Editorial And
Opinion Page
AS I SEE IT |
Bruce Barton
? T,- ' J1T7
"Joe" Dial remembered
Just a note to mark the death of Vemie Clinton "Joe" Dial Jr..64. of the Reo
Banks Community. He died Friday of a heart attack.
The reason 1 want to note his passing is another way of saying gently to all
of us that it is very difficult to be original, to be your own man or woman as
"Joe" definitely w as. He was an unschooled man but one of the smartest men
1 ever knew. He was a dreamer, a doer, a man who took chances. He began
many businesses and ventures, and enthuastically embarked on many life
adventures. His faith never wavered in his ability to get a project done. We
need more dreamers like Joe Dial, not less.
It seems like all of us want to be like one another, and it frightens the
bejabbers out of us to dare to be different. As noted, "Joe" Dial was one of the
last remaining Original Men. We offer sincere condolences to his family and
his wide circle of friends.
He was known as a great fisherman too. at least as he saw it. May he rest in
peace.
Thanks to my friend, Ms. Alta Oxendine
I want to publicly thank my friend, Ms. Alta Oxendine, for inviting me to
attend revival services at Sandy Plains Methodist Church recently to hear
Rev. Bob Mangum preach. I wanted to, and had made plans to do so when
something unexpected came up. The hindrance was not life shattering, but
just one of the vagaries of life that from time to time keep us from doing what
we really want to do.
This column will shatter for ever, 1 hope, the myth that Bruce Barton does
not like white people. I like Ms. Alta and I.like Rev. Bob Mangum... a lot! Their
birth certificates say white. I guess, but they are devoted to the Indian community
they have served so well over the years. They are both devoted
Christians, in the truest sense.
One of the things 1 really like about me is that I have always encouraged
people to do whatever they want to do, if it is not darkly evil and a threat to
others. Ms. Alta has always wanted to write, and I have always encouraged
her to do so. I always-read her column. Reflections, carefully because it
always tells us how she is faring spiritually. She also speaks out sharply all the
time against the evils of communism. She needs to, and all of us need to be
reminded more often than we are that communism is, indeed, evil and life
robbing and has not disappeared as some think.
Rev. Bob Mangum can always preach to me. He has lived a useful and
decent life before me. I have known him as community activist, founder of the
Robeson County Church and Community Center and former pastor of Sandy
Plains, First Methodist and Prospect UMC. He has always stood up for the
rights of others, and I put him in the first rank of men I have admired over the
years. Bob Mangum speaks to the best angels of our collective hearts. I wish
I had been able to hear him preach again. Maybe next time Ms. Alta. Thanks
for the invitation. It cheered my heart considerably. Your invitation stirred my
heart anew and reminded me of many social and political battles that Bob
Mangum and I fought over the last thirty years or so. God, where has the time
gone? Ummm!
Hurricane make up days questioned at
PSRC Board of Education meeting
LUMBERTON-The Public Schools of Robeson County Board of Education
wrestled with how to handle make up days for Hurricane Floyd at its meeting
last Monday night. Supt. Barry Harding and the board had previously designated
two days as workdays for staff when schools were closed to students
because of the September hurricane. But many teachers were unable to get to
work those two days because of the inclement weather, or because the schools
were used at the time as shelters or they did not have electricity. The board, at
Monday's meeting, voted to contact the N.C. Attorney General's office for an
official opinion concerning the matter.
VFW post #2843 News
by Erwin Jacobs, Post Judge Advocate
On Monday evening April 10 the
2000 the V.F.W. Post #2843 held it's
monthly meeting on Union Chapel
Rd. in Pembroke. The meal was
blessed by the Rev. Smith Locklear .
The number was up a little but way
down on attendance for the meetings.
We have 380 paid up members
for 1999 - 2000year. We need to have
the support of those members at the
monthly meetings. We realize that
some are sick and can't make it .others
seem to not have the interest in seeing
the post grow . I sure hope that as you
read this article you are not one of the
latter group. There are many avenues
we need to explore at these meetings.
Following dinner the ladies retired to
their meeting room.
Closed session was called to order
by post Commander Daniel Jones .
Prayer by Post Chaplain Archie
Oxendine , saluting the American
Flag, reading of last month's minutes
by post adjutant Calvert Jones, teport
by quarter master Ardell Jacobs
followed next . Post member Mr.
Floyd Locklear was welcomed back
by post commander Jones. [ He is
recuperating from a collision with a
train west of Maxton on December
28, 1999). It's good to see him even
though he has to walk with a walker.
It's a miracle he survived that collision.
