LETTERS: THIS IS A TIME TO RISE UP, RECLAIM STANDARDS

To the editor:

Maybe I have just missed the fine print in the news again, but would someone tell me what punishment was given to the parents who knew about and did nothing or who participated in the crime against the Venable boy? I can think of a long list of possible charges.

Occasionally we are called upon to defend our country, our families and our faith. Throughout history, millions of people have sacrificed their very lives for those things. The magnitude of the Venable incident and the implications for this part of the country demand whatever sacrifice is necessary from all of us. Aren't we obligated to rescue our community from sliding into the dark pit where so many parts of our country have already gone? Shouldn't we retrieve higher standards of the past? Aren't you afraid not to do something?

In my opinion, closing down the football program today for the rest of the school year would be a very small sacrifice. That the marching band would be affected too could be an added punch to the strength of the lesson.

Even though the main incident did not take place on school property or at a school function, the participatns are on the team. Nearly all children and teen-agers are in school and are keenly aware of football. Jackson is a football town, gripping the interest of so many adults. And this is football season.

For these reasons, calling a halt to all football in Jackson would send a clear, strong message to everyone everywhere that any hideous behavior which hurts others will not be tolerated around here. I cannot think of a better tool for making a lasting impression. Peer pressure might help to keep people from acting badly. The more publicity about it, the better.

Some of us who do not gossip very much have just recently learned of this incident. It is an assault on our sensibilities. Perhaps the Venables are drained and ready to move on, but I do not think it is their privilege to decide that for society. Nor do I think it is the privilege of Superintendent Anderson, or the Board of Education, or a handful of lawyers, or the editorial staff of the Southeast Missourian.

There is a time to be easy-going and relaxed, and there is a time to rise up and be bold. It is past time to rise up.

SUE PENZEL

Jackson