Letters to the Editor

Letter: You were dead wrong about sex offender recidivism rates

Sex offenders have one of the lowest recidivism rates

By Shana Rowan

I am the founder of ESCAPE, a group that aims to prevent sex crime through awareness, prevention and education and advocates for sex crime legislation reform. I just finished reading your articles, "Is Plymouth area a sex offender haven?" and "What attracts attracts 271 sex offenders to this area" with great interest.

Personal note to you Mr. Brooks:

Your article struck a nerve with me for more than one reason.
   I grew up going to the lower Cape for as long as I can remember, and it is one of my favorite places in the world.
   I also happen to share my life and home with someone who is a registered sex offender for a "crime" he committed as a child, after suffering severe abuse himself.His crime was not forcible or violent.
   We went to Cape Cod together for the first time this past summer, with my entire family, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience not just for our family, but for him in particular.
   His childhood and adolescence was so abusive and neglectful... he had never even been on a vacation, been to the beach, or ridden a wave.
   I have never seen him more happy than the week we spent in Eastham. When I read your article, and especially the assertion that sex offenders don't change, I almost cried. I read things like this every day and usually it doesn't get to me, but having had such a wonderful experience in that particular area with my boyfriend, and hearing such a hateful reaction to people with the sex offender label, it was very hurtful.
   I hope I've made some sort of impact on your opinion on sex offenders. It's not an easy subject nor is it easy to discuss. As I read the first paragraphs of each article, I thought you were actually going to offer an insightful piece as to why people convicted of sex crimes might live in an area as pleasant as Cape Cod.

You began by pointing out that people attempting to recover from drug and alcohol abuse frequently situate themselves in relaxing, cathartic locations such as Cape Cod as they begin to rebuild their lives, and that they are "willing to admit they have a problem, and then be prepared to do whatever it takes to stop." Then you went on to state that "sex offenders, on the other hand, seldom if ever stop their predatory and heinous actions".

Mr. Brooks, you could not be more wrong. Sex offenders have one of the lowest recidivism rates (3.5-8.5%) out of all other felonies, including violent ones.

In fact, the drug and alcohol abusers you seem to welcome into your community are far more likely to commit another drug- or alcohol-related crime than a sex offender is to commit another sex crime. Of the children and adults who are sexually assaulted, the overwhelming majority of them (about 80% for adults and 93-97% for children) know their attacker - and they have never been convicted of a sex crime, nor are they on any registry. Low recidivism and familiarity between victim and abuser are both widely documented by the federal and state governments, as well as numerous independent researchers.

Publishing such a biased statement and misleading people into thinking it's true is not helping to keep our communities safer. Perhaps you are unaware that not all "sex offenders" are child molesters or rapists. Many other crimes having nothing to do with sexual violence or children - including flashing, streaking, peeping, teenagers in consensual relationships and more - can label someone as a sex offender. In fact, a quarter of all registered sex offenders ARE children under 18. Most former offenders have families and children, and statements like the one you made hurt them, too. They suffer the same public shaming and ostracizing as the offenders themselves.

The only way we will prevent sex crime is by educating ourselves and our children and being aware of the facts. Please visit my website's "Recidivism" section where you will find many recidivism studies conducted by various groups as well as sources for all statistics cited in this article. There are many other studies full of information and statistics that would probably be of interest to you as well as your readers.

Hopefully, I've shed a bit more light on a very serious and widely misunderstood subject.

Sincerely,

Shana Rowan
Founder, ESCAPE
92 Seneca Ave
Oneida, NY 13421

Baiting coyotes should be illegal

To the Editor:

Did you know that it is legal in the state of Massachusetts to draw coyotes into your neighborhood by baiting them? Did you know that it is also legal to bait them to your home and then shoot them from out your window with a valid hunting license?

I recently found out that a radio collared eastern coyote was lured to a home with bait (various meats). This coyote was lured to this home during the evening, when it began to eat from the bait pile. It was killed by a gun from approximately 150 feet from this home. It was found on top of the bait pile the next day. No one had taken the coyote for its pelt or tagged it.

