Letters to the editor for July 2, 2011

Boys’ actions bring forth good news

Our news these days seems to be filled with hate and ugliness, but what I am about to tell you is so different from what we see and hear day to day.

At a time when hate, race and other obstacles stand in our way, this story is different. There is no hate, no color difference, nothing but pure childhood friendship.

My 8-year-old grandson came to live with us a few months ago. He has made friends in the neighborhood with two wonderful little guys, An­thony and Jaden. Well, every night is just a wonderful summer evening. We sit on the deck and the boys do just the things boys should do. They ride their bikes, play hide and seek, etc. Last night was different.

We ate our dinner while the boys were outside, just the way it happens every night. All of a sudden, Christian comes inside and said he needs plastic bags; when we ask him why, his reply was simple “we are going to save the planet.” We all looked at each other and said, “Well, OK.”

After we finished, we went outside just to see what the boys had done.

Much to our surprise, they had gone into the field (undeveloped land) next to our homes and picked up trash; they did this for more than an hour.

You could see the pride in their faces and the joy that they had done some­thing really cool and good.

Christian, Anthony and Jaden need to be recognized for their good deed and efforts. We as adults need to take a good look at these boys and everything they represent. Maybe, just maybe, our planet — as Christian so easily stated — would be a far better place to live.

I only hope and pray that these boys set the example as to what needs to be done both in friendship, and the attempt to clean up a neighborhood a very small part in saving the planet.

Well, that is my story, simple as it is, but something I will never forget a picture that will forever be planted in my mind.

I hope you find a small story out of this, because in the eyes of three little boys it is something big.

MARGIE PARKER

Woodbridge

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Facebook-only commenting not welcomed by reader

Despite overwhelming opposition from those who care enough to com­ment, you have instituted Facebook­ only commenting.

You have also instituted Facebook­ only links to staff. I could call the phone number listed, but, for medical reasons, that is not a good option for me.

I can only assume that, since I can no longer purchase your paper in Lor­ton, you no longer care what I think.

DARREL SALISBURY

Lorton