The West News (West, Tex.), Vol. 112, No. 50, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 12, 2002 Page: 2 of 12
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The West News - Thursday, December 12,2002
%\\tpfest jNrfas
"An Award winning newspaper"
"The oldest business in West, established in 1889"
214 W. Oak • P.O. Box 38 • West, Texas 76691 • 254-826-3718
The West Times The West News
Established in 1889 Established in 1909
Consolidated January, 1913
Larry Knapek Linn A. Pescaia
Editor Publisher
USPS 677-060
Published weekly each Thursday, Second Class Postage paid at West, Texas.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The West News, P. O. Box 38, West,
Texas 76691.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $17.50 for McLennan County; $22.00 for all other Texas
Counties; $24.00 for out of state; $32.00 for Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.
ATTENTION SUBSCRIBERS: The mailing label is the key to your renewal date. We
do not mail renewal notices. A highlighted mailing label is your renewal notice.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY: Letters to the Editor should not exceed 200
words. Letters that exceed the word limit may not be considered for publication. Letters
should be signed and include address and daytime phone number, for clarification or
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are accepted for publication. We do not publish form letters, letters written for other
publications or anonymous letters. Poems and letters political in nature are considered
advertising and will be charged for.
Texas Press Association member
CAPITOL
COMMENT
U.S. SENATOR
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON
Raising Awareness
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women,
behind lung cancer. More than 200,000 women annually are diagnosed. Forty
thousand die; about 2,500 from Texas. But there are 2 million survivors of
breast cancer in the United States - strong women who fought and won.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Across the
country, sisters, brothers, spouses, parents and children will pin on pink
ribbons and take part in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. We will be
celebrating life and progress.
One source of pride is the increase in America’s commitment to fund
research, both private and public. The Komen Foundation has awarded $68
million for breast cancer research projects. Last year I introduced legislation
with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) so the post office could renew the
Breast Cancer Research Stamp, which has raised $24 million since it was first
issued four years ago.
Equally as impressive is the National Institutes of Health budget for
breast cancer, which Congress has increased from $411 million in 1997 to
$655 million this year.
But because research has not yet been able to identify the specific cause
of breast cancer, women must be especially vigilant about their own health
care. This includes establishing a solid relationship with their physician,
practicing monthly self-examinations, and getting clinical breast examina-
tions by a medical professional and regular mammograms.
Being aware of recent developments in cancer studies - especially
controversial ones - is also crucial. We do know the earlier that cancer is
detected, the better the chance for recovery. Keep in mind the average-size
lump found by getting regular mammograms is the size of a pea. The average-
size lump found by accident is the size of a half-dollar.
Since former First Lady Betty Ford courageously spoke publicly from
the White House about her breast cancer and mastectomy, this disease has
been brought out of the shadows, and the light shines much brighter now for
those diagnosed. Today there are many groups who can help women and their
loved ones learn about and cope with breast cancer. I have listed some web
sites at the end of this column you can reference for more information.
When we take a proactive approach to our health care, fund research,
form a support group, or lend an ear, we are all players on the team to beat
cancer. It’s a battle we must win.
The following websites offer additional information and resources on
breast cancer:
Susan G. Komen Foundation at www.komen.org
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at www.nbcam.org
Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov
National Institutes of Health at www.nih.gov
National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov
American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org
Softball tryouts planned
Fireballs softball team are to be conducting tryouts for girls ages 10
and under and ages 12 and under. Those interested are asked to
contact Kevin Vranich at 379-4045.
Notice of a Finding of No Significant Impact
The USDA, Rural Utilities Service has received an applica-
tion for financial assistance from Menlow Water Supply Corpo-
ration. The proposed project consists of drilling one new deep
well and pump, plant improvements, construction of one new
plant, and installation of approximately five miles of 6”, 4”, 3”
and 2” water distribution and supply lines.
As required by the National Environmental Policy Act, the
Rural Utilities Service has assessed the potential environmen-
tal effects of the proposed project and has determined that the
proposal will not have a significant effect on the human envi-
ronment and for which an Environment Impact Statement will
not be prepared. In order to avoid or minimize any adverse en-
vironmental impacts, the Rural Utilities Service will require
the applicant to incorporate the following mitigation measures
into the proposed project’s design: 1.) the Corporation will be
required to enact a binding resolution or covenant to prohibit
service to structures proposed to be built in 100-year floodplains
and 2.) all requirements of the US Army Corp. of Engineer’s
“Nationwide Permit 12” will be complied with during the con-
struction of the proposed project.
Copies of the Environmental Assessment can be reviewed or
obtained at the USDA Rural Development office located at 1502
Highway 77 North, Hillsboro, Texas 76645. For further infor-
mation, please contact Terri Blevins, Community Development
Specialist, at (254) 582-7328, Extension 4.
A general location map of the proposal is shown below.