I find this practice alarming! Is this happening in your neighborhood to coyotes that are not radio collared? Are you finding bait piles near your home or in other areas of your neighborhood? Do you see bait piles off conservation trails you live near? Does it seem like there is an increase in the number of eastern coyotes you normally see in your neighborhood? Are you hearing more shooting at night? Is it happening close to your home?

I thought that the first rule I ever heard and read when it comes to avoiding human and coyote conflict, coming from a state biologist was “NEVER feed a coyote.”  Baiting is feeding a coyote!

I have learned that feeding coyotes brings them closer to us.  This is a dangerous practice as it brings them closer to our pets and our children.

I am the mother of a small child, close to the age of the 9-year-old girl who was attacked by a coyote in Haverhill, Massachusetts. I have learned that feeding coyotes brings them closer to us.  This is a dangerous practice as it brings them closer to our pets and our children. Why would we want to cause these kinds of conflicts with wildlife if we can avoid them? When coyotes are left to hunt for their wild prey, conflicts with humans are seldom.

During the day, my daughter and I have noticed an increase in coyotes traveling up our dirt road to access another neighborhood, which runs parallel to some woods. There are many homes very close to this small wooded area. We have noticed many shots fired during the evening. We still hear howling, but the shots silence that. I have since become extremely concerned after learning about the legalities involving baiting at home and shooting on one’s property. We have walked those woods in the fall and found piles of fish and bones in the woods not 500 feet from homes bordering them. This makes me very weary.

We should all remember 9-year-old girl who was bitten in the arm by a coyote in Haverhill, Mass. She must be traumatized. She is undergoing treatments, including treatments for rabies.  When Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife visited her yard to see the scene of the attack, they found food everywhere. There were birdfeeders that not only had birdseed, but were drawing rodents and other small mammals, the coyote’s favorite foods. The biologists went on to find apples scattered on the ground in the yard as well as a neighbor who kept chickens in an unsecured pen.

The biologist said that coyotes do NOT distinguish between who gives them food and why. The biologist’s advice regarding keeping coyotes out of the neighborhood and the recent conflict: “Shut down the food and they will go somewhere else.”

So, I ask you, if the biologist recommends not feeding coyotes, why is it legal to bait them into our neighborhoods throughout Massachusetts? I, for one, as a Mother and a pet owner, want to see baiting of coyotes made illegal! I encourage all parents, pet owners, and concerned citizens to contact their legislators to help change this law. I also think we should ask our towns to help us become more educated on ways to keep coyotes in the wild.

Spring is coming, and with it, coyotes will be bringing pups into the world. This means that coyote parents will be hunting to feed their pups. In addition, spring is a time for our children and pets to start playing outside and enjoying the warmer weather. So, NOW is the time to change this law!

Keep coyotes wild and out of the neighborhood. Make baiting illegal now!

Rebecca Ayres Mullin
Eastham, MA

Call to disband state historical commission shortsighted

To the Editor:

The January 17 editorial "Disband the State Historical Commission" references the Commission's "campaign against the state’s economy" without recognizing the economic stimulus that this government body brings to the Commonwealth. While regulations regarding development review may be vague, the benefit that the Massachusetts Historical Commission brings to our state through the Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit is undeniable. As new statistics from Preservation Massachusetts point out, from 2004 to 2008, $74 million in state historic tax credits leveraged close to $1 billion in private investment for the state, creating over 12,000 jobs.

 This tax credit program, managed by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, creates an incentive for developers to rehabilitate historic buildings rather than tear them down. Programs like this make the historic cores of our towns and cities attractive to developers, and discourage the suburban sprawl that we see so much of on Cape Cod. Historic tax credits put people to work on projects that improve communities.

 The January 17 editorial state, “Every job in Massachusetts… brings with it both tax revenue and spending in local economies.” The Massachusetts Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit helped to create 12,000 jobs in four years in our state, so we should be SUPPORTING the work the of the Massachusetts Historical Commission with this program. A call to disband the Commission is simply shortsighted.

