July 31, 2006

Dear Sir,

I am very aware that there are a large number of parents today who do not take kindly to anyone reprimanding their children. While I rarely offer to make corrections unless my professional services have been requested to teach children manners, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal has given me food for thought.

The author said ?we have to keep reminding children that they are part of a community, sharing space with other people.? This, I thought might be one of the reasons for the problems we have with our youth today. The isolation from society starts early by creating a feeling in the child that no one tells them what to do and they therefore begin to believe they are unaccountable for their actions. Unfortunately, we can not go back to the days when any adult had free reign to correct a child?s behaviour but we can still take an active interest in acceptable social behaviour of our children.

The author concluded by suggesting that parenting duties be shared by creating a team of five or ten friends, colleagues, neighbours or fellow parishioners. These people can mentor, admonish and love your children, and you can do the same for their children. I felt the message was strong enough to share.

TRUDY SNAITH

Sandys

August 21, 2006

Dear Sir,

NBA-TV should be allowed in Bermuda. I mean Tempo is located on Channel 14 so why not have a NBA-TV station?

NBA FAN

Pembroke

August 23, 2006

Dear Sir,

After attending last night?s Sustainable Development forum concerning our environment, I would like to thank the round table for understanding the subject important and its panellists for their time. However, Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield?s conspicuous absence leaves me feeling apprehensive.

Funny thing about getting a raise, I expect more. Shadow Minister Cole Simons managed to find the time. Though I did not see anyone, here?s hoping someone from her department was there to brief her.

LET DOWN AGAIN

Smith?s

August 18, 2006

Dear Sir,

Whose child is K. Ingham that he can evade and ignore police, endanger others? lives by speeding through the streets like a demon ultimately crashing a car head-on which if it had been occupied, would have surely resulted in someone?s death, rack up violation after violation running stop signs, going through red lights, speeding, dangerous driving, shrug his shoulders at Police when capture and questioned and as a final coup de grace, walk away from his court case with a $600 fine and a year off the road. He has to be the son of Mr. Big. It?s unbelievable! I wish I had a street named after me so I would also be above the law.

And a top Road Safety official agrees with this? Sir, please resign. Not tomorrow, today.

Bermuda Police should not risk their lives chasing speeding offenders. Any one of those dedicated officers could have lost their life trying to bring this maniac to justice and keep our roads safe from him. And for what? To be humiliated in court by this conviction. I assure you that even young foolish Mr. Ingham is laughing with his mates about Bermuda?s weak court system.

Bermuda?s criminal justice system is in a shambles. When are we going to mature as a jurisdiction?

DISMAYED

Pembroke