LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Baltimore needs to work on itself
It is interesting to note in Dewayne Wickham’s column “Trump Doesn’t Know Baltimore,” after all of Mr. Wickham’s ranting, raving and personal attacks on President Trump, I couldn’t find anywhere in the article where he denied or disputed the deplorable situation in Baltimore described by President Trump to be untrue. He only says Baltimore isn’t as bad as New York City and Washington, D.C. Well, that just makes everything right in Baltimore, doesn’t it?
Baltimore may be the location of many great institutions, but that certainly is not denying that many of its areas are filth and rat infested that has been ruled for decades by infective Democrat hacks. Democrats have a habit of not denying the accusations but attack the accuser rather than trying to solve the problems.
Lee Todd, Germantown
Doing more for mental health
Mass Shootings
They never end. People report them, offer condolences to the families who have lost friends and loved ones, pray for the people involved in the massacres, have panel discussions, and say something needs to be done; nothing changes.
Schools and businesses add extra security, thinking that will solve the problem.
I am a retired School Counselor. I know the changes should begin in Elementary School. Schools need more School Counselors, School Social Workers, etc. Instead, these personnel are often being reduced or being given too many responsibilities unrelated to counseling students.
Teachers and Administrators need to work directly with these personnel to identify students who may have needs that should be addressed, instead of just assuming the student is a troublemaker. Parents should stop saying, “Not my child,” and allow school personnel to work with them in assisting their child as needed.
I had students that were often in trouble, but found out later there were often neglect issues, abuse issues, suicide ideation, PTSD, or other mental health issues.
Sometimes these issues are not identified until middle school, or not at all. That is why Elementary School is such a critical time for students.
The shooter in Ohio had a “hit list and a rape list.”
He was suspended or expelled. Was he ever assisted with mental health issues while he was still a minor?
This may sound like more rhetoric, but I am imploring future educators to make a difference in the future, and not be “Peanuts” adults who only say, “Blah, blah, blah.”
Susan Green, Memphis
Gun laws work
Certainly arguments could be made for or against the lack of containment or control of factors contributing to the gun violence we have been experiencing in America. We are not the only country which has undergone such pain. Google “Gun Control” in Australia, Great Britain or Canada. Did they have mass murders? Were assault weapons involved?
Did they stand by idly and let naysayers prevent them from enacting stronger gun control measures? Were mass killings subsequently reduced?
Check the facts. Extensive background checks, restricting distribution of assault weapons, and requiring yearly updates of gun licenses does work.
Continuing to pander to gun lobbyists who represent sellers and distributors of assault weapons that were used in what we have recently witnessed in Dayton and El Paso will only bring on more future pain and sorrow.
Mike Ryan, Memphis
West execution
Stephen West is scheduled to be executed August 15, 2020. I am troubled by taking the life of any human being but Mr. West’s case is especially troubling.
Mr. West experienced years of intense physical abuse as a child and has been diagnosed with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia.
He has been treated with antipsychotic drugs since 2001. Without these medications, Mr. West might not even be competent to be executed.
Given this situation, I believe life without parole is the just sentence for Mr. West. I urge Governor Lee to commute the sentence of Mr. West.
Amy Howe, Memphis
Ted Evanoff has it right
The Second Amendment is not going away. Guns are here to stay. We need to make it real hard for “crazy’s” to get guns.
So how do we do that?
The Red Flag doctrine would help. “If you see something - say something.”
Unfortunately, this tool is a lawyer’s dream.
I can see a lawyer just waiting to pounce on the finger pointer, or the governmental agency making the decision. The “no fly” list appears to help aviation, so red flag should do the same. We must search out these individuals and mitigate them in advance.
Charles Dempsey, Olive Branch
Be safe during Elvis Week
It’s Elvis Week. For everyone driving on Elvis Presley Blvd please be careful when you are driving past Graceland.
I know you are in a hurry but remember the people you are speeding by and almost running over are spending money in YOUR city.
Supporting businesses that that you probably do not. Maybe even keeping a small business alive.
In the past 2 weeks we have seen 2 bad accidents. It’s 10 days, so slow down, don’t run those 3 yellow lights.
Wave at the people enjoying your city, don’t yell at them.
Have a safe Elvis Week.
Renae Roberts, Lakeland