LETTERS: WE ALL CAN USE HELP IN DEALING WITH VIOLENCE

I strongly urge citizens of Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area to go St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 2 p.m. June 24 and watch the videos on violence and capital punishment. The time will be well spent.

Our society is not addressing violence as it should. Society teaches money and material things are power. Children are being sent wrong signals by seeing adults using force to get their way on TV, in the movies, in games and in real life.

Cameras and metal detectors are in the schools because of fear. There has to be a better way to address this problem. One way is for adults to take a good look at their outlook on life and how they handle situations. Most everyone can use a lesson in communication skills. Perhaps our legislators need to examine what is being offered in our schools. Do we need to make communication and coping-skills classes mandatory beginning at the third grade? In my opinion, these skills need to start at an early age. I realize schools and teachers are under a lot of pressure, but violence has to be addressed. It is very sad when communities see prison employment as a good job. Have you looked at all the heartache associated with these good jobs and how they came about?

Thanks to the Rev. Milton Ryan and St. Vincent's Council of Catholic Women for sharing these videos.

HAZEL BLANK

Cape Girardeau