We are big on girls in my family; one wife, two daughters and five granddaughters. The family name will slide into history with my death. For some people to have their family name not passed on would be unthinkable. With the birth of each daughter and granddaughter, I have learned the true value lies in the person, not in a name.
Reading a front page story in this newspaper last week reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend a few years back. I believe the talk started after reading where a college co-ed had been raped and killed. We both agreed if that happened to a daughter or granddaughter of ours, we would most likely end up in jail. The police had best get the person very quickly, we said.
The story in The Times was about The Haven here in Valdosta that shelters rape and domestic violence victims. The paragraph that stopped my quick read of the story was “the women’s shelter currently has 22 beds, which are almost full.” The shelter director said the economy is a big part of the blame for domestic violence increases. I agree it could be the spark but not the total cause. It should take way more than bad times for a man to beat his wife. This too is a circumstance which could put me behind bars. I can’t image the anger I would feel if a daughter or granddaughter needed to seek shelter because of an abusive husband or boyfriend.
Television and movie dramas have been produced with the storyline of a father in revenge of a crime against a daughter. It is easy to look at the movie as fiction because we are removed from the story. What if I was not, I have tried to reason before. What would I do? Could I control my anger? Or would I be out of control? I honestly do not know how to answer my questions.
I know a man of reason should be reasonable. I know I would still have a family who needs me, but … Until I am placed in this situation (I pray I am never tested), I do not know how I would react.
The Haven right now has nearly 22 daughters who are hurting. I wonder about their fathers and if they are as angry as I would be. I might be wrong but I think some of the women are there because it took a stranger to care enough to help. Their families, their fathers, their brothers and even their mothers have failed to answer their call for help.
We are about to enter the contribution season for the United Way and The Haven is one of the non-profits that benefits. When you are asked to give money this year, think about this shelter and the 22 beds where abused women can sleep safely; where children can sleep without hearing the cries of their mother at the hands of an abusive man.
What We Think
From the publisher: In family of girls, one decision is easy
- What We Think
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Shame in Berrien County
Unfortunately for Sherrie Williams of the Berrien County school-based health clinic, she talked to The Times and praised the program that she oversees. This pride in her work led to the loss of her job.
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Grading policy: A second chance?
In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
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Be up to any weather challenge
Georgia’s Severe Weather Awareness Week starts today and runs through Friday. The idea behind the week is to prepare Georgians for weather emergencies and how to keep these situations from becoming tragedies.
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Parents and schools
There is a lot of talk lately about school systems and grading policies, and how all of a child's problems come back to a lack of parenting. But is it really that simple? Can it be a case where the school systems are so focused on the problem few that the majority of students are ignored?
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. - More What We Think Headlines
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Shame in Berrien County
