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The
Martha's Vineyard Times is a weekly publication.
January
20 - January 26, 2005 Edition
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LETTERS
TO THE EDITOR January 20, 2005 What about drug abuse? To the Editor: How is that we Vineyarders have community meetings and debates about whether there should be a stop light at Barnes and Vineyard Haven-Edgartown Roads, whether we should have another golf course, or the protection rights of birds on South Beach, but never come together to address the undeniable fact that the problem of drug abuse is quietly destroying our youth and the moral fabric of our community? Does anyone care? There has yet to appear in this newspaper, which is supposed to mirror the concerns of the community, a story about this problem, other than who got arrested for possession or sale of an illegal substance. Quite frankly, our pristine Island is no better than some urban communities plagued with drug abuse and drug dealers. Many of these communities have simply “given in” to the drug culture and have turned a blind eye to its negative realities. Does any one care that our youth as well as adults are being sucked into this black hole of self-destruction? Some of us may have a drug-dependent child or relative and quietly slip them away to off-Island treatment and think that’s helping with the problem. But drug abuse is not only a personal or family problem; it is also a community problem. A community is made up of individuals and families. Does anyone care, or are we just going to let this problem fester and grow? By not taking a community stance and by not coming together to address this problem, we are sending a signal to our youth that drug use is okay. We are, in effect, saying, “So kids, light up, shoot up and snort up all you want, just don’t get arrested for it.” We can’t expect law enforcement to solve the problem single-handedly, nor can we realistically put the responsibility solely on the schools. We, the community, need to confront this growing epidemic. And we includes our local elected officials, business owners, parents, teachers, church leaders and youth. What can we do? A first step would be to have a community meeting where we acknowledge and define the problem, discuss alternative strategies about what works and what doesn’t in community-wide prevention efforts, and devise a plan of action. How many more auto accidents by drivers under the influence, or pre-matured drug related deaths will it take for us to act? If you would like to join me in starting a community dialogue on this problem, please contact me. Dr. Walter V. Collier Oak Bluffs Invaluable help To the Editor: The Tisbury Volunteer Ambulance Association wishes to extend its appreciation to The Martha’s Vineyard Times for its invaluable assistance and support in producing the insert and promotional materials for our Last Night/First Day celebration. In particular, we commend Amy Williams for participating in our advance planning meetings as well as keeping us on our deadlines while producing the materials that would guide the public in its enjoyment for the New Year’s events. The artwork produced by Tara Kenny was exceptional and conveyed our message perfectly. The publishers and editors of The Times should take great pride in the work and community spirit of its staff. Last Night/First Day would not have been a success without their involvement as an integral part of our team. We again want to express our thanks for your commitment to supporting the cause of the Tisbury Ambulance Association in producing a family-friendly celebration for the Island’s New Year’s festivities. We look forward to your partnership again as we prepare for New Year’s 2006. Melinda Loberg President Tisbury Volunteer Ambulance Association Awaiting your call To the Editor: I fell compelled to write in regards to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital; to be specific, the office of the patient financial counselor. I don’t know how many others on this Island are as frustrated as I am, but I’m sure I’m not alone. I have been trying for over a month to speak to an actual person in this office. I have left numerous messages, to no avail. This is not the first time I have had this problem. I went through the same thing two years ago with the same employee. The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital expects payment, but you can’t get through to this office to make arrangements to do so. No wonder the hospital is always having money problems. I realize this office is very busy and understaffed (he’s a one-man show), so why not hire either someone who can handle this enormous task or get this poor man some help? When calling the patient financial counselor at the Cape Cod Hospital, I left a message and my call was returned within a half hour. The man I spoke with was very courteous and helpful. Why can’t we have this same service at our hospital? I don’t expect an immediate call-back, but waiting a month and still not getting anywhere is a bit ridiculous, don’t you think? Maybe if enough people complain, the hospital will correct this situation. Cindy Griesser Oak Bluffs Torture and accountability To the Editor: In response to the letter of Jan.13, I am shaking with rage at the wording used by a Peter Bundy, but remind myself that this is probably exactly what he wants to accomplish. Is it not bad enough to endure a president who falsely led us into a war of lies? Today marks the day the White House released the official confirmation — the search for WMD is over — there are none. We were wrong, and the Iraqis were never a threat to us. Now, where is the accountability? Mr. Bush so strongly endorsed this issue: in reference to the “no child left behind program,” the teachers must be held accountable for the grades of their students. As the death toll for Iraqi civilians stands somewhere between 15,000 and100,000, and US soldiers nearing 1,400, where is the accountability? And why do we have a president who ignored the advice of his father and has slaughtered innocent people including the U.S. soldiers? This is the real torture: Lara O’Brien Vineyard Haven. Who’s in a name To the Editor: I was upset to read the letter in regard to the Humphreys saga from Roberta Bradford (Hopkins) Mendlovitz in The Martha’s Vineyard Times on Jan. 13. I am proud to call Donna Diaz a friend and know for a fact that she grew up in the family bakery. It was her uncle’s intent to have her and Michael keep it going. Speaking for myself and many others in the community, when we hear the name Humphreys, we think of Donna and Michael Diaz. Long live the gobbler. Janice Blum West Tisbury |
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