‘Law of Retribution’: A Good Lesson
To the editor:
“Shame-based punishment, OK?” Yup! Since 2000, I have been sinning my life and the lives of my students away teaching them the “law of retribution,” which could go like this.
A human, of any age, and animals do it too, walks across the street and is run down by whatever happens to come along. The hapless suicidal aggressor (not to be confused with “victim”) survives the accident, and through broken teeth and bloody eyes gazes heavenward and hollers, “What have I done to deserve that?”
To which the heavens reply, “Hey, dumb dumb, it was you who walked out in front of the vehicle.” Real world.
In Connecticut, a chap slaughtered a family, raping the women in the process. He has feelings? He is ashamed? Tough, walk the gang plank of hell. In recent months six “kids” have taken their lives because of bullying, and society is supposed to cringe when the cause of their demise is shamed? No proof on Earth exists to indicate anyone has been shamed by their own actions.
I called one of my piano accompanists two weeks ago and received a message saying the number was no longer in use. By the way, sir, I am impressed with your artistic credentials. I eventually found her and this wonderful 86-year-old woman related a story to me on how she had been scammed so badly that she is afraid to return to her residence. She also lost thousands of dollars while they constantly called her.
Humiliation, sir, is one of the breaks that life places on our behavior. Remove it and we have no shame, no conscience, no morals and a sickening perpetuation of the status quo: open killing on America’s streets and loss of human dignity.
Was it not Edgar Guest who suggested that we are all animals?
Judge Harold J. Rothwax saw many a defendant who should have taken a plea, but decided to go on trial where the whole world could share in their stupidity. No conscience, no shame.
Warren Pugh
Centralia
Coroner Candidate Thanks Supporters
To the editor:
My heartfelt thanks to all who supported me in my run for Lewis County coroner. A very special thanks to all who worked so hard on my behalf. You were the backbone of my campaign.
I consider myself a big winner in my first step into the political arena, even though I lost the election. I met many wonderful people whom I will always hold dear and always work to defend.
I will remain involved in our political process and will continue to work hard to ensure it meets the needs of our people.
Elections are very divisive. I think we need to not only practice unity — not diversity — but to succeed at it.
We need to abandon the failed concept of political correctness. It is killing our nation and is not grounded in reality. We can honor our individual heritages by enjoying the humorous side of our different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. In the end, none of it will matter if we lose our core values and national identity.
You are all invited to join Carol and me for Conversations Among Friends — as a way to say thanks for your support — to be held on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 Veterans Way, Chehalis. Light snacks provided; great conversations anticipated. Won’t you join us?
Micheal T. Hurley
Mossyrock
Chronicle’s Prep Sports Coverage Praised
To the editor:
On behalf of Onalaska High School football, I would like to thank Aaron VanTuyl, Pete Caster, Cary Rosenbaum, and the rest of The Chronicle sports staff on its outstanding coverage of high school football, and prep sports in general.
I have come to be a big fan of reading their articles, blogs and news coverage of Lewis County and surrounding high schools sports coverage. They are to be commended for being on top of their game in covering numerous sporting activities with such a short-handed staff.
I have dealt with the Yakima Herald-Republic sports staff, and have great admiration for them. However, I find myself becoming more and more impressed with Aaron, Pete and Cary’s coverage, and would like to thank them wholeheartedly.
Keep up the great work, guys!
John Hallead
health/fitness instructor
head baseball coach
Onalaska High School
