DATE: Sunday, June 1, 1997                  TAG: 9705300325

SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER      PAGE: 08   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letters 

                                            LENGTH:  128 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - CHESAPEAKE

I am responding to the gentleman who wrote in his letter to the editor that the mock trial of President Harry Truman was really a ``mockery'' of history and that our opinions were ``finessed and preordained by the teacher.'' (The Clipper, May 16).

I was a member of one of the juries for the trial and I would like him to know that we were not influenced to make a decision based upon the opinion of our teacher. Throughout this exercise he kept his opinion hidden and in no way influenced our decision. He encouraged us to put our personal opinions aside, not to form an early opinion and not to allow others to influence our decision. His part in the trial was simply to be the bailiff. The students who acted as the lawyers and witnesses did their own research, and it was up to them to give the information necessary for us to understand the material and make our decision.

It should be noted that two out of the three juries found Mr. Truman not guilty while one jury found him guilty based on the persuasiveness of the arguments presented. Mr. Vogel and the teachers who have done this exercise in the past deserve a lot of credit for going the extra mile to help us as students to be more interested in our past by allowing us to learn in creative and exciting ways.

I am grateful that we did the mock trial. I learned more from doing the trial then I would have by simply taking notes and reading about it out of a textbook. More importantly we were able to realize and appreciate how hard a decision it was for President Truman to use the atomic bomb. He was put in a situation in which he had to choose between the lives of American soldiers and Japanese civilians. This decision, while difficult, was necessary, and I feel that he made the right one.

We in no way meant to make a mockery of the lives spent protecting our country so that we could be free. This trial was meant as a learning experience for those of us who were not yet born when this war was going on. It served to impress on us exactly what was asked of American servicemen and government leaders.

It is only by studying the past that we are able to develop the skills necessary to carry this country into the future. By observing history, both the mistakes and the triumphs, we are able to best learn about ourselves. By studying it is this manner, many details are brought to light that would otherwise have been forgotten. Mr. Vogel's purpose was not to be judgmental of the past, merely to have us learn from it.

Cheryl Comstock

Student, Greenbrier Christian Thanks for nothing

I would just like to thank the person in Lakewood Apartments who called and had my car towed Saturday night during the fireworks at the Chesapeake Jubilee. I'm really sorry my car bothered you so much for the 20 minutes or so it would have been there.

My children, ages 7 and 8, also thank you not only for the mile walk back home after the fireworks, but also for not being able to go to the Jubilee on Sunday because the money allotted had to be spent getting the car from the tow company.

Hopefully, we'll be able to return the favor some day.

Vivian White

Bayberry Place Sellout or incompetent?

In response to your article ``Labor becomes issue in attorney general's race,'' it appears that candidate Mark Earley is expecting Virginians to believe that he did not understand different pieces of legislation that he has sponsored.

The public might be able to accept that an attorney and state senator does not read everything he puts his signature on, but the article discloses yet another side to the story - money, large sums of money from unions.

Mr. Earley accepted money from unions, he sponsored bills for unions and then didn't read all of these pro-labor bills before he signed them. Is he selling out or incompetent? There are two sides to everything; in this case it's bad and worse.

Karen C. Starnes

Musket Court Evolution has happened

In a letter to the editor, K.D. Abee stated as a fact that the School Board defended the curriculum (to teach the theory of evolution) with no regard for the interests of the people. I believe the School Board did consider the interests of the vast majority of its Christian citizens. All the mainline churches have stated the theory has some validity. Evolution has happened.

According to Judeo-Christian beliefs, God gave humans a soul and the ability to think and reason. If God did not intend for us to use our brains, he would have made us like the animals.

K.D. Abee also misses the point; a theory is just that until it is proven. Like all theories, there will be change and it may eventually be proven false, There is evidence all around us of evolution. New breeds of animals and plants that did not exist 100 years ago abound. To teach the theory of creationism, however, would appear contrary to those who believe the Bible is inerrant.

If creationism is to be taught as a theory, it will have to include all the theories of creation - Hindu, Native American, African, Pacific Islanders, Australian aborigines, etc.

John V. Ryan

Condor Drive Don't pave our field

We, the students of Mrs. Martin's honors science class have become concerned with Chesapeake's future. We do not want our city to become an industrial nightmare. Our teacher has informed us of the city's plans to turn a beloved baseball field into a slab of asphalt. It angers us that a part of our past will be paved over. The games that were won and lost, the good times and the family fun, all laid to rest under pavement.

Now younger children will have to find a new field, a field that is much needed since it's the only baseball field located in Great Bridge. Where will they go once the field is converted into a parking lot?

We sincerely hope that you decided against this action. Surely you can find another area for this parking lot. Or, possibly, you could use the extra parking behind the Central Library. Whatever you do, please remember the children's needs. Also keep in mind the fitness trail you intend to destroy. We hope you change your minds and choose another option, for the sake of the children, nature lovers and the community.

Melissa Ward

Jessica Strickler

Hickory High School Preserve the park

I'm writing this letter concerning the trees to be torn down by the Great Bridge Primary School and Recreation Center. i feel this parking lot is unnecessary. The people of the city would benefit more if the park was not torn down so that families could enjoy the beauty of nature.

By tearing down the trees, you would also be destroying animals' homes and nests. This would be killing not only the trees, but also some of Great Bridge's wildlife. Please preserve this park.

Sarah Young

Hickory High School

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