Paul Joseph
West Yarmouth, MA

Maloy clarifies Romney Pink Gay Pride poster issue, sort of

Aaron suggested it, but Romney staff created it

Says Rick Perry and Rick Santorum are hateful targeting of minorities

By Aaron Maloy

I did NOT make the pink flyer.

It was my idea, but I did not design or produce the flyers. My involvement was in suggesting that the campaign demonstrate goodwill to the gay community during gay pride. It was my idea, but I did not design or produce the flyers. I did help another intern, a staffer, and a volunteer hand out the flyers.

I think that Romney is a very fair person, and definitely the most competent candidate in the race. There is no question about that. Unlike the other candidates, he holds traditional views about marriage without demonizing a minority. 

The flyer was not an endorsement of gay rights. I interpreted it as more of a sign of goodwill toward fellow people (whether they are gay or straight), which is in stark contrast to Rick Perry and Rick Santorums hateful targeting of minorities.

The Grinch Comes to Harwich

Harwich Police lose sense of holiday humor

A Harwich holiday tradition was abruptly interrupted on Christmas Eve when Mr. Robert Doane, of Forest Street in Harwich Center, was visited by local police ordering him to shut down his famous animated Christmas lighting display.  The reason given for the unexpected order was "traffic nuisance".

Mr. Doane, known locally as "The Head Reindeer", has been creating his displays annually in his field along Forest Street, using a low-frequency FM transmitter and a computer program.  It requires 4 months preparation each year, and has been covered frequently by local newspapers.

Mr. Doane requested a warrant or court order be produced, but none was to be had.  Assertions of "complaints" could not be verified.

Richard Butler
Forest Beach Ext.
S. Chatham, MA

Beaty, Lynch, help Barnstable avoid an electoral blunder

To The Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to heartily congratulate and thank West Barnstable resident, Ron Beaty, Jr., and the Town of Barnstable's delegate to the Barnstable County Assembly, Tom Lynch, for a recent job well done in motivating our three apparently absent-minded County Commissioners to finally fill the county clerk position after it was vacant for almost an entire year. There was no viable excuse for their inaction.

The BARNSTABLE COUNTY HOME RULE CHARTER, Article 4, Section 4-2, Subsection (b)2, states that "There shall be a regional clerk, appointed by the board of regional commissioners to serve for a term of office as established by ordinance.  The regional clerk shall be a person especially qualified by education, training and experience to perform the duties of the office.  The office of the regional clerk shall coordinate and supervise all election and election related matters affecting the Cape Cod regional government with the city and town clerks, boards of registrars of voters, election commissions and other local officers performing similar duties.  The regional clerk may, if chosen by the assembly of delegates, serve as clerk of the Assembly of Delegates.  The office of regional clerk shall perform and may exercise such other powers and duties as may be assigned by this charter, by ordinance or by other vote of the Assembly of Delegates."

During the election of 2010, five candidates were unfairly left off of the ballot due to bureaucratic foul ups on the part of the County Clerk's office at the time. At the end of that year, the particular official in question declined to be reappointed as the Regional County Clerk.  The 2012 election cycle begins only one and a half months from now with nomination papers becoming available from the Secretary of State on or about February 14th. I realistically believe that if it were not for the astute efforts of Mr. Beaty and Mr. Lynch, the voters of Cape Cod would be witness to yet another major electoral blunder because for whatever reason the County Commissioners would most certainly have continued to sit on their thumbs regarding this particular matter.

Nancy Johnson
Hyannis, MA

Ron Beaty to seek federal pardon for threats against President

Barnstable candidate asks forgiveness
Mailed death threats in separate letters sent in June 1990
to President Bush, Sen. Kennedy and State Sen. Lois Pines

It seems a bit “ironic” that County Commissioner Bill Doherty should advise and encourage a man with “my background” to run for election next year for one of the Barnstable County Commissioner seats. 

