By early Monday morning, national news outlets had picked up the story about the mass shootings in Valdosta, an embarrassment for our community. Is this what we want Valdosta to be known for?
With all sympathy to the families of the deceased and the wounded, this type of violence is becoming far too common in our city and it needs to stop.
Simply put, it needs to stop, now, before any more lives are lost.
It’s out of control, more than a dozen violent deaths in six months should not be tolerated by anyone, and it’s got to be stopped, put down, hard and fast.
Police presence in areas known for violence, whether it’s politically correct or not. Neighborhood watches to take back our streets. Increased security required at hot spots for violence. One shooting at a business should require a police presence from that point on or their business license/ liquor license should be pulled.
Law enforcement has proven themselves very adept at catching those who commit these crimes, but they need help. They need more officers, they need more citizen involvement and they need the community’s help to shut this violence down.
We should not be afraid any longer as a community to admit we have a problem. We have gangs in Valdosta, in our neighborhoods and in our schools. We have thugs with guns who try to solve all of their disputes through violence. We have places where criminals hang out and do business.
Let’s take back Valdosta from those who want to ruin a wonderful community.
Stop the violence, now.
What We Think
What We Think: On the map for the wrong reasons
- 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?
