Anyone who has been robbed or had property stolen knows the utter helplessness one feels after being violated in such a way.
That must be how Victory Park feels, too, if a park could feel that is.
Earlier this week, vandals damaged wooden and concrete benches, picnic tables and lights in the park that is dedicated to the veterans and citizens of Mifflin County. How sad and utterly pathetic. That is how I would describe their actions. I also would say their acts were cowardly, and against a park that couldn't defend itself and couldn't fight back.
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I am grateful that the park has been repaired and that it has been restored to its majestic beauty along the bank of the Juniata River. That should show the nameless vandals that you can't dampen the community's spirit even if you damage the structures that make this such a wonderful place to live and work.
Whoever did this horrible act will be caught. I have full confidence in our law enforcement officials. I only hope that the vandals are remorseful for their actions and that there is some type of community service involved with the punishment.
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In addition to being amazed at the brazen destruction at the hand of vandals this week, I also was just as amazed that Sarah Palin didn't tank.
That's right. She was able to stand her ground Thursday night against a vastly more experienced Joe Biden, debating the economy, energy and global warming, then challenging him on Iraq, "especially with your son in the National Guard."
That assessment didn't come from me, a Christian political conservative. It came from The Associated Press.
Are you surprised?
I know I was.
I've been critical of Palin lately, disillusioned with her limited political experience and stumbling, lackluster performance in nationally televised interviews. As a result, I fully expected her to fall apart once again on network TV.
I'm glad that she didn't and at least had a respectable showing. I do NOT think that she is adequately prepared for her role as vice president, but that is up to the voters as a whole, not one newspaper editor.
I firmly believe, as do many other votes, that there is no perfect ticket in this election. I very anxiously await Nov. 4 and the final results for what has been one heck of a muddy presidential election. Whoever makes it to the White House certainly will need a thorough cleaning in the eyes of the public.
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I received another wonderful call in the newsroom this week. This time I spoke to a sweet elderly woman by the name of Liz.
Liz said she looks forward to reading both The Sentinel and our sister publication, The County Observer. She shared how the newspapers impact her daily life, and I was happy to hear how our product makes a difference in the Juniata Valley area.
We aren't mistake-free here at The Sentinel, but there is a lot that we do right in the community. Thank you, Liz, for reminding me of that.
I enjoyed our conversation immensely and welcome you to call me anytime. That invitation is open to all readers.
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Heather Goodwin Henline is managing editor of The Sentinel. She may be reached via e-mail at hhenline@lewistownsentinel.com or by calling 248-6741, ext 119.