Member W.D. Oxendine reported
his brother was better also. The charter
was draped to pay tribute to two
deceased comrades as their names
were called out by Commandeer Jones
[Leslie Meadows, Foncie Oxendine ]
Quartermaster Ardell Jacobs echoed
absent commandeer. A prayer was
offered in their behalf by Chaplain
Archie Oxendine. I hope you read the
article in the V.F.W. MAGAZINE
about the Eaton Rapids Childrens'
Home how it has grown. A prayer was
said by all members for these children.
,
State commandeer Art Shull gave
a talk about the V.F.W. exposing our
selves more, letting the public know
who and what we are about. We are
there to help others in need, also we
are to take on more projects to help
mankind. There is a great need to
raise funds for projects the post wants
to accomplish. Call your post commandeer
Mr. Jones and see how you
can contribute to these worthy
projects. As other discussions resumed
, the committee who named
the post officers for 2000-2001
chaired by post chaplain Archie was
named and voted on approval by post
members present at this meeting.
The officers will be sworn at the next
meeting, Monday, May 15th, 2000.
Please come out and show your support
for those officers. Accompanying
this report is resumes by two young
teenagers as to how we should honor
America's Veterans. Hope it will
enlighten every one who reads this
paper to what sacrifices were made
so the United States will not suffer
the after affects of war.
God bless you until next week.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Board of Education Election Should
be about Children and not about
grudges or personal agendas
Dear Miss Connee;
There is much ado in good oT Robeson
regarding the upcoming Board of
Education elections. Everywhere I
drive I am bombarded b> signs urging
the people to vote for particular candidates.
Evidently the politicians have
taken the lead from the educators and
developed their own method of the
flash card technique. 1 am almost afraid
that there may be subliminal messages
inscribed within all the ads and articles
concerning these candidates. Regardless
of the political propaganda. I am
committed to vote for the persons
whom 1 believe to be for the best
interests of our children. It is for this
reason, and this reason only, that I w ill
support any candidate.
I have read ads that would make you
believe that the interests of the children
are their first and foremost priorities.
but in actuality there are personal
agendas at work to settle the score
with Superintendent of Public Schools.
Dr. Barry Harding. We all are well
aware of the ongoing battle between
Ms. Glenna Hicks, at-large school
board candidate, and Dr. Harding, and
certainly we cannot forget about Mr.
Patrick Bullard. District 5 candidate,
and his one man assault against the
school system. Here we have the "dynamic
duo" who would be better suited
for the WWF than Public Schools of
Robeson County. Maybe things
would be better if we were to ring off
a section at PSRC give'em gloves and
let 'em ha\ e at it for three good rounds.
The score mas not be settled, but Ali
would surely be proudl
On a more serious note. I reside in
District 5 and 1 have strong reservation
regarding Mr. Dullard's reasons
for his candidacy. On one hand he
purports that the children are his main
objective, but Mr. Dullard is in the
process of establishing his residency
outside District 5. It has been said that
if elected, he will allow his wife and
children to move while he maintains
residency within the district. I wonder
how can he contend to have the best
interests ofourchildren at heart, when
he would choose to ignore those of his
own. After all is it not in his children's
best interests to maintain a cohesive
family unit, instead splitting for the
sake of holding political office? Common
sense screams "NO-NO - NO!!"
Personally I have never met Mr. Bullard.
but I vividly recall his ads on the
Christian radio against the school
budget. 1 did not feel this was the
appropriate place to wage any kind of
war unless it was against the devil, or
does Mr. Bullard perceive PSRC to be
hell and Dr. Harding the devil himself?
If so, I respectfully request, that Mr.
Bullard go for what he's really after Dr.
Harding'sjob-might 1 suggest that
a simple resume would do it. After all
Ms. Hicks has let us know Dr.
Harding's job is up for negotiation.
I would ask the public to use common
sense judgement when soting tor
an> political candidate. Sometimes it
is better to go with what you know,
rather than what might be. I have not
agreed with all decisions made by the
existing school board or administration,
but I believe we have a workable
combination that has made great
strides for our school system, and w ill
continue to do so if given the chance.
Just look around and see all the renovations
taking place county-wide,
didn't that come as a result of decisions
made by the existing board?
Certainly they are not perfect, but they
do a pretty decent job.
Folks, let me be perfectly frank. 1 am
content with the service I have received
from my board member, Paul
Brooks, and I have yet to be convinced
that he is not the man for the
job. We cannot allow personalities to
infringe upon tangible issues. Our
children are the real issue and we cannot
afford to risk them for the sake of
settling someone's personal agenda. I
read that a wind was blowing in by the
name. Hurricane Patrick Bullard. This
gives cause for great concern, for every
time a hurricane has come to good
of Robeson, it has always been followed
by disaster relief. Are we really
ready to usher hurricane season in
early?
