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OPINION
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Fauquier Times | July 1, 2020
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dissent and its consequence Those of you who follow the news know that, not too long ago, protesters/rioters marched through night-time streets to destroy a symbol they associated with suppression and tyranny. Of note; they hid their faces behind masks, some even wearing disguises, suggesting their goal was vandalism rather than a redress of grievances. And, when property was destroyed, they proclaimed the result as regrettable but justifiable. In truth, however, it was an attempt to spark popular dissent against lawful governance. The government responded with a law and order approach. It put soldiers in the streets to disperse crowds, impose curfews, and make arrests. All was done to curb dissent and maintain the support of the populace. The majority of the people,
however, backed the protesters and judged that the moment cried out for action. While some deemed that action as being too destructive; most believed that when laws and policies violate basic human rights, we must grant the protesters our understanding, even if we cannot grant them our full approval. And thus in 1773 the Sons of Liberty, in masks and Indian disguises, held their Boston Tea Party and tossed 342 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor. And, as they performed this act of destruction, they professed their right to legal equality, “No taxation, without representation.” They stood up to the overwhelming power of the British government … a government that suppressed and denied them equal representational govern-
ment. In the beginning, these ruffian patriots were a pitiful minority; but they had one thing on their side that elevated their cause … they had right on their side. Their message of defiance to a deaf parent government would kindle the fires of the American Revolution and gain liberty for most … but not for all Americans. History can be an inconvenient and annoying reminder. But it can also offer enlightenment to those who seek it. One hundred and fifty years ago Victor Hugo said, “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” Is it not now finally that time … a time to set right past injustices and fully implement the concept of equal justice under law for all Americans?
DON BACHMANN Marshall
Former student: Teacher should be back teaching journalism Shelly Norden was one of the few teachers that saw me past my learning disability. She was one of those teachers that pushed me to get out of my comfort zone by persuading me to take one of the journalism classes. I have never been good at writing, but she didn’t care. She taught me skills that I now use in my profession. She pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things with my education. Shelly was and still is one of my biggest role models. Taking her away from a school that she had done so much for over the years was wrong but what is really upsetting is that she was taken from the classes that she thrives in. She was my ninthgrade English teacher but then later I had her in
Yearbook 1 and Journalism 1. Journalism is her expertise and she has been replaced with a teacher with no certification or professional journalism experience. As a career and technical education teacher myself, this is beyond frustrating. We need qualified teachers who have the educational background for the content that they are teaching. There needs to be a change, either give her the job back or fill the position with someone as qualified as her. These students deserve the best education that they can get, and they were getting that with her there. Don’t short the students because of a political disagreement!
CARLEY PAVAN Nokesville
Letters to the Editor
The Fauquier Times welcomes letters to the editor from its readers as a forum for discussion of local public affairs subjects.
WRITE: Letters to the Editor 41 Culpeper Street Warrenton, VA 20188 FAX: Editor 540-349-8676 EMAIL: news@fauquier.com Letters must be signed by the writer. Messages sent via email must say “Letter to the Editor” to distinguish them from other messages not meant for publication. Include address and phone for verification (Not to be published.) Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length. Personal attacks will not be published. Long letters from those with special authority on a current issue may be treated as a guest column (with photo requested). Due to volume, letters cannot be acknowledged. All letters are appreciated. Letters must be received by 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for Wednesday publication.
When will the WARF reopen? I have been a member of the WARF for more than seven years. I use the facility on almost a daily basis. It is vital for both physical and mental well being of senior citizens like myself. At least three other gyms in town are opening and serving their clients. What is the delay? If other gyms are open why is the WARF still closed with no published reopening date? When will the WARF open?
BRIAN MCMULLEN Broad Run
Reader laments loss of civility I think I'm just getting tired. All I see on the news is “Black Lives Matter” signs; statues either being torn down or mutilated; and people rioting. What happened to the signs that say “All lives matter,” which means black, white, yellow, brown and red? I don’t recall seeing any of those signs. What happened to respect for other people’s property; including our historic statues which belong to everyone? What happened to “Oh, excuse me,” “Sorry,” “Can I help you?” “No, after you,” “Please,” “Thank you.” I guess I’m just getting tired.
Keeping expecting mothers and newborns safe Pregnancy always comes with its share of anxiety and fear, but the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer of concerns for expecting families. If you will be delivering a baby during the pandemic, you likely have many questions about how delivery in the hospital may be different right now and how you can keep yourself and your baby healthy. Fauquier Health has always taken great pride in caring for expecting mothers and their babies and making sure that our community has access to great OB care. This dedication to our region’s growing families has continued throughout the pandemic and will go on long after this health crisis has passed. We are committed to making sure that all moms and babies have the safest birthing experience possible, and we are taking every necessary
precaution to protect our families in labor and delivery from exposure to COVID-19 and ensure the risk of infection expecting mothers and new babies is extremely low. Our extra precautions mean that some aspects of delivery will be as expected, but some may be a little different. The two main changes most families will experience are visitor restrictions and limited entry points to the hospital. As part of our COVID-19 preparedness efforts, we have moved to a strict, limited visitor protocol hospital-wide. Laboring and postpartum mothers are limited to one consistent support person for the duration of their stay. Their support person must be a healthy adult and will be required to pass all screening protocols upon entry into the hospital. Visits from the baby's siblings and other loved ones will have to wait until
Mom and baby leave the hospital. Our COVID-19 preparedness efforts also have limited entry to the hospital, closing some of our typical entrances. This means that expecting mothers and their support person should plan to access the facility through the front lobby. This entrance is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside of those hours, the only entrance will be through the Emergency Department. Additional measures Fauquier Health is taking to support and ensure the safety of our expecting mothers and newborns include: • Isolating any COVID-19-positive patients away from expecting mothers. • Negative pressure rooms available for labor and delivery. • Personal protective equipment available for laboring and post-
NANCY J. ANDERSON Warrenton
partum mothers. • Remote lactation support. • Any NICU protocols/guidelines, as appropriate. These measures have been implemented with great care, and we will continue to update them with the health and safety of our expecting mothers and families in mind. In a time of uncertainty, the one thing all of our expecting families can be sure of is that our experienced OB staff members stand ready to help you on your journey to bring new life into the world. We are here to support you and keep you safe – today and every day the future holds. You can find more information about COVID-19 and how Fauquier Health is responding at fauquierhealth.org or by contacting your care provider.
BARRY ARON, MD, OB/GYN Fauquier Health OB/GYN, Warrenton
