Dear Source:
I'm not from here and neither is 80% of the population of the US Virgin Islands, so I am asserting my right to speak out without being a "native Virgin Islander," whatever that is. I have lived here for ten years and I am fed up with the shenanigans of our legislature–if they are an example of the best the public schools have to offer, we most certainly need serious changes.
The United Negro College Fund had a slogan I have always admired: "A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste." Talent and know-how in the person of Lynn Spampinato would be a terrible thing to waste just because she isn't from here. We should be thankful that she is willing to help us!
We need to do two things. The first is to confirm her nomination and follow her lead to see whether she can bring about the changes needed here. The second is to follow up, even and especially after her job is done. This is no time for passive-aggressive behavior, and everyone knows the islands are notorious for it. If she fails, could be possibly be worse off than we are now? She probably won't be here long, whether she succeeds or fails, so what have we got to lose in letting her try?
Senators, do what WE elected you to do or so help us all, we'll throw every one of you who didn't hear us out of office next fall. Just look at your emails and the letters on the Source–don't think we can't mobilize ourselves and get the right people into office if you don't do what we want. Do not EVER underestimate our power.
Dena Langdon
St. Thomas
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.