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Darin J. McCann

Much of us find a level of comfort — if not unbridled joy — in following traditions that have been consistently adhered to, or passed down from one generation to the next.

See, traditions can take many forms, and come from a variety of sources. For instance, I gladly let grown men punch me in the arm as hard as they could when I got promotions in the Marine Corps, and I love nothing more than watching the new employee get treated like dirt at newspapers — much as I was many years ago.

As a child, my favorite family tradition centered around the Fourth of July. My late grandmother worked for Avon and she had dibs on a timeshare the company held in Bethany Beach July 4th week every year.

Each July, the family would pile into various cars and meet up in Bethany, where we would play on the beach, eat like we just walked out of a desert and watch the adults get really goofy after putting down box after box of wine.

Yeah, I said boxed wine. Got a problem with that? We’re McCanns, you understand? We don’t hold ourselves to any standards set by mere mortals. If we want to drink wine out of a box, we drink wine out of a box. If we want to eat spaghetti with chicken, we eat spaghetti with chicken. If we want to get together as a family and roll winos for their coins, we ...

But I digress.

The point is (and I think we’ve already eclipsed the possibility of a satisfying point by now), we had our traditions. We’d go to dinner at the same places every year, go to the same waterslides and make our own sundaes at the same place. We’d watch the fireworks together, laugh a lot and start looking forward to the next year’s trip on the ride home to D.C.

It seems other people are starting their own Fourth of July traditions.

That loveable dictator, Kim Jong-il of North Korea, decided to display his own fireworks show on our Independence Day. Kim, who has dubbed himself the “Great Leader,” fired off several test missiles between Tuesday and Wednesday — one of which reportedly has the potential of reaching the coast of Alaska. Kim’s problem was that the tests were a failure, as the missiles reached the Sea of Japan before falling helplessly into the sea.

Apparently, Jong’s talents at leading missile warfare pale to his abilities in golf. The troll-headed leader announced that he shot 38-under-par during his first try at the game, including five holes-in-one. To add to the comical experience that is Kim Jong-il, the guy parades around everyday with a jumpsuit and a hairstyle that looks like he dipped his head into a jar of Vaseline and jumped in a clothes dryer.

In fact, the only thing keeping this guy from being the funniest person on the planet is that he’s positively nuts — and equipped with nuclear capabilities.

For the first time in memory, the world seems united in regards to the “Great Leader.” Nobody likes him, and most think he’s just crazy enough to do something incredibly stupid. South Korea and Japan, in particular, are sweating the prospect of the troll doll firing one of these missiles at their nations, and China has been proactive in asking everyone to just remain calm. See, China’s a bit aligned with the jumpsuited madman, but even they don’t want any part of this latest stunt.

Ever have a down day where you feel like the world is against you? Welcome to the life of Kim Jong-il. The entire world is literally against him. He’s entering the class of Hitler and Hussein — though Hussein somehow became a tragic figure to some in this nation because they don’t like our current president. Apaprently, the sanctioned rape, torture and murder of innocent people takes a back seat to politics ...

But that’s for another day.

This is a day for Kim Jong-il. As our paper was getting put to bed Wednesday night, officials from around the world were scrambling to decide what to do with the well-armed lunatic.

According to reports, Kim agreed to freeze his nuclear weapons program in 1994 for financial aid from several nations, including the United States. Is this latest display just another attempt to extort money from the world? Or is he just crazy enough to think he can do whatever he wants and destroy anyone who doesn’t like it?

Actually, we can probably assume he’s crazy enough to do just about anything. And that might be the scariest part of the entire situation.

A good call by town officials

The pressure was most certainly on to show fireworks.

Throngs of people migrate to Bethany Beach every year this week to watch the fireworks explode into a vibrant kaleidoscope of color and wonder above the ocean, and town officials had spent months preparing — and spending — for the event.

But Mother Nature had different ideas this year, as she released her own series of booms and bright lights.

Think about the pressure the town had felt. Another succesful parade had kicked off the day’s festivities and the town and its visitors were prepared for the annual event that serves as Bethany Beach’s Super Bowl ... its World Cup ... its crowning moment in time.

A barge was rented to safely shoot off the fireworks from the ocean. The governor came to town. Families and businesses built floats to showcase their love of the town in the earlier parade. Horseshoes were tossed in the spirit of competition.

But all that was simply preamble for the big event. The fireworks to mark the anniversary of this nation’s independence was the draw, but the draw was put at risk by the weather.

What the town itself wouldn’t put into risk was the safety of the residents or visitors. They would eat the cost of the fireworks, and they would send home thousands of people disappointed. But they sent them home safely.

The town did the right thing by calling off the fireworks Tuesday night. We only hope Mother Nature cooperates next year, and takes that decision out of their hands.

We’ll keep an eye out on this one.

Pending a signature by the governor, full-day kindergarten will be a reality in the state by the 2008-2009 school year. Teachers love the idea because students have a better opportunity to be better prepared for first grade and get a more solid foundation for their learning future, parents love not having to worry as much about day care and most of the rest of us just think kids being in school as much as possible is a great idea.

