Trending
Dear Editor:
“You can’t handle the truth!” Those were the words of actor Jack Nicholson in the movie “A Few Good Men,” and that is exactly how I feel toward those that disagree with posting of the photos of the recent unloving, uncaring and overdosed adults in a vehicle with an unknowing year-old child.
This unfortunately is not an isolated incident and we in the Tri-State Area are not immune to this because some may chose to put their heads in the sand and ignore this epidemic and repeatedly talk about blurring the child’s photo rather then focusing on the fact of irresponsible adults – these people are attempting to divert “the truth” that our society has a problem.
I have also been informed that some perceive these photos as “scare tactics,” and even if this were true, some people need to understand our country is in a crisis and maybe the photos will serve as a wake-up call to those same people.
I applaud Brian Allen and Chief Lane for the courage in posting these photos (as well as the officer that took them), and if it helps some people realize they themselves or someone they know and love need help and then seek help, then the photos served a dramatically positive purpose. Mayor Stovall, I know, supports and encourages these men’s aggressive efforts and is to be applauded as well.
Should these supposed adults in the picture be held responsible? Absolutely. However, it is just as important that the public be continuously reminded of a problem that is causing our society and our communities to spiral downward and out of control.
As the current Village Administrator in Wellsville, I speak with our Chief, Ed Wilson, almost daily and he relates issues to me that to some would be considered unreal.
As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the plight of these officers in their seemingly uphill and sometimes unappreciated battle to save lives.
But what makes this hit home more that anything is the sad fact that in January of this year, I lost a 25-year-old grandson due to an overdose. So our family knows what tragedy awaits those that use the horrific drug and the lasting effect it will have on their families.
Don’t worry about the photos – rather, I encourage you to be proactive. It may stave off the sadness that our family faces everyday.
Paul Anthony
Calcutta