OPINION | The Local Views
LETTERS
From the managing editor
Why would anyone damage a cemetery? By Melody Kinser Managing Editor hen I heard the news that some tombstones and markers at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond bad been vandalized, it was like I had been kicked in the gut. Not only do I respect and value the sanctity of a final resting place, but, in this case, I have family buried there. My sister and my brother-in-law’s brother were buried there in 2011 and 2015, respectively. Michael will be placed next to my sister. I don’t know about the fourth grave. We knew my sister’s life was coming to an end in April of 2011 (it will be 10 years on the 27th), but -- despite a long-term illness -- Robin
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and Michael really hadn’t discussed final arrangements. It was a Sunday night when he called, saying, “I’m coming over” after having spoken to one of the specialists involved in her case. I told Mom, “We’ll agree with whatever he decides.” Her days were numbered, so we had to talk about preparations for her death. I asked about Hollywood Cemetery, knowing it was one of her favorite historical spots in the city. The cemetery was always a destination whenever I brought family or friends to visit before I moved here. We agreed Michael would check into the availability of any plots. He was successful. Of course, we go often to visit and clean the
tombstone, bench and marker for Robin and Bryn. Not to sound macabre, but it is a lovely, peaceful setting. And the history is incredible. Also noteworthy are the mausoleums and statues located throughout the massive cemetery. So, how could anyone topple over tombstones and markers and break some into pieces? How heartless and cruel! I pray the culprits are caught and face the toughest consequences possible. While I’m relieved my family members’ graves were undisturbed, I understand the grief of those whose loved ones were impacted. Whatever caused such a disruptive action is not excusable. I hope to hear about arrests soon.
Don’t give up -- your vaccination call will come By Jim Ridolphi Contributing Columnist Like thousands of other Virginians, I was beginning to believe the call informing me I’d been approved for a COVID-19 vaccination would never come. And it didn’t. The good news arrived in the form of an email from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), notifying me that my number had finally come
up and it was time to schedule an appointment. After several attempts to schedule were met with crashing websites or blank pages, I finally scheduled my slot for the sought-after vaccines. I’d listened carefully to news reports that described a level of frustration with the registration system that raised sufficient alarm, so I felt I was well prepared for the process. For days, I heard that recipients would not be able to choose which
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The Mechanicsville Local
March 24, 2021
vaccine they preferred, and citizens should not be choosy and take the first shot that was available. So, I was a bit surprised when the first question on the CDC registration form was “Which vaccine do you want?” There were three selections. In other words, all of the vaccines were available and choices were available — a pleasant surprise. I chose Johnson and Johnson for several reasons, but mostly I only wanted to go through the process
once and the J&J shot offered that option. Appointments were scheduled according to what vaccine you selected, but all varieties offered slots within days of the email notice. I received confirmation from the CDC regarding my appointment with instructions on what to bring and where to be. Within minutes, I began receivsee CALL, pg. 8
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| Reader Views
America is navigating in perilous water Prior to the last 12 months, which proved to be exceptionally traumatic for America, progressives had been exploiting anything in this nation of 330+ million that could be used to restructure America into their version of a perfect society. Modern America is barely recognizable compared to its former self. With more reforms on the way, progressives have already achieved quite a bit of success: 1. God … the foundation upon which America was built and the core of its generosity and contempt for evil is no longer recognized in public institutions, despite God’s prominent role in evicting slavery and the nation’s belated emphasis on human rights; 2. National border … disregarding longstanding immigration laws, the border once protected by presidents and the blood of countless Americans is being overrun by illegal refugees, some of whom are likely drug smugglers, slave traffickers, terrorists and/ or worse; 3. Public safety … claims of “systemic racism” in law enforcement, which contradicts credible researched data, incited lawlessness, sanctification of felons and condemnation of those donning uniforms. Meanwhile, the individual’s right to bear arms is under intensified siege, which, if lost, will leave law-abiding citizens at the mercy of armed aggressors; 4. Right to life … while the Black Lives Matter movement is glorified and acclaimed, the lives of countless babies of all races and colors in the womb can be snuffed at the whim of their mothers; 5. Fiscal control … setting themselves above constraints that govern see LETTERS, pg. 8