After all, a little over 20 years ago (1991) I was arrested, convicted and sentenced by federal authorities for threatening various elected public officials, including the President of the United States. I will have to reflect long and hard about Bill Doherty's proposal.

I shall seek advice, feedback and counsel from family, friends, and the public at large before any firm decision can be made. 

Perhaps after twenty years, it is also about time that I finally ask for formal "forgiveness" from the federal government as well. With that in mind, I will be seeking a Presidential pardon from President Barack Obama relative to the previously mentioned legal issues…

• “Man Gets 16-month Term, Threatened Bush, Others”
• “Man sentenced for letter threats”

Ron Beaty
West Barnstable

Brown's only chance against Warren: "Atmospherics"

To the Editor:

Scott Brown has a real problem in his upcoming match-up with Elizabeth Warren: Warren is as serious and substantive as a candidate can be while the main thing that Brown has going for him is that he drives a truck. Brown doesn’t stand a chance opposing Warren on the issues so his campaign will be dominated by “atmospherics”. You know, things like: "Warren is an elitist while I’m a regular guy" and "I’m from Massachusetts and one of you while Warren is a carpetbagger". Brainless stuff.

Let me be the first to mention something that will feature prominently in Brown’s campaign and the first to mention why voters should guffaw when he uses it.  Starting next summer, you’ll hear Brown repeat over and over that…

“The Warren campaign is accepting MASSIVE amounts of out of state money!”

As if Brown won’t have done the same thing to an unprecedented degree. Heck, he's already done this by accepting money from the likes of the Koch brothers.

But the real reason that voters should howl in laughter is that, this past week, Brown became the first to benefit from direct, out-of-state spending when Carl Rove’s SuperPAC paid big bucks for an anti-Warren attack ad!

Both campaigns will take piles of out-of-state money. But, when Brown starts acting like Warren is the main transgressor in this area, I recommend that voters laugh and say: “Sorry Scotty boy, that dog won’t hunt! YOU were the first to accept out-of-state money”.

David Kent
Sandwich, MA

Barnstable voters "clean house"

To The Editor:

Now that Barnstable voters have chosen to earnestly "clean house" via the recent election, perhaps the Barnstable Town Council can finally focus upon getting some sober and productive municipal work accomplished without all of the pungent rancor and grim discord previously instigated by the infamous "Gang of Six." At this point, I would like to specifically congratulate one of the newly victorious agents of genuine change, Precinct 11 Town Councilor-Elect June Daley. Good luck and God bless.

Ron Beaty
West Barnstable, MA

Eight D-Y supporters complain about a blog post

Letters from readers who refute The Observer's last post:

        Editor's note on Blogs

As of January this year it is estimated there were 152 million blogs on the Internet (as tracked by BlogPulse).
   CapeCodTODAY.com has over 300 CapeBlogs written by local people, some attributed, others anonymous. They represent each writer's opinions. Like Letters to the Editor, they are published verbatim.
   The anonymous writer is as old as America. The Federalist Papers, published anonymously at the time, now known to be written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, are considered the third most important document in the development of the US government, after the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution / Bill of Rights.
   The famous English writer Charles Lamb write as Elia in the 19th century.
   American newspapers and magazines have published anonymously written column since their birth, the most famous in recent times was T.R.B. in the New Republic.
   The most common reason for being anonymous is fear of persecution or job loss.
   These writers are sometimes called "Whistle Blowers", and without them democracy would be in greater peril than it already is.  They are protected under U.S. law.
   In the The Observer's case, we know the writer's credentials and professional experience and regard his writing as worthwhile and valuable for the public discourse on education or anything else.
   -wb.

The first letter:

From: "Bosmer Nord" <bosmer.nord@yahoo.com>
Date: Oct 29, 2011 6:36 PM
Subject: D-Y's "dy's "functional youth"

i just want to say a few things. i read the article and thought it was uncalled for, you shouldn't judge a school by looking up research, if you were to actually go to the school and attend it you would find its not that bad, sure, we have some bad kids who smoke in the schools bath room but that doesn't give you the right to judge the entire school. last year there were higher achieved MCAS scores then any school in the state. i just want to know exactly why you don't like the school. is your son/daughter going there and they are being bullied? or is there something else?

