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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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
Twenty years ago, most area elections were decided during the primaries. Then, almost every candidate qualified as a Democrat. While there may be plenty of challengers on the ballot, many seats were decided in July or a few weeks later during the primary run-off.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To South Georgians making fine impressions on television singing competitions. Phillip Phillips of Leesburg won “American Idol” this week. Meanwhile, Lowndes High School graduate Stacia Watkins participated in the new ABC show “Duets.” Well done!
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Farewell to the vanishing ace
Donald S. “Bush” Bryan was not only a rare individual. He was part of a vanishing breed.
An Adel resident for the past 30 years, Bryan was a World War II flying ace. Not just an ace but a double ace. A pilot must down five enemy aircraft to become an ace; Bryan downed 13.3 enemy planes in Europe. The fractions represent planes downed with other pilots. -
A widespread mosquito alert
In announcing the discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus strain, city and health officials did not include the specific location of the discovery.
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Of Guantanamo Bay and a Founding Father
Some readers may wonder how a Valdosta High School graduate could bring himself as an attorney to represent a Guantanamo Bay prisoner charged in connection to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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Congratulations, VSU Softball!
This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
Not so for the Valdosta area. - More What We Think Headlines
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Elections: Creating a two-party region?
