Dear Source:
Melvin Claxton, where are you when we need you? Please come home!
Why is it that when an issue of any kind arises, particularly when it involves the need for critical public information to be made available, and it is clear that the law is on the side of the requestor(s), we consistently read about the lack of response from the governmental entity involved?
Why sit by and bemoan the situation? Every citizen has redress. Go to the courts; don't waste time and taxpayers' money. Let those who are responsible to the people and irresponsible as public servants know you mean business. Demonstration of this type of efficacy is long overdue.
I might remind the Virgin Islands public that one definition of insanity is "continuing to behave in the same manner and expecting different outcomes." It should be obvious, even to the casual observer, that the insanity must come to an end. Behaviors must change, be it the vulgar disparity in the Legislature's budget allocations; the executive branch's inability to level with the public on the territory's real financial situation (adding up the "plus side" and then subtracting the "minus" side would help); the inability of the courts to mete out appropriate sentences for those guilty of heinous crimes against children, rape/abuse and domestic violence; or the total lack of concern regarding drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention programs for your most precious resource, the youth of the Virgin Islands.
Has anyone noted that not one cent of the tobacco settlement dollars awarded to the Virgin Islands will be used for any tobacco prevention or cessation programing, strategies or campaigns?
Reap what you sow? I think so. It may be that some of you should stand up and be counted – in court, on the steps of Government House, and in the hallowed halls of the Legislature – before it really is too late. Melvin may never return. Someone or many must fill the void he left!
Sue Herzog
Rockville, Md. (former Virgin Islander)
