This was written on March 8, 1996. It was not printed in the newspaper. Richmond Times-Dispatch
P.O. Box 85333
Richmond, VA 23293
Attn: Editor of Editorial Page
Dear Sir,

I trust this letter finds you well. I write regarding the recent defeat of a parental notification bill by our august General Assembly.

I have watched for several years now as the debate over a parental notification law has played out at our General Assembly. I have heard both sides of the argument offered for and against such a law and can only come to one conclusion as a result: there are people serving in the General Assembly who have absolutely lost their minds. How else to explain the refusal by this intellectual elite to provide that which simple common sense dictates is right and just?

Let me offer an example of the dichotomy in the thinking (?) process of these poltroons. I have a young child in school, as do many other Virginians. If my child has been suffering from headaches recently and has had need of taking aspirin or any other pain killer to alleviate this problem I must send a note to school giving my permission to the school nurse or any other proper school representative to give my child a simple pain killer. You see, such medicines cannot be administered without the permission of the parent. If my child falls at school and cuts her hand or knee requiring the administering of a disinfectant and a band-aid, a formal notification is sent home by the teacher or the school nurse advising the parent what happened and what steps were taken to treat my child.

However, if this same child becomes pregnant and seeks the help of the school guidance counselor or her teacher, an intrusive operation (ABORTION) may be arranged without my wife or I ever being notified by these same school officials who cannot even give my child an aspirin without my permission. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!?

This is true in many other areas of our society. People who otherwise could not touch my child without my consent can offer and perform an intrusive medical technique without ever mentioning this to me. How can Dickie Cranwell and his confederates in the assembly feign disbelief at the anger and frustration exhibited by the citizens of Virginia toward the actions of the assembly when they pull stunts like this? Is it any wonder that politicians rate lower than snake-oil salesmen and journalists with the American public.

I can only hope that those of true courage and conviction serving in the assembly will eventually succeed in their efforts to bring common sense to the fore. May an all knowing Providence bless their efforts.

Yours for Liberty,