Back There From Here

By Clyde Richards

A few weeks ago, within the pages of this newspaper, Harry Wiley’s views and convictions concerning this country’s presence in the Middle East and the continuing military struggle against a persistent insurgency was clearly stated and left little doubt where the writer stood on this most compelling topic.

The following week, Dan Dwyer, also of Scarborough, took issue with Mr. Wiley’s support, covering more than 2,000 words. Both of these gentlemen were most assertive in their opposing views.

These men are military veterans, Mr. Wiley served in Korea and Mr. Dwyer in Vietnam.

Karen Vachon, whose column is a regular feature in these pages, delivered a column criticizing a sex-ed program in Scarborough schools. The following week, it was her turn to feel the heat of rebuttal.

Both Jim Damicis and and Tim Kipp criticized her for her stated opinion and Abigail Ordway chimed in, condemning her reference to the late Margaret Sanger, an early advocate of birth control.

Regardless of your take on these in-print confrontations, here is a perfect example of free speech, a treasure often taken for granted in this country. Many spots in the world do not enjoy this luxury. When it gets too personal, too incisive, and borders on personal vilification, its purpose is lost.

My feelings on the discourse between Mr. Wiley and Mr. Dwyer lie perhaps in Mr. Dwyer’s direction because I honestly feel it’s time our tired world learned to live with itself. My support for the military is complete and without reservation. Who in this country can ever forget the shabby way veterans of Vietnam were treated during that period? I feel for the men and women facing a determined insurgency far away and those suffering the loneliness of waiting at home. I do not however, join the point-of-view that we should bring the troops home now. To cut and run is not a valid option. The mistake is being there in the first place.

I’m reminded of a mall-sitting conversation with an ex-marine from Saco. Like me, he spent his late teens some place he’d rather not be; him in the South Pacific and other places; me in France and other places. He told me of the jungle, insufferable heat, insects and close in with the Japanese. I told him of Alsace in France, places like Ste Die and Kaysersberg; bitter cold and close in with the Germans and the ultimate horror of Dachau at liberation. We both acknowledged a more heartfelt support for the military and we both said we were against the present conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two strangers in the Maine Mall finding a common bond. I later said goodbye to the ex-marine without knowing his name. But like him, I feel that we who’ve been where survival is a daily question have profound views on war in general.

I don’t have children within the Scarborough school system so other than being a grumbling taxpayer, I’m not qualified to comment on specific issues. But if I did have, I’d be among those questioning the strategy of Planned Parenthood and their “demonstrations” within the educational systems. To me, that’s more of Big Brother!

My five years on a school board was at the time districts were being formed statewide. Being a school board member in any community looking into formation of a district was a tough chore and became a contentious issue. A four-town district would have been a boon to my town but a secretive board along with jealousy from other towns killed it long before votes were cast. Eventually, a smaller district was formed and exists today but not with the efficiency that the initial plan would have produced.

Speaking of frustration, who can remember the calamity of “modern math?” Another failed mission crammed down education’s throat.

It’s well to stir the pot by public expression. Open comment through the pages of a newspaper is a privilege so common it’s taken for granted. When such public debate, feeding on soaring emotions, muddy the water, we have a problem.

Give it some thought.