Letters to the editor

The News Virginian / News Virginian
Published: April 25, 2007

Committed to treatment

The unfortunate events of the Virginia Tech tragedy are an important reminder that Virginia and our nation have a long way to go in ensuring that individuals such as Cho Seung-Hui receive the mental health services they need to live productive lives at home and in their communities. The Mental Health Association of Augusta, a United Way Partner Agency, urges local, state and federal decision-makers to take a leading role in rectifying this injustice by investing in an integrated, prevention-focused mental health service system for all and eliminate the cracks that Cho and others fall through. It is time that all elected officials make mental health a priority. Commitment laws and how colleges handle those who suffer from a mental illness need strengthening.

In addition, each of us must take personal responsibility for promoting mental wellness in schools, workplaces and neighborhoods throughout our community. Instead of laying blame, which does not help the situation, use the situation to learn about mental illness in order to break the walls of stigma. It is real and treatable. Research shows that the vast majority of people with mental illnesses are no more violent than the general population, despite sensationalized coverage surrounding the Tech tragedy. In fact, with high-quality, specialized treatment including therapy, social support systems and medication as needed, most mental health consumers enjoy productive lives in their communities.

The Mental Health Association of Augusta's Speakers Bureau is available to meet with your civic groups, churches and schools. Feel free to contact us at 886-7181 / 949-0169 or

Donna H. Gum
Executive Director
Mental Health Association of Augusta

No public funds should be used

I am writing in response to the Harry Colman letter of April 15. While I agree with Harry that a renovated Wayne Theatre would be a great thing for Waynesboro, I disagree with how he believes it should be funded. The state has well defined responsibilities regarding the areas where citizens' tax money should be spent. The federal government also has defined responsibilities where our tax dollars should be spent. In many cases, significant areas of state or federal responsibility are going unfunded. One example is highways. Route 295 around Richmond is a disgrace and there are significant problems in northern Virginia. It is neither a state nor federal responsibility to help fund renovating an old theater in a small town. This is defined as "pork." I am not in favor of my tax dollars being spent to renovate a theater in a small town in Tidewater or northern Virginia. I am even more distressed if my federal tax dollars are being spent to renovate a theater in a small town in Ohio or Utah. The common excuse when legislators are questioned about these expenses is "everyone is doing it and I must help my constituents," or more often, and not stated, it will help re-election chances. If our elected officials don't take a stand on this problem, it will continue to get worse. If the people of Waynesboro really want a theater, it should be funded by local money, either private or public. If that can't be achieved, then the project should not continue.

You ask, shouldn't you write your elected representative about this problem- I have.

Bill Blakey
Waynesboro