Bosmer Nord

Next letter:

From: "Jena Mota" <mota.jena@yahoo.com>
Date: Oct 29, 2011 8:18 PM
Subject: DY:"Dysfunctional Youth"

DY: "Determined Youth"

The opinion piece regarding DY being dysfunctional is one the most incorrect and outrageous pieces I've ever read. The writer of it has clearly never been a DY student or had a child attend. As a DY student myself I can honestly say that our school is one of the most unified schools on Cape. We cheer and encourage each other on a daily basis, whether it be sport wise or academically. We have a student body that pushes each other to reach our full potential. Just last week we had an enormous amount of student get accepted into National Honors Society. Yes DY may have some students who may not be like this, but that's only a small minority. Every school does. The majority of students are talented and smart individuals. From our 8-0 football team, to volleyball being ACL Champs, our always outstanding xc team, and the amazing field hockey girls, our school is full of the most talented students. And by the amount of students outraged by this article on our school you can tell how much we adore DY. Students have been using social networking sites Facebook and twitter to voice their outrage. The writer of this does not make one valid point throughout the entire piece, establishing nothing but a disrespectful tone and attitude towards our school. Out of the entire article the very last line was what got me angry enough to write this. Mr.Morrison, our assistant principal, is blatantly disrespected. He is one of the most understanding and caring authority figures at Dennis-Yarmouth. For the writer of this to say that our school should be handed over to the National Guard and that Mr.Morrison may "have connections" to make this happen is just outright rude. This anonymous writer unintentionally has done DY some good, he/she is bringing our school even closer than it was before. So thank you anonymous "observer". You mess with one dolphin, you mess with the entire pod.

Jena Mota
Yarmouthport

Next letter:

From: <izzymarinoofficial@gmail.com>
Date: Oct 29, 2011 9:19 PMTo whomever this may concern,

As a student of D-Y High school, I have a problem with this article. Commenting on budget issues and grievances that this individual may have with the school is their right, but titling it "D-Y's 'Dysfunctional Youth'" is not okay with me, along with many of my fellow students. Some students may have some issues in their personal lives, but grouping us ALL as "dysfunctional" is offensive and frankly, greatly unappreciated. There is not a "shaking down for lunch money" issue happening in the cafeteria. There is always a police officer and a number of staff members in the cafeteria who deal with any issues before they escalate to the level where they can even be called issues, and even then, any of us so called "problem children" are spoken to, and taken care of, if ever necessary. Problems do not go unattended or unpunished at our school. "Poor academics" are not to blame for one of last year's graduates getting into HARVARD. A lack of extracurriculars is not to blame for a student getting into Berklee College of Music. Our graduates have already proved to be successful. D-Y has such a large presence of school pride, and there is a reason for that. We have great teachers who push us to achieve the best that we can, sports teams that are spectacular, a music program that always brings home awards and titles, and the student body has such a sense of unity and cohesiveness. People need to take a step out of their ridiculing and judgmental shoes before casting their opinions on us as students. I speak for myself and many of my peers when I say that this article is greatly offensive, incorrect, and unnecessary. This is a form of slander, and not to mention bullying (from an adult directed at children, for that matter), and should be removed.

