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Monday, October 14, 1996
Dear Editor,
The Board of Directors of Ward County Irrigation District #1 would like
to take this time to thank the many, many people who supported us in the
past year during the District's litigation. It would be impossible to
thank each and every one of you individually for the many words of
kindness, love and support shown to each of us during this difficult
time. We appreciate your faith in us as Directors who were only trying
to work for the betterment of our community. Thanks again to those who
went out of their way to show us that love and caring still prevail in
the hearts of many people.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors
Ward County Irrigation
District #1, Barstow, TX
I found the presentation by Tarrant County's Assistant Criminal
District Attorney Teri Moore Thursday extremely interesting.
But even more interesting were the four boys sitting in front of me.
All were between the ages of 12 and 16 and wearing the baggy attire.
They didn't seem to be the hardcore gang members that Moore talked
about, but you could tell they were attracted to the idea.
Moore described, "the gang phenomena," like a magnet that attracts
young people. So, naturally, finding a solution to the problem would
have to start with, why would these kids find the gang relationship so
appealing?
Maybe it's because they're neglected at home and seeking some form of
family unit, maybe they've relatives or friends that were or are
involved in a gang and then there's "the fact," that the media, music,
television and movies promote the whole scenario.
In a small town especially, such as ours, I think the problem has more
potential, as there aren't all that many choices for kids to busy
themselves with. Only, it's not as obvious as it may be in larger cities.
It's here, I know it's here and I hesitate to think about what may
happen once a big city gang member's family decides to pick up and bring
their problem to town. The youngster comes in and it wouldn't be too
hard to recruit aspiring followers who wouldn't hesitate to seek the
same danger and excitement their leader recounts for them.
It happened before.
I studied the four boys in front of me during Moore's tales of innocent
people falling victim to gang violence and saw that they were truly
moved. But I feel that it wouldn't take much for them to quickly become
involved with the gangster lifestyle.
I don't know who their parents are, as they were there alone, and
strongly feel this may be part of the problem.
It was good to see however many parents there, some with their kids and
I agree with that these types of issues need to be addressed in the home.
We published an article last week on the failure of local
drug-education programs for lack of funds and support. It's a sad thing
to see, but I also feel that these volunteers are doing the job that
parents need to be instigating at home.
Hillary Clinton may think, "it takes a village," but I think it takes a
parent, one or two, and a tight family unit.
Mari Maldonado is an Enterprise reporter whose column appears each
Monday.
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