But, like most situations, there is a cost issue. The state will pay one-time capital costs and two-thirds of the annual expenses. That leaves the rest to the school boards, if they choose to go ahead and implement the program.

Can the rest of you sense another referendum in the future?

Cancer society gets a boost from community
Editor:

The 9th East Sussex Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society was held recently at Holly Lake Campsites. With the help of the East Sussex County Community, we were able raise over a quarter of a million dollars ($250,000) for cancer research and patient services. On behalf of the entire committee, I would like to thank the following for their generous support in the fight against cancer:

Thank you to Tanger Outlet Center for being not only a sponsor but also an inspiration to other organizations to get involved in the community.

Thank you to our partner, Beebe Medical Center Tunnell Cancer Center, for your outstanding contribution in our fight over the past nine years and for always remembering that cancer survivors are special people.

To our Host Sponsor, Holly Lake Campsites, and to the R.A. Raley family, the cooperation of the entire staff makes the planning of our relay easier and the beautiful surroundings remind us that life is very precious.

To our Hope Sponsor, The Villages at Five Points, because without hope we cannot succeed.

To our Gold Sponsors — Burton Realty Inc., Mick’s Classic Carpet, Atlantic Theaters, Teller Wines, Redi-Call Communications, Tunnell Companies, Jack Lingo Real Estate, Punkin Chunkin Assoc. and Suzanne Landon/Jack Lingo Realtors.

American Legion Post #28 for sponsoring our Cancer Survivors Reception. Survivors are our inspiration and you have honored them in a special way.

To McDonald’s, Casellas, Jakes Seafood House, Nicola Pizza, Pepsi Cola Co, Seaford Ice, and Donut Connection – thank you for helping us nourish our participates and cancer survivors.

Boy Scout Troop 105, your contributions in making it all work is appreciated. The hours you volunteer truly make a difference.

Thank you to all our participants for making this the best relay ever — without you there would not be a relay. Maybe it will be one of the dollars raised that will make the difference in finding a cure.

A very, very special thanks to our cancer survivors — your courage is truly an inspiration to all of us.

There are so many people, organizations and community groups that we cannot mention them all, but know that you are very much a part of making this event so successful and we thank you.
While we take a moment to pause and give thanks, we are already planning next years Relay, May 11-12, 2007. We will continue until there is a cure. Thank you, and we hope you will join us next year in our fight against cancer.

Kenny Hopkins, Chairman
East Sussex Relay for Life

Reader: Clean sweep needed in elections
Editor:

This year DNREC Secretary John Hughes told the Delaware Joint Finance Committee that Sussex County needs a good storm water management program. After reading about the flooding in Seaford, I see what he meant.

State Sen. Thurman Adams Jr. (D-19th) represents the people of Seaford, but as far as I know he and the Sussex County Council have done nothing to improve storm water management in Sussex. Their failure is evident in the photos of flooded out homes and entire communities in Seaford.

It’s time for a clean sweep. The terms of Adams, Rep. Ben Ewing (R-35th), Rep. Biff Lee (R-40th) and Councilman Vance Phillips’ (R-5th) expire this year.

We must find good managed-growth candidates to run against these politicians before the July 28 deadline for Democrats and Republicans to file for office. Sept. 1 is the deadline for minor parties to nominate candidates, and for the Democratic and Republican parties to nominate candidates for offices where no one filed as a candidate for their party for an office.

The rest of the election schedule is as follows:

• Aug. 4 is the deadline, at noon, for a candidate to withdraw and get back his/her filing fee.

• Aug. 19 is the deadline to register to vote in order to be eligible to vote in the Sept. 12 primary election.

• Aug. 28 is the deadline for military and overseas citizens to register to vote in order to be eligible to vote in the Sept. 12 primary election.

• Sept. 12 is the primary election. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

• Oct. 14 is the last day to register to vote in order to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 7 general election.

• Oct. 23, is the last day for military and overseas citizens to register to vote in order to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 7 general election.

• Nov. 7 is the general election.

Joan Deaver
Rehoboth Beach

Double Bridges a dangerous speedway
Editor:

My husband and I moved to this area about seven years ago. At that time Road 363, a.k.a. Double Bridges Road (now Alt. 54), appeared to be a quiet little country road. It didn’t take but a few days for us to realize that it was anything but that. The name should be changed to the Sussex County Speedway.

For the past seven years, we, along with many of our neighbors, have been calling the State Police regarding this dangerous situation. They have jurisdiction over this road. They promised to look into it. We wrote to Shirley Price, and she worked with DelDOT to lower the speed limit. She listened and tried to bring some resolution to the problem. The limit was lowered from 50 mph to 45 mph.

The situation has worsened, if that’s possible. Visitors have no idea that this road is not a peaceful quiet little country road. It is a lawless speedway. Many of the people who drive down the road now have absolutely no regard for anyone, even themselves. The solid and double solid lines mean nothing. The speed limit means nothing.

