Speech must be protected, regardless of circumstance

Dear Editor,

I am writing today to strongly support Attorney General Cuccinelli’s decision not to join in the filing of a legal brief on behalf of Albert Snyder. Mr. Snyder is suing Rev. Fred W Phelps and Westboro Baptist Church for disrupting the funeral of his son, Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq in 2006.

As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I am disgusted by the behavior of the members of Westboro Baptist Church and their complete lack of civility, not to mention a complete disregard for the principles of Christianity.

In a released statement it was said “The attorney general’s office deplores the absolutely vile and despicable acts of Fred Phelps and his followers, we also greatly sympathize with the Snyder family and all families who have experienced the hatefulness of these people.

The Attorney General’s office chose not to file a brief “because the case could set a precedent that could severely curtail certain valid exercises of free speech.”

The Code of Virginia already has a law dealing with the disruption of any funeral service. Note that 18.2-415(B) punishes as a class one misdemeanor (up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500) someone who willfully disrupts a funeral or memorial service to the point of preventing or interfering with the orderly conduct of the event.

This is why Westboro is not active in Virginia. I implore states to enact legislation to curtail these activities in their own states as well.

The United States is guided by the rule of law, not of men. It is refreshing to have leaders like Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli that understand this. While my emotion wants to use the full power of the government to punish these heinous actions by Mr. Phelps and his followers, free speech can not be infringed. Just because we do not agree with what is being said, does not mean we can bend the rule of law to suit our beliefs.

Todd M Rojcewicz
Powhatan

Free Clinic, 4th Friday event benefitted from volunteer effort

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Free Clinic of Powhatan I would like to thank all of the wonderful people that braved the bad weather indicators and came to the 4th Friday celebration on May 28. I would also like to thank all the drenched volunteers for staying till the very last minute (dodging the lightening) ).  They were great!  A fun time was had by all of the participants, whether you were working or playing.

The band was great, the food was tasty, the wine was good, the beer was cold, the kids had fun and the dancing was groovy.  I would like to thank Richardson, Harris and Boatwright Insurance (Amy and Michael Potter) for their sponsorship and all their kind help.  The proceeds for the evening went to the Free Clinic of Powhatan to continue their mission of providing free medical, dental and mental health services to the uninsured population of Powhatan.
The Clinic is now serving a population of over 500 patients…to all of which the services are free.
So again to all the participating Powhatan community that supported the Free Clinic thru the 4th Friday event: Thank you !

Connie Moslow
Board Chair, Free Clinic of Powhatan

Those who oppose range should reconsider

Dear Editor,
Yes, the county that still allows high powered rifles to be used in hunting is not sure about State Police or FBI agents shooting on a specially built shooting range on land the state already owns. I’m not sure, but I would be willing to say the state is most likely the largest employer operating in our county. That is unless Walmart makes it here.
I would like to see a comparison of Walmart’s pay scale, benefits, paid vacation, and holidays against the ones offered to corrections officers and the other employees at a state correction facility.

An official from Brunswick County and the Lawrenceville area said in the Richmond paper they would be glad to have those State police officers and FBI agents walking around their town and using their businesses and restaurants. 

I have to admit I grew up in Chesterfield, in the Midlothian area. For years there was a Issac Walton park off Walton Park Road. All I really know is that there was a lot of skeet shooting there as well as some archery ranges. I was a kid, so didn’t get all the details. We lived through the woods on Coalfield Road. You could hear the guns sometimes, but some Friday nights you could hear the race cars at Southside Speedway.

If my memory serves me right, when Issac Walton thought about moving (Chesterfield was filling up with homes and people) to land in eastern Powhatan, it was not met with open arms.
We seem to all have our special interests. I just really have a difficult time with fighting this when the county allows the use of high powered rifles for hunting. I bought my own son a .308 caliber rifle several years ago for hunting, and that is one of those items that has a nice bark over here, but an awesome bite over there. The most important thing is knowing what is over there.

I’ll put my money on the State Police and FBI agents on knowing what is over there when they are shooting. 

Bill Frame
Powhatan

Range will certainly have a negative impact

Dear Editor,

The land surrounding the proposed construction of a firing range in Powhatan County is becoming quite a unique area.  Once the site of a large Native American population, artifacts are still being found today. 

Along the rural and scenic byway fronting the proposed site are historic homes and churches. Adjacent agricultural and livestock farms continue to be productive. Wildlife is abundant and the nearby James River is still relatively unspoiled. In short, this area is a snapshot of a rapidly disappearing piece of America.

To build a firing range here would have a vast and dramatic negative impact on the community and the environment. There are other sites available for this project, notably the 700 acre, defunct correctional facility in Brunswick County. I implore our law enforcement agencies and government officials not to be reckless and irresponsible, and do the right thing. Locate it in an area that needs and wants it.

Gary Fralin
Powhatan

Music program at PCPS is worth checking out

Dear Editor,

In case folks don’t already know, Powhatan Public Schools have a terrific music program. If you have never seen or heard the performances given by these young people, you have missed a big treat!

The bands, choruses and ensembles, from all the schools, are some of the best entertainment I have had the privilege of listening to in a long time. It is no wonder that they all win awards in competitions every year.

I would also like to thank all the dedicated teachers who give so much of their time to these kids to help them succeed as they do.
The next time you attend a football game, watch the high school marching band perform at half-time and see if you don’t agree with me!

Mary Lynn Smith
Powhatan