I received a letter several days ago directed to me personally, though it was actually a letter to the editor.
Since I retired from the newspaper more than a year ago, the only reason it ended up in my hands is that it was written several years ago. Otherwise, the present editor would have received it.
It was several pages of hand-written copy that described the writer, whom I've known for many years as a friend. Because he is no longer with us, I'm not able to respond personally. The letter detailed something that happened at school involving his student.
He wrote, "I guess you could call me a proud parent" and "I had no clear solution."
He added, "Dodie, I would like to know if you still print editorials that are written from the heart, meant to hurt no individual and might in some small way improve our school and community ... maybe we had some problems like this during my tenure at GHS (Gravette High School) that were soon solved by a few quick swats by (a certain teacher's) healthy paddle or Mr. Duffy's well-placed strokes for the boys. I don't remember the girls ever having a problem."
My personal note: I printed Mr. Duffy's name because it was through his guidance that Gravette School continued through many years under his leadership and his legacy is still remembered positively and lovingly by many of his students.
The writer of the letter concluded: "Dodie, I own allegiance to no man, only to my God, family, country, town and good old GHS."
He added his request that if I chose to publish the letter, with or without editing, "I will be satisfied with your decision."
The writer gave permission to use his name and, if I had chosen to print the letter, it would have been signed. That was, and I believe still is, the policy of the newspaper.
I have no idea where the letter, not in a stamped envelope, but several pages of thoughtful handwriting, has been, to be recovered by someone, somehow. It was dated almost 10 years ago. The author is now deceased. You may wonder why I've chosen this for today's 'Cuff. I will explain.
This is Thanksgiving week. It's a time to be thankful for the many blessings and freedoms we have in America, freedoms which are now constantly under attack, not only from outside sources but, unfortunately, from unthinking citizens or those who have infiltrated from abroad and whose aim is to weaken our nation and destroy these freedoms that we too often take for granted.
Disciplining of students has always been a sore spot with parents and has been eroded so completely by threats of lawsuits and overextending court actions that it is no wonder that respect for authority has reached a low point. I am thankful that such consequences have not reached area schools and that common sense is still the motivating factor in most cases. This is not to say I favor hurting children with rough and unthinking punishment, only that too often the hands of teachers and administrators are tied because of undeserved fears. Common sense, which so often these days is lacking, is the best approach for particular mischief or disobedience.
It is also the lack of common sense, particularly from the national level, that has created a climate in which common sense is hampered or thwarted. We see the chaotic results all too often.
So, this Thanksgiving weekend, for families, and especially for those with children, it is a special time to give thanks for our schools and their leaders and give a tribute to our local and area culture where common sense usually settles problems.
Enjoy the holiday and reflect on its meaning with the prayer that America continues being the home of the brave and the free.
And to the writer of this many-years-old letter, my hope is you can know your words reached understanding eyes.
Dodie Evans is the former owner and long-time editor of the Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 11/25/2015