Dear sir:
Hopefully, you will find space for these lines, written by a relic from the past. If my English seems somewhat stilted, it is because I have now been living in Norway for more than 50 long years.
In spite of the great time lapse, I still cherish fond memories of boyhood days in my hometown–Fort Frances. Fortunately, I have been able, to some extent, to keep a tab on current events in Fort thanks to a good relative’s greatly-appreciated Fort Frances Times gift subscription.
I have read and compared a number of local newspapers from different corners of the world and rate the Times as one of the finest. Good going! In my opinion, your paper not only reflects but also encourages strong community pride and spirit while keeping your readers abreast of current, local events.
Do I view my years in Fort Frances in the golden glow of nostalgia! I don’t think so. In fact, I still have vivid memories of winter’s frozen toes and fingers, of summer’s sudden mosquito bites, and of munching sand and dust while walking to Pither’s Point. However, all this seems insignificant compared to memories of skating on outdoor rinks, of dog-paddling with friends at the Point, and of visiting good friends and relatives whenever possible.
All this and much more is brought to mind as I dive into the pages of the Times.
But just so all this praise and acclaim does not go to your head, I would also like to focus on two aspects that cause some concern and discomfort on my part.
As a teacher and school administrator, I have learned to evaluate students not only according to their academic achievements but also with regard to their personal qualities. A large number of these students work hard without being able to achieve high scholastic standards. But the same students often possess other qualities that will prove to be of great value to themselves, their families and friends, and to the entire community.
And yet your annual Honour Roll includes and commends only those who have reached certain scholastic achievement levels.
Of course, the honour students must be delighted when their names appear on the list but what about all the left-outs? How is their “honour” registered? (Why wasn’t your son’s name on the list, Mrs. Smith?)
I am not in favour of impeding the further growth of the bright student but why publicize only the names of those who achieve a certain grade or standard? Frankly, I am grateful that Norway put an end to public honour rolls a long, long time ago.
The other source of discomfort is your list of persons having been sentenced for various violations and offences. So the police had to intervene when the Smiths had that domestic row! So what? And what about Mr. Bud Weiser’s one-too-many in a public place? His sentence was pronounced in the courtroom–finito! So why place the offender in the media’s modern version of the medieval pillory? Is this extended punishment really necessary?
I really wonder what Tim or Tina feels when a classmate exclaims: “Ha! I read in the paper that your dad was drunk in a public place!” I just don’t get it. Why punish the whole family? Freedom of the press is a boon only within a certain ethical framework.
To conclude on a more personal note, my sister, Margot, and I send our best greetings to our relatives in Fort Frances and to any friends who happen to remember the Nelsons on Second Street East.
Sincerely,
John H. Nelson
Bergen, Norway