ABBOTT
PROJECT AREA
IMENLOW W.S.C.l
Drugging Children
By Tom DeWeese
As the number of children who are diagnosed with
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and
prescribed mind-altering drugs grows exponentially, so
do the number of tragedies associated with those
children. ADHD is big business. Sales of stimulants to
treat ADHD has snowballed $758 million in the year
2000, and show no signs of slowing down. However,
more and more parents are growing skeptical of the
diagnoses and subsequent drugging of their children.
And spurred by tragedy, some are fighting back.
Lawrence Smith of Michigan and Vicky Dunkle of
Pennsylvania both tragically lost their children to
psychiatric drugs prescribed to treat their ADHD. Mr.
Smith’s 14-year-old son, Matthew died of a heart attack
he had while skateboarding. The coroner determined his
death was caused by the long-term use of a stimulant that
had been forcibly prescribed to him through his school.
Early last year, Mrs. Dunkle’s daughter, Shaina, died in
her mother’s arms after convulsing in her doctor’s office.
She was just 10 years old.
Lawrence and Vicky, bonded by common tragedy,
are fighting back. They are determined to expose the
fraud surrounding ADHD and the forced drugging of
normal children. The problems all started for both
parents when they were approached by school social
workers and psychologists. They were told that their
children were “too active,” “easily distracted,” and that
they “talked out of turn.” Lawrence and Vicky shrugged
off these diagnoses as simply normal traits of energetic
youngsters. But then came the iron fist of government.
Lawrence was told: “.. .if we didn’t consider
drugging our son, after the school had diagnosed him
with ADHD, that we could be charged for neglecting his
educational and emotional needs.” “If we hadn’t been
pressured by the school system, Matthew would still be
alive today,” says Mr. Smith. Mrs. Dunkle agrees: “If I
had followed my heart instead of the advice of
‘professionals’ that thought they knew my daughter better
than I did, my precious Shaina would be alive now.”
What is going on here? Since when did government
schools get in the business of forcing mind-altering drugs
on children against their parents’ will?
In 1965, the passage of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act (ESEA), changed education
forever as the seeds for today’s massive restructuring—
away from academics and towared behavior
modification—began. It was psychology’s crowning
moment. The ESEA allocated massive federal funds and
opened school doors to a flood of psychiatrists,
psychologists, social workers and the psychiatric
programs and testing needed to validate them. The
number of educational psychologists in the U S. increased
from 455 in 1969 to 16,146 by 1992. As of 1994, child
psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors and special
educators in and around U.S. public schools nearly
outnumber teachers.
In 1991, eligibility rules for federal education grants
were changed to provide schools with $400 in annual
grant money for each child diagnosed with ADHD. That
same year the Department of Education formally
recognized ADHD as a handicap and directed all state
education officers to establish procedures to screen and
identify ADHD children and provide them with special
education and psychological services. As a result, the
number of ADHD cases soared again.
Today more than 7,000,000 children have been
labeled, stamped and registered as permanent patients of
the school system. Ten to twelve percent of all boys
between the ages of 6 and 14 in the United States have
been diagnosed as having ADHD. One in every 30
Americans between the ages of 5 and 19 years old has a
prescription to Ritalin. Psychologists have never had it so
good. The federal trough has been very good for their
industry.
With more than half of those 7,000,000 children also
prescribed Ritalin, the stock-market value of its
manufacturer, the Swiss pharmaceutical company
Novartis, has also soared. Now that company and others
are working to introduce a host of new drugs into the
classroom, including Prozac and Luvox, which has just
been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for
pediatric use. The industry is looking to even greater
growth as preschool toddlers are being targeted by the pill
brigade. The use of psychotropic drugs, like anti-
depressants and stimulants, in two to four year olds
doubled or even tripled between 1991 and 1995. The
federal trough has been very good to the pharmaceutical
industry as well.
As this sickening practice goes relatively unchecked
and unquestioned, more children are being drugged into
mind-numbing stupors, and more are deteriorating under
the long-term effects of their prescriptions. And in the
worst cases such as Lawrence and Vicky, children are
dying.
(760 words)
Tom DeWeese is president of the American Policy Center.
Behind the Headlines is syndicated to newspapers and ra-
dio stations, free of charge, by the American Policy Center,
a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of
our free enterprise system and constitutional form of gov-
ernment. For more information, or to learn how1 you can
help support us, send a self addressed, stamped envelope to:
American Policy Center, 98 Alexandria Pike, Suite 43,
Warrenton, VA 20186. Phone: 540-341-8911. Email:
apc@americanpolicy.oig. Website: www.americanpolicy.org.