I’m not sure what does hold value for these people. It certainly isn’t the people they endanger each and every day. Some of the vehicles go so fast that it’s hard to tell if the culprit is a truck or a car. When a vehicle, any vehicle, roars down the road at these speeds, it becomes a lethal weapon.

We live off the stretch that runs across from a section of the Assawoman Wildlife Refuge, but the strip extends well beyond this location. It is extremely dangerous to pull onto the road from our development, and just as dangerous to pull off the road into the development — a life threatening experience most days.

It is a year-round problem, so it can’t be blamed on the tourists. The vehicles that barrel down the road range from dump trucks and pickups to SUVs, vans, sedans, and motorcycles. The common thread that seems to weave thru this mosaic of drivers is “See how fast you can go!” Any time of the night or day, you can see and hear the roaring speeding vehicles.

What is it going to take to get someone’s attention — a horrific accident involving a school bus? It could happen, or an equally tragic accident involving people coming in and out of Ocean Farm and the other developments popping up along the way.

Hitting a deer at those speeds would be a life-ending experience. These drivers don’t seem to know or care that they are endangering themselves and anyone who is unfortunate enough to be on the road with them. Maybe wiping out a group of cyclists would do it, perhaps joggers, or those on Rollerblades, or folks just out for a stroll with their dogs.

Mark my words, it is going to happen. Someone is going to die on this road and it probably won’t be the driver of the earthbound rocket. It will be an innocent driver, cyclist, jogger, walker, who was unfortunate enough to be on the road that day.

No family living on this road wants to have to say “I told you it would happen.” It doesn’t have to. The speedway needs to be dealt with before it’s too late.

Edythe Becker
Ocean Farm

Replenishment efforts a big disappointment
Editor:

My family and I just returned from the Delaware shore, Fenwick Island, yesterday. We have owned property at the beach for many years. We are saddened and disappointed by the expenditure of our taxpayer money on the beach replenishment. I believe that our property values have suffered due to the added sand. Here is why:

(1) There are no waves or sand bar. All my kids and I want to do is ride waves and surf before and after the lifeguards are on duty. Now we have to drive to Ocean City, Md., and spend the day and afternoon in Maryland. This is a hassle and is caused by the dumping of sand and refiguring the beach.

(2) Rentals. Although we do not rent our home, many do. Once the renters arrive to no waves or little kid tidal pools they will look elsewhere for a place to stay.

(3) Due to leaving the beach in Delaware for the day each and every day, we spend our lunch and dinner money in another area. This is bad for the local businesses.

(4) It is impossible to see the kids playing at the shore line or the breaking waves due to the mountain of sand piled on the beach. This is dangerous as I have already rescued our 4-year-old one time this summer.

My family and I are hoping for a nor’easter or hurricane to remove the sand and reestablish the sand bar so that we can go to our local beach and have fun again. I think the government should think twice before spending our tax dollars on unwanted temporary sand that hopefully will be gone by summer’s end.

The Faby family
Fenwick Island

Reader: system does not work in this case
Editor:

As I put my seatbelt on, I am reminded of its function. Safety. While trying to adjust the shoulder strap off my jugular vein in my neck, I am angered that the government has mandated seatbelts for citizen safety. Anger. Government. Safety. All in one sentence. Hold that thought.

On July 27, 2005, I was widowed. That gives me the right to be angry. (It is part of a healthy grief process I am told.) Poignant that my spouse would be killed in the anniversary month of our nations’ independence. Government founded and then amended with the Bill of Rights. Remember the lessons about speedy and public trials and due process? Now our judicial process has run amuck to the point that you need to be a lawyer to write a law and then one to interpret it.

And still we can’t get it right. You see, our Constitution and Bill of Rights were written to keep us safe.

So now our legal due process had to choose if my husband was “manslaughtered” or simply “dead.” Jargon, you say?

Here’s another: “judgment” or “justice.” I don’t care if the man responsible sits in a cell or sits in a pew. I told the prosecutor that shortly after the accident. He heard that and decided that I am a widow due to a “misdemeanor.” He heard what I don’t care about and not what I do.

How dare my government elect to sit on the bench? (Nice pun.) The prosecutor could tell me details of the prescription drugs the man responsible was taking, but had not the slightest compulsion to determine if the man could see well enough to drive a vehicle on our roads (knowing that certain drugs can cause blurred vision).

The response to my concerns was that the criminal process would “mandate a review” of his driver’s license and it would be addressed then. Eleven months later, the man is still driving! Oh, my God! (Sorry if that three-letter word is profane to some.)

You see, the misdemeanor wasn’t enough to conduct a Division of Motor Vehicle review and the state didn’t see the importance of the investigation into whether or not this man has the ability to safely operate a vehicle. Regardless of your faith, be aware. Be afraid. Your seatbelt is the least of your worries. Your government has no clue how to keep you safe.

Deborah Townsend
Millville