Abundance of wrong all around
I am a former 25-year resident of the Columbia, South Carolina, area.
First off, I will go on the record as saying that Officer Fields was undeniably in the wrong for throwing a female student across the floor. That act is unacceptable behavior by a Sheriff's Deputy so I am in agreement in the termination of Officer Fields.
However, the video is being used to "cover up" everything that led up to Officer Fields throwing the student across the floor.
The entire incident started with the student pulling out her cell phone in class. The district and school student handbook rules on cell phones (and other electronic devices) are vague, but leave final determination if they are allowed to the teacher.
In this case, the teacher did not allow cell phones to be used. And when the teacher asked for the cell phone to be handed over, the student refused to hand the cell phone over. This escalated to where a school administrator and ultimately Officer Fields were called in.
These accounts by other students in the class show that student in question failed to comply with rules and lawful requests of school officials and Officer Fields, and acted as the instigator to the incident.
Both the school and district chose not to enforce their own rules against the girl. Specifically, the girl could be disciplined for the following: disobedience, disrespect, disruptive behavior, poor attitude, refusal to obey (all taken from the Spring Valley High School Student Handbook). That choice of declining to enforce the rules on students only serves to send a clear message to students that teachers, administrators, and RSO's have absolutely no authority and the students may do as they please.
Patrick Smith
Columbus
One-sided 'debate'
In response to 10/23 Letter "Right -- in a sense": Regarding the notion of liberal professors teaching sound concepts. The professors may choose to believe the concept of evolutionary theory, man-made global climate change and environmental protection. I just don't buy it. I don't believe we evolved from apes. I don't believe man is responsible for climate change. I do believe we have a reasonable responsibility to protect the environment. Every bit of research regarding evolution and man-made climate change can be equally countered with opposing research.
Since compelling research can be provided for both sides, I would not be opposed to professors testing both sides. The rub is, because most of them are liberal, they will not.
Dennis Lott Sr.
Columbus
Our threatened habitat
Since moving to Maple Ridge in 2008, I have been delighted with the views of the golf course and the wooded areas surrounding my condo. I have enjoyed the company of foxes, kits, deer, fawns, a black snake, opossums, hawks, owls and even armadillo. My little lane is secluded and very private. My neighbors are also my friends. I have the feel of living in the mountains.
I play golf and enjoy this 18-hole course. I love going to the clubhouse for breakfast or lunch. I always run into people I know. The staff is great, always coming up with new ideas to entertain the residents. The kitchen has been remodeled and is generating interesting meals for the public and game nights for the guys. It is more than a clubhouse; it is a community gathering place.
I can say the same thing about our pools. I have watched children grow up, and met families that I would not have known if I did not live with these residents. We have appreciated the security provided for our families. The pools are large enough for our current population.
The idea that part of this beautiful golf course could be turned into houses, condos or apartments breaks my heart and sickens me. I moved here in good faith that this area would be protected from commercial greed. Please assure me that I am right, and the W.C. Bradley Company will not succumb to ruining this lovely area.
Julia Sellers
Columbus
'Judge' for yourself
Although the Bible has been a major force in shaping our world and our civilization, the book of Judges doesn't inspire, teach, or enhance life. The stories in this book are myth tales, tribal propaganda, and folklore passed through oral communication.
This book contains tribal stories written by men and women seeking to make sense out of the life they are living and the things they are experiencing. The characters in this book are hidden under layers of myth, fantasy, and pure literary creation.
We read in this book the stories of Jael and Sisera; Ehud, the left-handed judge, and king Eglon; a Levite man who cuts his concubine in twelve pieces; Samson and Delilah; Deborah and Barak; Tola and Jair; Judge Jephthah sacrifices his daughter as a burnt offering although the Law of Moses condemns human sacrifice; and many more. These stories are the most repellent and bizarre stories in the entire Bible.
A literal view of the book of Judges is not what Christian scholars believe. God is depicted as unwise, prejudiced, dictatorial and cruel. The book is edited and re-edited over as long a period of time as 400 years. Please read the book and find out for yourself.
Salman Elawad
Phenix City
This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Abundance of wrong all around ."