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Don't blame the kids or sheriff, for nuisance
Editor, The Recorder,
Hello, good people of Highland County. After enduring two years of the "beauty parlor, barber shop" gossip I now find myself compelled to write my thoughts.
Lynn and I have had the pleasure to get to know some of you and looking forward to meeting more. We have been in a people-oriented business all our adult lives. So getting to know people comes easy to us, but "direct" communication is a must in any relationship, good or bad.
To Mr. Richards, it's a sad commentary on the way those three boys replied to you, could it be their upbringing. If one of my boys were to respond in that manner, I would only hope that the offended party would come to me, because I would set them straight.
As for the councilman that would "deck somebody" for playing their music too loud, well, I find that a bit extreme. Although I personally do not care for the "boom box" sound, I'm not going to go around beating kids up for it.
I understand that everybody deserves a good night's sleep. But what is the difference between a "boom box" at 11-12 in the night and a tree being cut down and then put through a chipper at 7-8 in the morning? Or a lawn mower so loud that the operator has to wear headphones? I'm not defending anybody or accusing anyone. I just think there seem to be two sets of standards going on here.
I remember reading in The Recorder not long ago that the town/county wanted to draw young families with chil- dren here. Why? Where are the parents going to work? And what are the children going to do? Lynn and I moved here to fulfill our lifelong dream of opening a restaurant in a safe, peaceful mountain community where there are still morals and ethics and where neighbors still looked out and helped one another. We feel the Lord has blessed us by bringing us here.
Back to these here "boom boxes," as the young man, Andrew Washer, said, "It's a matter of self-expression." This younger generation has a different culture that we older people just don't understand. But I'm sure that's been going on for a long, long time. I remember when I was that age.
I, for one, thank the Lord these kids don't do half the things that some of us have done. Herb (Lightner, sheriff) was right. I think most of them will comply when asked to do so. I believe it's not right to take away one of the only things these kids have to do here, but rather regulate it in a less harsh manner.
After a certain time at night loud "boom booms" can receive a ticket for disturbing the peace. I believe most can and will respect that. I don't believe the sheriff's department needs to be following people around with these $10,000 meters to find out if they are disturbing the peace. Bashing Herb does no good. The man can't police disrespect.
I think communication is a beautiful thing. I have always had an open door policy. Want to know what's going on with our restaurant (The Maple), our back yard, where we came from, why are we here, are we gangsters? Just ask. I will be glad to discuss it with you.
Thank you. God Bless.
Rock Turk, Monterey, Va.
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