commissioners are an insult, a direct slap in the face to the millions of responsible, moral, ethical citizens who know very well right from wrong; the majority of citizens who have successfully conquered the complete ranks of public education without any “endorsed” prayer at all.
I believe prayer in schools should be an allowable option. In fact, it already is. It’s called “recess.”
Michael Dietz II
Peralta
Use only a single word
Editor:
Re: guest columnist David Linthicum’s letter on April 3, 2002:
One word describes it all: unbelievable!
Pat Asay
Peralta
Location is the problem
Editor:
In regards to the article printed on March 23, I would just like to clear up a comment which was made regarding the camposanto. In regards to the incident on July 17, I did not call and “apologize” for leaving the water on, but, instead, called to explain what could have happened with the system itself.
On a different note, but the same subject, I would just like to say I am pleased that such a plant is serving educational facilities such as the local elementary school and university campus. I also understand the need for the surrounding housing developments to be serviced; I am only upset about the location of that plant.
I challenge every person in the county to go out and see just how far the sewage plant is from our sacred burial ground. The only distance (between) the sewer plant and our cemetery is a chainlink fence!
And, to add insult to injury, VIA is conveniently planning on selling the plant, paving the way for further expansion of the facility. The absolute disregard for sacredness is mind-blowing! How can they take these kinds of actions and still retain their name, “Valley Improvement Association”? How can they claim to “improve” the valley for some while degrading it for others? I know it’s impossible to please all of the people all of the time, but how dare they scorn and disrespect us by disgracing the sacredness of our land?
El camposanto de la Iglesia de la Immaculada Concepcion de Tomé has been in existence for over 200 years, long before VIA and Rio Grande Utilities ever came into this valley. El camposanto has enough room to continue to serve as the burial place for Tomé’s people for the next 200 years. It is a place of rest, the place where our ancestors lie. Tierra de jornada. If VIA continues to have no respect for our dead, what kind of respect does that show for the living?
Ramon E. Torres
Tomé
STREETTALK
Q: What do you think about the growing number of wildfires sweeping Valencia County, and is there any way to prevent them?
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