Sincerely,
Isabella Marino,
A Proud D-Y Student

Next letter:

From: "Patrick" <pjk922@gmail.com>
Date: Oct 29, 2011 10:05 PM
Subject: D-Y's Dysfunctional youth- a students perspective

Hello, my name is Patrick Kroyak, and I am a sophomore at D-Y Regional High School. I recently read the article "D-Y's Dysfunctional Youth" after seeing some less than kind words about it on Facebook. Yelling at the people who write these articles, and getting mad over them won't change anything, which is why I'm writing to you. I wouldn't be surprised if this email was deleted and you never read it, but I digress.
First of all, I would like to address the bad things that DY has been stamped with. People will say we have kids who smoke in the school, and I won't deny it. But every school does. I have friends and cousins in many school districts on cape, (chatam, pardon the spelling, Nauset, Barnstable, sturgis public charter, and sturgis public charter west, to name a few) and all have said that they have smokers and other substance users. It is NOT just D-Y, but for some reason, we seem to be called out on it.
Another thing people seem to associate us with is poor grades. They could not be further from the truth. I myself am a straight A student, and have many friends who are the same. Our MCAS scores are all higher than the state average if I recall correctly, and our teaching staff are amazing. We've had 2 students in the past 2 years who have attained full scholarships to Harvard, and the general ability to learn shown by students never ceases to amaze me. We also have, and I am not using hyperbole or giving an opinion here, the best arts program on the cape. Over 20% of our students are in the concert band program alone. This number would be astounding by itself, but it is just one of a multitude of arts programs. Our athletics teams are also very close together, although we may not always win, we are like a brotherhood / sisterhood, always willing to accept new members.
In the article, the author cited a story about about a boy being "bullied and shaken down for his lunch money". I can tell you that I have never seen this, and the table I sit a is centrally situated in the whole cafeteria. Also, we have a multitude of teachers, police officers, and lunch staff, always on the lookout. Although I can not say that it couldn't have happened, I can say that it was not the fault of the staff being lazy.
Finally, I make a plea to the people out there who write how "terrible" and "awful" D-Y is. These people (usually) have never actually experienced D-Y, and I ask you to not make negative opinions until you had actually seen it, and seen how wonderful it is. You wouldn't write a negative food review before actually tasting the food right? Bad metaphors aside, D-Y doesn't deserve the bad things associated with it. Yes we have financial difficulties, but every school district does. I can't really comment on our financial troubles, as I don't know all the figures, and don't want to be a hypocrite.
Thank you for your time,

Patrick Kroyak

Next letter:

From: "George Farah" <jorgefarrah@gmail.com>
Date: Oct 29, 2011 11:37 PM
Subject: D-Y's Dysfunctional Youth - To Whom It May Concern,

I recently read an article entitled D-Y's "Dysfunctional Youth" by an Observer posted on October 27th, 2011 and felt disheartened by it. The Dennis Yarmouth School District run by Superintendent Carol Woodbury happens to be a fully capable school district in Yarmouth, MA. Many points of information were made by Observer from various "sources". The false assumptions and accusations made from Observer disgruntled me, as they were not true. In the second paragraph, Observer mentions, "It's no secret that DY is one of the worst performing school districts on the Cape, and students are leaving at an alarming rate!" Well after researching the hard facts on the Department of Education website through the Massachusetts State Government, I have found that Dennis Yarmouth's Percentages for Passing and Advanced for all three subjects (Math, Biology, English) yielded slightly under par or over the percentages of comparable schools on Cape Cod. Dennis Yarmouth High School's 10th graders from last year received 88%, 77%, and 82% for English, Math, and Science respectively. Comparable schools, such as Barnstable or Bourne have percentages of 87%, 80%, 81% for Barnstable, and 87%, 82%, and 78% for Bourne. I do understand however that Barnstable is a bigger school with more pupils, in fact nearly double Dennis Yarmouth's, however this is no excuse to have poorer performance in 2 of the 3 subjects that MCAS tests. Dennis Yarmouth is then not "-one of the worst performing schools on the Cape..." rather one that is keeping up with the pack.

A comment was made as to the salary that Superintendent Woodbury receives as a result of her 6-year contract. This figure works out to $166,666.00 a year, which on the American Association of School Administrator's website is slightly above the $135,180.00 average a superintendent in New England makes per year. This is merely an average, there are salaries higher and lower then the number discussed before. If Observer has something to say about Superintendent Woodbury's salary then by all means attend a town meeting in either Dennis or Yarmouth and preach to the town officials about your concern.

