Burch vs. Dunkley

May 21, 2003

Dear Sir,

Col. Burch may think that his political position is enhanced by his hysterical name calling of Michael Dunkley. Col. Burch's character is manifested in periodic media moments. Michael Dunkley's character is established by his integrity and continuous commitment to the people of Bermuda.

TELLING IT LIKE IT IS!

Devonshire

Childhood vaccinations

May 13, 2003

Dear Sir,

A recent spate of letters expressing concern about vaccinations to children against dangerous, and sometimes fatal, diseases prompts me to write.

Much, if not all, of the anti-lobby argue that the vaccination itself can cause the disease. There is evidence that supports, in a minimum number of cases, this side effect. Particularly as the disease itself is used as the basis for the vaccine. Having agonised as a father over whether to give my then infant son the whooping cough vaccination, with its known side effect, I fully understand the dilemma.

However, let me put a different perspective to parents who agonise over whether to vaccinate their children.

I contracted polio as a 16-month-old infant. My parents did not experience the agony of deciding over the vaccine as I was born four years too early to receive the benefit of it. My parents did, however, experience the agony of watching me, a perfectly healthy child running around and chattering all day, reduced to a paralysed and almost dead life form in the space of about 10 hours. And since that devastating day have endured in the struggle that ensued to help me lead as normal a life as possible with a severe disability. If you think you understand, and do not have a disability, you don't.

Needless to say my son was vaccinated against everything advised by my doctor.

PHIL CRACKNELL

St. George's

Common sense missing

May 13, 2003

Dear Sir,

I couldn't help but shake my head after listening to two reports - among others. First... there had been a situation when I just had to laugh. At St. Brendan's Hospital an employee was locked in a walk in freezer and was rescued by an in-patient.

Had this been an example whereby the fox is watching the chickens or just another case of common sense not being too common?

Then, of course, a well-known panhandler had been fined $1,000 for drug equipment and hustling monies. This person was described as a notorious panhandler. Don't the courts by now realise this person needs help and not prison again?

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

St. George's

Precious memories stolen

May 20, 2003

Dear Sir,

I would be grateful if you could provide space in your column to print my letter. I want to make a plea to anyone who was near the corner of Mill Shares Road and Point Shares Road in Fairylands between the times of 9.15 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. on Monday, May 19, who may have seen one of two individuals walk out of a house with a 29-inch television and a video camcorder. This is a high traffic area so if anyone driving by saw this or even a van or car parked out the front we would appreciate if you could contact the police or ourselves. While these electronic devices can be replaced, what cannot is the videotape in the camcorder that contains months of precious memories of our child and other special events. Please call 295-6689 or the police if you can provide any information.

For those individuals who stole our goods, please show an ounce of compassion by at least returning the videotape to us. It is of no use to you.

L.B.

Pembroke