Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Dangers increase with heat

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, June 26, 2003 | 8:14 a.m.

The recent cases of children being left in automobiles in this hot weather should be a warning to all parents.

Should be, but is it?

Every summer someone leaves a child unattended in order to run a short errand or pick up a few groceries. In one case that resulted in the death of the child the parent claimed he simply forgot the boy was in his car seat.

Although not as devastating as the death of a child, it should be noted that animals perish in parked automobiles.

A partially opened window is no protection when the temperatures inside the vehicle approach the high 100s.

Now that school is out, motorists should take note of another hazard to the well-being of our children.

Drivers are urged to slow down in neighborhood areas and around playgrounds. Scan areas between parked cars or any place where children can dart out into traffic. A young lad chasing a soccer ball doesn't give a thought to danger.

Watch for children crossing the street. It is even a good idea to drive with your lights on so children can see you.

Summer is a happy time for our children. Let's keep them safe from harm.

One of the most satisfying aspects of writing a newspaper column is the relationship that builds between the writer and readers, many of whom supply bits of humor and personal experiences as column fodder. I call these readers friends without faces.

Following publication of a recent column on women in Nevada history and the roles they played in building our state and community, I received the following from Harriet Dennis on proving women are smarter than men. You be the judge. Here it is:

The Rope

"There were eleven people hanging onto a rope that came down from a helicopter. Ten were men and one was a woman.

"They all decided that one person should get off because if they didn't, the rope would break and everyone would die.

"No one could decide who would go, so finally the woman gave a touching speech saying how she would give up her life to save the others because women were used to to giving up things for their husbands and children, giving to men and not receiving anything in return.

"When she finished, all of the men applauded.

"Never underestimate the power of a woman."

It is difficult to think of writer Jim Barrows as a doting grandfather. I remember a tough journalist with a wry sense of humor and an uncanny talent for research.

Barrows' granddaughter, Mary Galindo, wrote a theme for her government class that has Grandpa bursting with pride---and for good reason.

Her closing: "The time is now to tell our members of Congress that our posterity's future is more important to us than a beefed-up army that causes resentment in other parts of the world. Let's begin to focus on making the United States public education system a true national priority, not just a profitable campaign slogan, before we attempt to fix the problems of other areas."