THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 13, 1995 TAG: 9510110196
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
I am writing regarding the article in the Oct. 1 issue of The Clipper entitled ``Helmet rule rejected.''
It upsets me to think that the City Council would neglect such an important rule. The same ordinance was passed in the city of Virginia Beach, and it was placed before their City Council by the intelligence of 14-year-old students.
Isn't it a shame that the children of Virginia Beach have more common sense about their own safety and the safety of others than our own City Council?
I'm sure the professional men of our City Council, which includes doctors, know of the importance of protecting our children. I hope those of the City Council who voted ``no'' will reconsider this important safety precaution and vote ``yes.''
Sharron J. Meadows
Chelbrook Road Misguided ``fan''
This is an open letter to the ``fan'' of the Great Bridge Marching Band Wildcats, who attended the Bayside Marlin Marching Band Competition on Sept. 30, and decided that the plumed, gold helmet that is a part of the band's uniform would look better on his head than on the head of the innocent 14-year-old band member from whom he stole it.
Marching bands practice during the heat of the summer and the chill of the rain. They practice for months on end during school, juggling homework, sports and family, to prepare several pieces of music for competitions. The day of their competitions, more than 150 of Great Bridge's band members are plagued with butterflies and upset stomachs. Each of these youngsters endures this emotional roller coaster so that they may entertain their parents, friends and judges with their masterpieces. It is a gathering of talented and competitive musicians.
Imagine the fear is this 14-year-old's eyes, as he watches an adult Caucasian male - the ``fan'' I referred to earlier - walk up to him, remove the uniform helmet from his head, and run off, minutes before the Great Bridge Marching Wildcats are to perform. This ``fan'' proceeded to place the helmet on his head and drive away in his white truck.
Can you imagine the disappointment of this entire band, if they had not been allowed to perform in this competition? People like you take away the trust of our youth, not to mention their innocence.
Please correct this misdeed. Return the helmet to any high school in the area anonymously.
You may have a child one day, and that child might have the opportunity to wear the helmet of a Great Bridge Marching Wildcat. If you do not return the helmet, the band may be one helmet short and your child will not have the honor or privilege to participate in this wonderful program.
Michael J. Leonard
Forest Lake Drive Challenge is in order
In regard to the School Board's ``parental responsibility countract,'' I find it disgusting to know that we have politicians who think the citizens of Virginia are so ignorant as to let this occur and not challenge it.
As a citizen of the United States and Virginia, I have always been taught that any contract, oral or written, is invalid when one party is forced to sign his or her name under the threat of a fine or physical or mental harm.
Now is the time for the citizens to come together and file a suit such as the couple in Roanoke has done. We must also let these elected politicians know that election time will come again, and we must vote them out.
April Bond
Portsmouth by CNB