Wendy Moore Cummings
Pembroke, NC
Hunt says article misled public
The following ica lpttpr written h\/ -L ''
Jerome E. Hunt, teacher at Puniell
Swett High School. He is the son of
Ardean Hunt, Candidate for an atlarge
position on the Board of Education.
Ardean Hunt is married to Nancy
Owen Hunt. This letter speaks volumes
about grudge carrying candidates
and the ramifications that decisions
have on others. She had filed a
grievance over the position of Athletic
Director at Swett High. Her stepson
was holding that position when
her grievance was filed and settled.
We perceive that Mr. Hunt (Ardean) is
seeking the at-large position on the
Board of Education to settle a much
deeper grievance. We reprint this letter
for you the voter to decide.
The letter appeared in the Robesonian
on Sunday, February 27, 2000:
entitled "Hunt Says article misled public."
To the Editor:
I am writing in response to an article
published Feb. 20 on Nancy Owen
Hunt and hersettlement with the Robeson
County school system.
Nancy was quoted as saying that
my father, she and myself sat down to
discuss the 9th grade athletic director
position and decided it was the "good
ole boy system" at work. This never
happened. Why should I sit down and
discuss this situation, knowing that
she wanted my job? It doesn't make
sense.
She also mentioned being harassed
at school. I and other staff members
are curious as to who did the intimidating
and harassing.
Nancy said that she was denied an
interview for athletic director. When
the position became available, there
was no policy requiring interviews to
be given. It was an appointed position,
by which the principal could pick
whomever he believed to be most
qualified. Based on my knowledge of
uuiinivi, nuiRcuiic.aouiiyiogetaiong
with the athletic staff, students, community,
and my willingness to give
more than what is required, I was offered
the position and accepted. My
job performance during the past year
and a half proves I am qualified.
She stated that she had been on
athletic department staff longer than
anyone else at Purnell Swett but we
have two basketball coaches who have
each been on staff for more than 10
years. Does Nancy Hunt think that
she is more qual ifled than I am because
she has been on staff at Pumell Swett
longer? Being at one job for a number
of years doesn't guarantee one doing
a satisfactory job.
She said she was denied an interview
for driver's education. She has
been teaching driver's ed since last
spring. 1 am also a certified driver education
instructor but 1 can patiently
wait until a position becomes available
instead of making demands and
filing grievances.
Nancy also said it was never a
personal issue with myself. The article
suggested we have a friendly relationship.
This couldn't be any further from
the truth. Since this situation has become
public, Nancy Hunt could at
least be honest. It is a personal issue
and will continue to be a personal
issue.
1 believe in equal opportunity as
well, but 1 also feel that your qualifications
should ultimately determine
whether or not you are selected for a
job- not your gender.
I am proud to work for the Public
Schools of Robeson County at Purnell
Swett High School. I want to thank the
administration at PSHS for giving me
the opportunity to continue in an administrative
position at a different level.
Now you know the truth!
Jerome E. Hunt
Red Springs, NC
Let's Keep
Mitchell "Bosco" Locklear
Working For You!
Board of Education-At Large
This Is A County Wide Election
FOR Experience
Current Member - School Board At Large - 4 Years
Businessman: Owns/Operates Sunshine Learning Center
in Pembroke.
Prospect School Advisory Council - Past Chairman
Member/ Sunday School Teacher - Galilee Baptist Church
Robeson County Board of Elections - Past Member
Parent: Daughter Jessica Attends Purnell Swett High
FOR CONTINUED PROGRESS
Our Students Are Making Significant Increases In
Reading, Writing, Math and SAT scores.
Positive Leadership Changes Have Occurred In
Principalships And Other Administrative Positions.
Millions Of Dollars Have Been Approved For New
Classrooms And Other Needed Facilities.
HE SPEAKS UP FOR YOUR INTERESTS
Continued Open, Responsive Leadership for All.
Supports Increasing Pay Supplements For Certified
and Classified Personnel
Re-Elect Mitchell "Bosco" Locklear
"A Man You Can Trust"
Pembroke
Kiwanis
Report
Representative Ron Sutton was
the Tuesday evening speaker at the
weekly Kiwanis meeting held at the
Jade Garden Restaurant. He was presented
by President Todd Jones.
The last special Session of the
Legislature was on Tobacco. Punitive
damages was the worry of the
companies. It amounts to billions of
dollars, more than the companies
can afford. Rep. Sutton said. Tryingto
avoid this, is the difficult problem
and it seems a Constitutional problem,
according to Sutton. Policy states
that "We will not pass laws that will
affect the outcome of a law suit." So
a measuring standard needs to be
worked out concerning the death sentence.
Spending also concerns the
Department of Transportation. The
State has a policy of liability of up to
SI50.000 some medical bills have
been over one million dollars. The
state will not pay over this 5150,000.
