Opinion

Your views: Letters to the editor


Published: June 22, 2008

Coaches must put kids ahead of themselves

To the editor:

I am writing in response to your June 13 story about a Little League baseball coach who allegedly ordered one of her pitchers to hit a batter on the opposing team.

We passed the critical point in youth sports a few years ago — also in Massachusetts (where I was born and raised), but it could have been any state — where two fathers of youth hockey players got into a fight, resulting in someone dying. Let me repeat that. Because of some things happening on the ice between kids, a man is dead and two families, especially the children, are devastated. What more will it take before we do something about this type of behavior?

I have been involved in youth sports as a player, coach and parent my entire life and have witnessed, heard and been involved in just about everything. Sadly, I am not surprised by these types of stories and blame can go all around in this case. But, I will never accept the behavior or results produced by parents, coaches and board members in leadership roles who do not understand the responsibilities that come with them.

There needs to be much more training and education for these three groups highlighted above, and it is available through groups like Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA). PCA believes that while winning is important, there is a second, more important goal of using sports to teach life lessons to our kids, including demonstrating respect for opponents and honoring the game.

With today's economy and everyone trying to do more with less, I fully understand it is hard to find committed volunteers and I commend all those that donate their time. But we should not settle or make excuses for having people coach or sit on boards that lack the integrity or skills to serve in leadership roles impacting children. Most youth sports leagues do a background check and then give a coach the equipment and send them on their way.

It takes time, effort and training, and even that is not enough. Coaches, parents and board members must also care about the team, league and game ahead of their own selfish desires. Why? Because this is what our children want. Just ask them.

LOU LONGO

Pelham, N.H.

State's fireworks laws are outdated

To the editor:

The laws in Massachusetts that govern the use of consumer fireworks are out of date and out of touch with the demands and rights of the Massachusetts citizens. The time has come for Massachusetts to be brought into the mainstream of American life and for the Legislature to allow its citizens to enjoy the celebration of freedom with consumer fireworks.

The spirit of the Massachusetts signers of the Declaration of Independence — John Adams, John Hancock, Elbridge Gerry, Samuel Adams and Robert Treat Paine — should rise once again and break the chains of anti-fireworks servitude in the Bay State.

The imperative for the Legislature to "protect" its citizens from the dangers of consumer fireworks is long gone. The consumer fireworks today are the safest ever, and the injuries associated with the use of consumer fireworks are at an all-time low. There simply is no longer any need for the antiquated laws in this state that prevent citizens from enjoying the family celebrations associated with a home fireworks display.

The fireworks-related injuries in America have dropped dramatically, and the use of consumer fireworks has gone up several fold. From 1992 to 2006, the actual number of fireworks-related injuries has dropped over 26 percent, while during the same period, use of fireworks measured by imports from China has increased from 87.1 million pounds to 278.2 million pounds or almost 220 percent.

Based on injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks used, injuries have dropped an amazing 76 percent since 1992. This is based on information published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Massachusetts is now one of only five states that totally outlaws the use of all consumer fireworks.

Former President John Adams predicted in 1776 in a letter to his wife, Abigail, that Independence Day "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade ... bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore." Fireworks provide the citizens of this state and this nation a means to celebrate their freedoms.

Write to your state legislators and let them know that you want the right to celebrate your freedom with fireworks in the spirit of John Adams.

Please enjoy the Independence Day holiday with your family and celebrate safely.

WILLIAM WEIMER

Vice president

Phantom Fireworks

Youngstown, Ohio

We need to change our lifestyle

To the editor:

While watching the evening news, I find it disturbing to hear about floods, hurricanes and tornadoes that are occurring in our country. As we all know, we cannot change the weather. That is part of nature and plans that God has for us.

I firmly believe that God is trying to tell us something. It is predicted in the Bible. The weather has changed tremendously in regard to the weather pattern.

There are so many people who are greedy for money and power, who are not trustworthy and never thank God for their blessings. Television today is showing nothing but sex symbols who are ruining our young generation. The clothing manufacturers and designers are making clothing that is no longer modest.

If people don't change soon, more and more tragedies will be happening. Hopefully, the present lifestyle will change before it is too late.

MARCY DONOHUE

Methuen