Prayer To The Blessed Virgin
(Never known to fail) O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruit
of the vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God,
assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here
you are, my mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to
secure me in my necessity (make request). There are none who can
withstand your power. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us
who have recoursed to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in
your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days and then
you must publish it and it will be granted to you. F. N. , |2/|2
Another
Point
of View
For some time I have been disturbed by those who question the
wisdom of a war against terrorism. Albeit that their motives are
probably political. Just what is a terrorist? Not respecting my
memory, I looked up the definition in my trusty dictionary. Terror-
ist, a person who practices or favors terrorism; specifically an agent
or supporter of violence to intimidate, subjugate, etc. The president
has said on numerous occasions that this was going to be a lengthy
war and his reasons for thinking so seem valid to me. In fact after
pondering the definition above I am wondering if he realized just
how long it really might be.
Terrorism is not a recent phenomenon. Study of ancient history
reveals that it appeared on the scene rather early in man's history.
We are probably more familiar with more recent practitioners of
terrorism such as Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Benito Mussolini
Each of them fits our definition. But there are more recent acts that
fit the definition. After a recent football game at Ohio State Univer-
sity a large group of students decided to celebrate. This act was an
act of terrorism in my book. They over-turned and burned a number
of automobiles and called it a celebration. The cars did not belong to
the students but to innocent non-participants. The act belied their
stated purpose. It was an act of terrorism!
This Miss World pageant was supposed to take place in Nigeria
but rioters killed over two hundred people because a newspaper
article about the event insulted Mohammed. As a result of the
uprising the pageant has been moved to England. In India, security
forces stormed two Hindu temples in Kashmir to rescue twelve
people from two Muslim militants who were holding them hostage.
There were over fifty people injured and the two Muslims were
killed. In South Africa it is expected that at least several million
people will die of starvation before next March because of a politi-
cally induced famine. Countries that are aware of the situation and
would like to send food are being denied access because the leaders
in those countries want to control the food supply. All of these
incidents have been in the printed media this past week. These are
just the ones I have remembered. I am sure that there have been
some that I overlooked. So, terrorism is a widespread and growing
problem in the world. If we go to war in Iraq and win it, then what?
Will the new Home Security Department be able to cope with
obvious acts of terrorism in our country?
Children will discover
truth about Santa
As each holiday season those fears. "There are many as-
passes, parents of young chil- pects to the holidays, with reli-
dren ponder when it is the right gion and spirituality being the
time to tell their youngsters that most prominent. But the holi-
there really isn't a Santa Claus, days are also a time offamily and
However, children tend to know fun.
instinctively when it's time to "Santa represents the spirit of
stop believing—whenever their giving and fun and parents can
fantasy world starts to fade into use him to teach their children
more reality-based thinking. about giving," Dr. Petty said.
"Some children as young as Incorporating Santa into family
five years old will discover on holiday culture, even when chil-
their own there is no Santa. Oth- dren know he doesn't exist,
ers will hold on to the belief until keeps some of that childhood
about nine years of age," said Dr. magic alive and reinforces les-
Karen Petty, assistant professor sons on giving,
of child development at Texas "If you don't believe, then he
Woman's University. doesn't exist. But if you choose to
In a young child's world, any- believe, he becomes part of your
thing is possible and there is no family's holiday traditions," Dr.
distinction between fantasy and Petty said,
reality. "Their play is their Still, may parents may fret
world. Everything is play and when their children question if
imagination. But as a child de- there really is a Santa. Dr. Petty
velops, he or she becomes more recommends parents help the
aware of the real world," Dr. child make the discovery rather
Petty said. than simply give them a one-
"It's when you become logical word answer,
that you lose some of your "When a child asks if there's a
magic," she said. "By the third Santa, a parent can respond
grade, the logic is beginning to with something like, 'That's a
override the magic. So, in time, a good question' or 'Well, what do
child will discover the truth you think?"'Dr. Petty said. Help-
about Santa on his or her own." ing guide the child to the answer
But some children may not ac- not only helps them develop rea-
knowledge the discovery for fear soning skills, it gives the parent
that admitting there is no Santa and child a chance to discuss the
could mean no gifts. importance of what Santa repre-
Even in the "magical" world of sents and how he fits into family
a child, he or she can deduce that holiday traditions,
adults who no longer believe in Although some children may
Santa Claus receive fewer gifts, be disappointed to learn there is
The child might pretend to be- no Santa, Dr. Petty said she's
lieve after discovering Santa never met a child or adult who
doesn't exist out of fear of receiv- was bitter toward his or her par-
ing fewer or no gifts. ents for perpetuating the Santa
Making Santa part of a family myth,
culture or family ritual can ease
Boys and Girls...
(NestS*
8, Trust's
ChristmasTovGwea^
All children 10 years of age and younger may register.
Drawing will be Friday, December 20 at Noon
Need not be present to win!!
(lwc-19)
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Knapek, Larry. The West News (West, Tex.), Vol. 112, No. 50, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 12, 2002, newspaper, December 12, 2002; West, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth715723/m1/2/?q=%22%22~1: accessed July 15, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting West Public Library.