Letters

Dear POINT:
I don't know if I'm too late, but this month's Sleazeball is my favorite solicitor, the Honorable David Schwacke. I'm very happy that you have recognized that he is no friend to progressive and deserves no sympathy or support from us.

Mr. Schwacke dug his own grave with his hypocritical and unjust policies, and we should not be helping him get out of it!!!!!

I'm a college student currently living in Atlanta. As a Charleston native I feel compelled to keep up with South Carolina events, and POINT is the best way to do it.

Keep up the good work.

Michael Risman, Atlanta, GA

Dear Editor:
Social conservatives who are insisting we teach only sexual abstinence to teens fail to mention or recognize problems inherent in this "method" of birth control.

Methods of contraceptives are distinguished by how effective they are and how easy they are to comply with. Abstinence, when used correctly, is the most effective method. However, beware of its failure rate! An overwhelming percentage of unintended pregnancies are the result of failed abstinence. Many teens leave home for the evening sure their abstinence method will work, and for many teens their "method" fails them.

Beg, plead and pray for our kids to remain abstinent, but let's give teens the facts. They are making their own decision now. And late at night on Lovers' Lane they need more protection than a "good idea."

Isn't it best to support and encourage teens to postpone sexual involvement and provide them with information to avoid pregnancy and disease if they make the decision to become sexually active?

Pat Koch, Columbia

Dear POINT:
I loved the article on the Promise Keepers [Oct. 1997 POINT] and I read it with avid interest. What I find most bizarre about the Promise Keepers is not their political and (theologically bereft) religious views, but the very existence of the organization. These men need mass rallies to teach them not to beat their wives and neglect their children? Good grief! That's what a little psychotherapy or, if desired, a talk with one's clergy is for. But, of course, the more I read of the Promise Keepers the more it seems that correcting these brutish behaviors is NOT an aim of these men.

Regards, Dale Collins

P.S. I am a white dude from the buckle of the belt -- Tennessee.

POINT:
I read your column in POINT ["Eve(s)dropping on a million men"] with interest. Believe me, we are glad for the men to go off for the weekend. It is great to get them out of the house! They try so hard to be there and be a good father, husband and role model that they deserve a weekend away bonding with other married men of like faiths. Plus, it's with a group that reinforces values that benefit us. It's not like they are going off drinking and gambling for the weekend.

As women, we have a get away time shopping at the beach with girlfriends or a day at the lake. Also, the annual family vacation.

Really, we don't mind! I imagine many women were thrilled to not have to cook dinner all weekend. Think about it!

Mrs. L.W. Stadler, Weddington, NC 28173

POINT:
I have been searching for the longest time for a guide to upstate waterfalls. Thanks so much. Now my job is to try and visit every one of them on your list. I'm in "water heaven"!

Your site is wonderful. I will visit with you often and learn more about your group.

Sincerely,

Sherrie Allen, Columbia

POINT:
Nancy Kern's finger-pointing article on the evils of Ritalin [Feb. 1997 POINT] is a glaring example of a woman who speaks without a hint of knowledge about the subject. If she had chosen to do any research at all, rather than simply spout off her holier-than-thou attitudes about the topic she would have discovered that A.D.H.D.

is a real, live disorder, and not simply a case of lazy or bad parenting.

She tells the story of little Larry Horton, who before taking Ritalin, was unable to sit still, quietly pay attention (as quietly as ANY child can possibly be) unable to remember his books, follow instructions, and finish his assignments in a timely fashion. After Ritalin, he was able to sit in a reasonably quiet and attentive manner, finish his work, and watch the blackboard. Then she complained that he "was no longer an impish boy, but a windup doll in a "drugged stupor."

I find this analogy to be very offensive, and quiet unbelievable! Children who take Ritalin are NOT in a drugged stupor! To say such things only gives the general public the wrong impression, which makes parenting a child with A.D.D/ A.D.H.D even MORE difficult, because everyone is so busy pointing fingers, and feeling quite superior.

This condition has very little to do with the "convenience" of the parents, but rather, it has everything to do with the child's level of self-esteem, confidence, and self control. To deny the use of Ritalin, or to point fingers at "bad parenting" is similar to pointing fingers and denying medication to a diabetic. This IS a genetic condition, and no one can wish it away.

I understand Ms. Kern's concern that Ritalin MIGHT be used inappropriately, but her story was not slanted as such. The general public who reads her article will get the impression that all parents of children with A.D.H.D/A.D.D. are pathetic losers, who have "produced bad children" through lazy parenting. This is grossly unfair and hurtful to the many parents who have worked themselves "inside out" trying to help their children who have this baffling and very frustrating condition.

I would encourage and challenge anyone who assumes all children with "behavior problems" are due to bad parenting and poor diets, to take the time to research the subject of A.D.H.D./A.D.D., and see the medical facts for themselves. Perhaps only then can people become educated about the facts, and stop pointing fingers.

Sincerely,

Peggy Weaver, Portage, MI

Dear Nancy [Kern]:
I've just finished reading your article on Ritalin [Feb. 1997 POINT] taken from the Internet. I liked what you said and the way that you said it. Clear, convincing, authoritative. Your comments were also based on the experience of a teacher who knows what she is talking about.

I'm an 80-year-old pediatrician and medical writer with a crusading interest in children with ADHD and related problems.

Sincerely,

William G. Crook, M.D. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology