Cheerleaders don't owe apology for effigy incident

To the editor:

The recent furor over the effigy incident at Central High School has been somewhat disturbing to me.

These kids were not doing anything that is not done at high schools and colleges across the country and has been done for years. While these are trying times, the chastisement of these kids is inappropriate.

We have the leaders of this country and many others urging us to go about business as usual and not let the events of Sept. 11 totally change our way of life. I agree that doing so would be playing into the hands of those inclined to destroy our way of life.

To the kids involved in this incident, I want to apologize for those adults who would let emotion override practicality. I do not feel you owe an apology to anyone.

I want you to study hard to make yourself useful and productive citizens. I also want you to enjoy these years in school and be able to look back on them as one of the more carefree and enjoyable times of your lives.

My best wishes and good luck to all of you in your future endeavors.

TERRY CANUPP

Cape Girardeau