Sutton is submitting a bill to remedy
the situation, liability up to S500.000.
South Carolina pays up to S300.000.
State Lottery is also on the agenda.
Eighty percent favor it. twenty percent
are against it. Seventy-two
percent favor the death sentence. Hard
to believe but the cost for execution is
greater than the life sentence. Representative
Sutton faces a difficult
session as he is chairman of all these
committees. Good luck, Ronnie.
Chairman Fumie Lambert of the
Fund raising committee for this
Friday's dinner/dance to be held in
Laurinburg said that tickets are still
available.
Song leader-Ed Teets; InvocationAlbert
Hunt; Reporter- Ken Johnson.
Look out for the sharks, Elian!
Elian Gonzales, a six-year-old
I Cuban boy, was discovered off the
coast of Florida, his exhausted little
body hunkered down in a flimsy
inner tube, after drifting aimlessly
and being exposed to the elements
and untold dangers for several
days.
He was one of several Cubans
attempting to defect to the United
States when the small boat they
were aboard capsized. Most,
including his mother and her
boyfriend, drowned.
Little Elian was taken in by relatives
in the Cuban American community
in Miami, many who
arrived over here after making the
same perilous trip across the vast,
raging, angry waters separating
Mima and Cuba.
O _ -f- ~ -
ou iar, so good. But, unfortunately
for Elian, the story doesn't end there. His father in
Cuba, no doubt at Castro's urging, demanded custody.
Now, emotions run high as his relatives and friends in
Miami threaten riots if the little boy doesn't remain over here
and in their custody, and his father and friends in Cuba, with
Castro's blessings, are protesting vigorously for his return.
On one side of the issue we have little Elian's relatives with
whom he's presently living, who, as I said, are part o the
Cuban American population in Miami.
They have taken advantage of the situation to tell anyone
who will listen that Elian's mother gave her life so that he
could have freedom. In essence, they contend that it's a disservice
to the memory of the little boy's mother to send him back
to the repressive, totalitarian regime of Castro.
On the other side of the issue, and the ocean, is the politically-sawy
Castro, no doubt who prodded Elian's father to
fight for custody.
Castro has taken advantage of the phenomenal Elian
Gonzales-generated publicity to campaign for his pet project,
the lifting of the US-imposed embargo.
Castro has presented the Cuban exiles over here as a common
and tangible enemy his citizens can blame for the horrible
living conditions in Cuba. Most of these exiles, Castro has
been quick to remind his people, fought for the Torricelli Act of
1992, which stopped the flow of food and medicine to Cuba, and
the Helms-Burton Act of 1996, which tightened the embargo.
Castro has long blamed the embargo for the myriad of social
problems besetting his country.
Indeed, once little Elian was lost at sea, the ocean, or whatever
that expanse of water separating Cuba and Miami is
called.
Now, alas! He's lost in the shuffle.
The Immigration aind Naturalization Service has maintained
that we don't have the right to kidnap a Cuban child
simply because we think our political ideology is superior to
Cuba's. And Attorney General Janet Reno has publicly
declared that Elian will be returned to his father in Cuba.
The reason for the on-going delays is because President
Clinton and Vice President A1 Gore, who is running for president,
don't want to alienate the many Miami Cuban American
voters.
Folk, the way little Elian Gonzales has been used by everyone,
who seems to have something to gain from exploiting him,
is a shame and a national disgrace.
All the grownups in the deplorable debacle ought to be
forced to submit to the popular young'uns - raising method
called time out. Y'all need to sit down! And shut up!
Then, perhaps the absurdity of the whole mess will sink in.
Perhaps their quiet time will give them the opportunity to
reflect on what should be an obvious truth: THEY'RE DEALING
WITH A LITTLE, TRAUMATIZED SIX-YEAR-OLD BOY
WHO HAS NOT BEEN ALLOWED TO PROPERLY MOURN
THE DEATH OF HIS MOTHER WHICH HE WITNESSED!
He can't mourn her passing properly because not only has he
become the focus of a custody battle, but lead actor in a foreign
relations nightmare as well.
Leave him alone, folk. Send the little fella home to his
daddy. Folk have been so busy exploiting him under the guise
of protecting his rights, they nave forgotten a most important
one - the right to the pursuit of happiness. And he'll never be
happy until given the chance to resume some semblance of a
normal life. Over here, fame is an unrelenting, cruel, immoral,
and far too often, fatal taskmaster. Send him home!
The sad truth is that he was safer from sharks while floating
in that flimsy, exposed inner tube than he is from the selfish,
self-serving sharks in human clothing who have been circling
him ever since his highly-publicized rescue.
Leave him alone, boys!
We'll talk again, folk.
Garry Lawla Barton