TO THE EDITOR:

I would like to commend officers Jamie Bridges and Gene Norman for a great job that they did in finding the individuals responsible for terrorizing my family (wife, 14year-old daughter, and six-year-old son) on Monday, July 24, 2006. Three teenage boys (18, 15, 13) not having anything to do thought it would be fun to beat on our house, pop firecrackers, throw eggs, then run and no doubt laughing. (It was 9:30 p.m.)

Officers Bridges and Norman responded to our call in minutes. They didn't stop looking or investigating until the three were found. We were informed that charges could be filed but we decided against it.

I realize that the police department is not always commended or recognized (especially in the Black community) when they do their job. Kudos! Great job! Keep up the good work!

To our mayor and City Council: I challenge you all to put your differences aside and find some constructive activities for our youths. An idle mind is the devil's workshop. To my Black community: I challenge

each of you to step up to the plate and get back to the old path when the community raised each other's children where it was all right for my neighbors to spank me if they saw me do something wrong, then in turn, called my mother. When I got home, I got another spanking. Stop blaming everybody else (White man) and look in the mirror. It all starts at home.

I might get some nasty stares but that's all right - the truth is the truth. Jesus said you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

REV. MILTON W. TURNER