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The Subject of Forgiveness

Thanks to Deborah K. Archer, the daughter of Melba K. Bunch, for bringing Melba’s collection of school yearsbooks to the archives at Paris Junior College. They include The Texan (Travis Middle School) from 1969-1980. We have a fine collection of Paris High School Owls and Paris Junior College Galleons, but very few yearbooks from the other Paris schools. Donations are appreciated and used by researchers.

Thanks, also, to Jimmye Hancock, who donated a photograph of the old Palace Drug Store, dated 1923. It brings back memories, not that I date back that far myself, but I instantly remembered the old checkered tile floor and the soda fountain. In the foreground are generous displays of cigars, fountain pens and eyeglasses.

Finally, for this day’s offerings, I want to post a student response to an Aug. 29, 2007, Dallas Morning News article by James Ragland, “Game of Forgiveness Gets Harder,” which poses the question of whether or not Michael Vick should be forgiven and allowed to resume his NFL career and whether or not a certain high school football player should be forgiven his legal problems and allowed to play.

The student writer is Jennifer Adams, a PJC freshman from Paris enrolled in my first-semester freshman English class; Jennifer is taking academic classes and preparing to enter the vocational nursing program. Here is her response:

If your child was convicted of a crime, wouldn’t you still want him to finish school? My answer would be yes . In reference to [...], I think he should also be allowed to finish his high school education.

I believe that when a child is “thrown to the dogs” after committing a crime, he suffers more than if we had tried to rehabilitate him. By locking such children away, we trample any hope they might have had for a bright future. Sure, they should be held accountable for their crimes, as everyone else is, but the way we treat our children is the way our future will be. I think that jail cells are made for adults.

Now that I’ve said it, you’re probably thinking I’m crazy. I’m not. Parents should know where their children are, who they’re with, and what they are doing at all times.

A well written response, Jennifer, and it’s nice to know that this PJC student has a merciful nature, especially in view of the career that she is considering.

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