The Pilot Program of Dennis Yarmouth High School that incorporates 8th graders from both Mattacheese Middle School and Nathaniel H. Wixon Middle School is one that is not necessarily for cost cutting measures, but rather one that uses a new system of learning called the STEM program. This program is geared towards forward thinking students, it challenges them to not only think about an answer to a problem, but how does this relate to real life, how is it applicable to a student's life. Through using Science, Technology, English, and Math, students are able to troubleshoot through problems, achieving less of a remember this, remember that kind of classroom to more of an interactive classroom. The Technology in this program does not involve ankle bracelets as mentioned in the article by Observer. "This ‘teamwork' uses electronic tools too, but in a different way. The ‘tools' I am referring to are two students with ankle monitoring bracelets in the program." According to Observer, he or she found out about these students from sources. Unless the sources mentioned are from in the walls of Dennis Yarmouth High School or are the actual students themselves, then information from secondary sources are not that reliable. As seen by the US Government and Iraq, there definitely were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, but see where we are now? There were never weapons of mass destruction, and the intel that the FBI/CIA uncovered from "sources" were not reliable.

If Observer would like to change something instead of harshly criticizing the Dennis Yarmouth School District, then do something about it rather then point the finger at people other then yourself. The principles of the United States government allows for citizens to be part of the government, so if there is something that you would like changed then go right ahead. Dennis Yarmouth, just like any other school district is feeling a pinch and is turning to anything to balance the all-important budget. The future plans of the school district are merely plans, not set in stone yet. For the past 3 years, Dennis Yarmouth has sent students to Harvard University, Northeastern University, Yale University, and several hundreds of other Colleges and Universities. So please Observer, do not rant on a district that is merely trying to make do with what they have. Going through the Dennis Yarmouth School district is truly a rewarding and fun experience, one that will always be in my heart.

Sincerely,
George Farah
Dennis Yarmouth Graduate of 2011
Stonehill College Class of 2015 Biology- Premed Major
Resident of South Yarmouth, Cape Cod

Next letter

From: "Taylar R" <taylar1441@hotmail.com>
Date: Oct 30, 2011 9:31 PM
Subject: "D-Y's Dysfunctional Youth" Article

To whom it may concern,

I can't think of any words or appropriate words to describe how angry I am that you have published such an outrageous article about my school Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School. For starters, 99% of this article is completely false and absurd. The allegations that this "anonymous" person is accusing are completely ridiculous and out of control. As a senior at DY, I have never once in my four years attending heard of or witnessed a kid being "shaken" down for money in the cafeteria. It would never happen because there are plenty of staff that walk around during lunch monitoring behavior and if something gets escalated then it is shut down very quickly. The fact that this person is basing an entire school population on TWO eighth graders is ridiculous. Something that had happened between two eighth graders does not represent the entire school. DY is such a great school and it has many programs that are very successful. Our sports teams are ACL Champs, our music program is exceptional in the state, in the past couple years, there have been two seniors who are currently attending Harvard University, and the valedictorian of my class is planning on applying and hopefully going to Harvard. Many of our students have been noticed for their academic achievement. So you can't say that everyone is failing. You can't call an entire school "dysfunctional" and not back it up with evidence. This entire article has no evidence and therefore is incorrect. What makes this article even more hilarious is that there are numerous misspellings in it. If this person wants to bash on a high school for low grades then they should probably check themselves first. You will probably be seeing numerous messages from my fellow classmates over the next couple of days. We have enormous pride being DY Dolphins and will not back down until this article is retracted. You can't published something this absurd and not get any crap for putting it up. DY has its faults and is not perfect but DY is not alone in it either. EVERY school in America has its problems and you can't put it all on one school. It's not right. I love DY and I am proud of my school and my class. And as I walk across that stage in a few months, I will still be proud of my school and for the rest of my life.

Sincerely,
Taylor, R.
a PROUD DY Dolphin Senior.

