Harriet Brittingham writes about 2-year-old Jamil Baskerville, who was allegedly killed by his mother's boyfriend.
To the Editor:
Concerning Jamil Baskerville, the toddler in Pennsauken who was allegedly beaten to death last month after being told to "put up his hands" by his mother's boyfriend:
It is so devastating and unbelievable that this 2-year-old suffered so severely from an adult who was supposed to love and protect him. Instead, Jamil lost his life because he was just being a 2-year old.
Our society has to do something about stopping any more children from suffering the way that Jamil did.
Perhaps it may help to educate, mentor and have support available for young mothers who believe their worth is found in a boyfriend or someone else who is dangerous to their children. We need to be there for these moms.
We must help young mothers build their self-esteem so they do not feel their worth is in anyone else. Their children always deserve love and protection, not harm.
I did not know Jamil, but he has a place in my heart.
Harriet A. Brittingham
West Deptford Township
Reopen Elsinboro boat ramp
To the Editor:
As I come down the home stretch on my recovery from a broken patella, I would like to try boating. But the free Sinnickson Landing boat ramp on the Salem River that I normally use remains closed as the result of court action, based on nuisance complaints from nearby property owner George Pantich.
(Superior Court Judge Anne McDonnell ruled in June that the ramp's owner, PSEG Nuclear, was required to add more security if it continued to grant public access to the ramp. PSEG chose instead to close the ramp, as of July 1.)
If I were to choose other launch sites, Hancock's Bridge is a haven for greenhead flies. The Pennsville ramp has no docks, and it is extremely busy. I literally have had panic attacks thinking about these other options.
Many folks are upset, angry and disbelieving that one person who filed complaints has the power to ruin this for the community. They are disappointed that they cannot launch their boats at Sinnickson Landing. How about the quality of life for all for these individuals?
Pantich has also complained about my Save the Elsinboro Boat Ramp page on Facebook and a sign in my yard.
So, Judge McDonnell, how about the quality of my life and that of other ramp users. I have experienced increased stress, anxiety and worry since all of this happened.
I ask the judge to please make a reasonable judgment against permanent closure so that everyone can move forward. The ramp closure has ruined the peaceful enjoyment of my home and neighborhood. I used to love living here, but not so much recently. I am not the only person impacted by this.
Cheryl Leonard
Elsinboro Township
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