Next letter:

From: Maureen Tuohy-Bedford <maureentuohybedford@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 9:29 AM
Subject: The 'Nameless' Observor'

Maureen Tuohy-Bedford/West Yarmouth here.

Well, my main - and only - objections apply to 2 subjects: (1) The Observor, for ranting ANONYMOUSLY and (2) Cape Cod Today for PUBLISHING ANONYMOUS rantings !

The Observor SHOULD - with all his or her knowledge and interest in the education of our youth - know how very critical it is to teach our youth that their opinion has value, and that a person needs to OWN their opinion - and actually stand behind it ! How easy (a.k.a. cowardly) it is to spout from the mountain-top, wearing a mask.

Cape Cod Today SHOULD - with all their knowledge and interest in the education of our youth - know how very LAME and IRRESPONSIBLE it is to publish anonymous anything. Makes me think of rag magazines and newspapers.

KUDOS to the D-Y students - present and past - who OWN their come-back opinions and comments. THAT has merit.

Maureen Tuohy-Bedford/West Yarmouth.

Last letter

From: olivia dean <olivia.deann@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 9:34 AM
Subject: Re: DY's "Dysfunctional Youth"

Also, the 8th graders are in a different lunch than the upper class men. Your article makes it seem like its upper class men that are "shaking down" the 8th graders for their lunch money. Its really another 8th grader that was doing it, and he is kicked out of DY now. Also the 8th graders have a different passing time than the rest of the upper class men to further get rid of bulling and to protect them. So your article is off base and your facts are wrong. So at least change the facts.

On Sat, Oct 29, 2011 at 11:58 PM, olivia dean wrote:

Hello, my name is Olivia Dean. I am a sophomore at Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School, and i am very hurt by the article published 'D-Y's "Dysfunctional Youth."' Not only is this article cruel to the school's name but also to the students. Did you even think about how a title like this one makes the students feel? "D-Y's "Dysfunctional Youth"' I personally feel attacked by this title. Are you trying to call me dysfunctional? I am an aspiring Neurosurgeon, I volunteer at Cape Cod Hospital so I must be dysfunctional correct? You are welcome to your opinion but its just that, an opinion. And I happen to know a fact, every school has bullies. Its a known fact, so by "targeting" DY like this, makes you look bad. How about Barnstable? Have you looked at their school? Also, "This "teamwork" uses electronic tools too, but in a different way. The "tools" I am referring to are two students with ankle monitoring bracelets in the program. We all know you don't get these for good behavior or because a kid made a "bad choice".It's more like the kid is a major problem and is getting a head start on their "career choice"" your quote, okay so the kid made a bad choice did something wrong but what you lack on this is your research, there's a lot of ways to get an ankle monitor. They didn't necessarily hurt someone. Also, the kids getting an education, what gives you the right to say they don't belong or deserve a chance like this one. "The other "Teamwork" happens because the eight grade hall is near the tenth grade hall. Evidently this is not by coincidence as these two grades also share the gym together for Physical Education class and change in the same locker room. Really? I can't imagine that this is emotionally healthily or free of any bullying. No seriously, did educated people really come up with these variables? Technology is great and so is mentoring, but I don't imagine this is how these student expected to be exposed to it." Again your quote, I'm not saying i support or don't support the pilot program but I do think it gives these kids a better opportunity. Look at the size of DY we don't have enough room for these extra kids as it is. So yes they have to share a gym class and a locker room. However, just because someone gets bullied doesn't mean everyone participates in this act. Besides what do you think happens in real life? People get bullied. At least at DY if the children bring it to the attention of Mr.Morrison, or even a trusted teacher, the act will be written down on a statement pad and taken care of. Not every case results in the bully getting suspended, but at least someone knows and can help the victim. Everyone in DY is a family, we might be at each others throats sometimes but we all come together when we have to. I find this article distasteful. I would like this article revised, or simply taken off. Or at least hear my words and know that people from DY do not think what you are saying is okay. Thank you for your time.

Olivia Dean.

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