Press and Sun-Bulletin from Binghamton, New York • 4

Opi NION Press Sun-Bulletin pressconnects.com PAGE 4A SATURDAY JANUARY 3, 2004 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press: or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Tilt FlKST AUIAUMF.Vr I'" THE CoST1TI TIO THE EDITORIAL BOARD BERNARD M. GRIFFIN President and Publisher RICK JENSEN Executive Editor FRANK W. ROESSNER Editorial Page Editor DAVID G. ROSSIE MARY PAT HYLAND Associate Editor Editorial Writer The ed'torial policies of the Press Sun-Bulletin, a member of the Gannett Group, are established by the editorial board above.

mnmixWyKft: caqlecartoons.com rmi) I GETUSEP Hm Editorial Another good First Night It was not as unseasonably warm as last year's First Night, but neither was it the deep freeze of some previous years. And so the people who turned out for Wednesday's First Night celebration in downtown Binghamton were able to enjoy another fine collection of sights, sounds and amusements. Guest Viewpoint Preparation of nurses takes time By MICHELLE CODNER A key phrase in Tommi Boneck's Dec. 6 letter "turn nursing students into educated nurses" leads me to clarify some commonly held misconceptions about the practice of Registered Professional Nursing. Perception: Nursing is a technicallabor career directed by medical practice.

Reality: One component of ursing practice involves the adj unc-tive role of following medical directives; another is the'eompetent performance of technical skills. The distinguishing characteristic of nursing practice is the independent treatment of the symptoms of illness. This requires a sound knowledge of physical, sociological and behavioral sciences, as well as mathematics, English and liberal arts courses that foster creative thinking and problem solving. Nursing theorists and researchers have developed a science of nursing that focuses the learning nurse toward concepts to enhance their decision making abilities after making assessments of their patients. Perception: Anyone who truly cares about other people can be a nurse.

Reality: Wanting to help people is an admirable goal. The ability to do so as a nurse must include the knowledge and ability to perform the professional role. Perception: A nurse is a nurse is a nurse: anyone "trained" or educated in nursing can perform in any nursing role in any environment. Reality: Nurses, through their practice environments, develop specialized skills in assessing patients and meeting their needs related to age, disease processes, understanding of medical treatments, and recognizing that each patient must be respected for the situations that compromise their health or support their decisions to maintain or improve their health. Perception: Nursing practice is solely responsible for giving care to patients.

Reality: The motivation to seek a career in nursing cannot only be an interest Letters to the Editor It was another rousing (and heartening) success, thanks to the efforts of organizers, sponsors, performers and volunteers and most of all to the residents, who again turned out in impres- First Night remains a great way to ring in the New Year. WRITE TO US We welcome letters. They must include your name, address and a daytime telephone number. We edit letters for brevity, accuracy, clarity and grammar. Edited letters typically address a single idea and do not exceed 200 words.

We do not print anonymous letters or poetry. Letters and articles submitted to the paper may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms. Letters co Press Sun-Bulletin P.O. Box 1270 Binghamton, N.Y. 13902 Fax: 607-798-1113 e-mail: use form at pressconnects.com sive numbers and in great spirits to welcome the new year.

Downtown Binghamton was ablaze with good cheer. Thousands of people from all across the Southern Tier attended the party, and most of them probably had a good time. Perhaps most impressive were the numbers of children, savoring the opportunity to stay up late and make as much noise as they wanted. Many of them enjoyed tapping, banging and clubbing the collection of percussion instruments in front of Binghamton High School, producing a happy cacophony. The outdoor displays, from the colorful lanterns to the bonfire to the fireworks display, were spectacular and the indoor entertainment was captivating.

Everyone involved in this year's First Night production rates applause, and the event deserves continued community support. Many of the First Night musical troupes and artists can be found performing throughout the year. First Night celebrations not have caught on everywhere, but Binghamton's party remains a certified hit. It remains a great way to ring in the New Year. They also made a mark Every year, a number of famous and infamous peo Rule of law is 'ultimate weapon' In response to the capture of Saddam Hussein, Dennis Kucinich Democratic presidential candidate from Ohio) said, "International law must be followed and Saddam Hussein must be held accountable for his actions." I applaud hiscall for renewed adherence to international law.

The rule of law is truly the "ultimate weapon" in the struggle to end terrorism. This is affirmed by the recent court decisions that prisoners or "enemy combatants" must be allowed a lawyer. Without consistent application of law. conflicts are just a question of who has the biggest bomb (or the most tenacious freedom fighters), or the most remote, darkest jails. We will not win the hearts and minds of Iraqis (or others in the Middle East) until international standards of justice are embraced.

The U.S. sacrificed moral authority in some eyes by invading Iraq, a precedent which any rogue nation or terrorist group will happily use as justification in the future. Kucinich has a detailed plan which would bring the rule of law to Iraq, and demonstrate the benefits of being a member of the international community. It deserves more attention. HILTON BAXTER BINGHAMTON Car posed safety risk Where has common sense gone? 1 was driving on Upper Front Street on Dec.

22 when I saw two ladies trying to pull out of a parking lot. They had much while, thick smoke pouring out Seniors have an 'angel' It is always heartwarming when individuals donate goods to the elderly in nursing homes for the holidays. This year however, something very special occurred for the residents of Ideal Senior Living Center. 1 was delightfully surprised when Cheryl Connolly of Johnson City knocked on my door. Cheryl was a stranger to me but soon became a friend.

She had hosted a holiday party and said that over the past few years she requested that her guests bring donations for a variety of charities or nonprofit organizations. This year, she requested they bring stuffed animals for the residents of Ideal. She arrived with a "Santa bag" full of soft, fluffy stuffed animals that will light up the faces and warm the hearts of our residents. 1 am now convinced there is not only a Santa Claus, but a Christmas angel called Cheryl. MARIA M0TSAVAGE BINGHAMTON Meaningful moment On Dec.

23, 1 had the "good misfortune" of a broken-down car in the midst of my holiday shopping. My of the rear of the car. They got out into traffic, and when I stopped at a red light they wound up right next to me. Needless to say, the smoke engulfed all the cars close to theirs. I was hit from behind, and when the smoke cleared the young man and I pulled off the road to check for damages while those ladies drove away, taking the cloud of smoke with them.

I hope everyone else who had the misfortune of being behind them got home safely. And the next time, I hope they stay pulled over and call for help. They could have killed someone. DOROTHEA CRANDALL BINGHAM TON Create smoking shifts at bars A quick compromise is needed on no smoking in bars and restaurants. The state should designate three or I four nights a week for smoking in the I bars.

For the restaurants, they should have a smoking section, but no smok-i ing at all until after 7 p.m. every night. The same for bowling alleys and other i establishments if feasible. I 1'his way, non-smoking employees can work non-smoking shifts if need I be. Of course, variation to this will have i to be made as needed.

JOHN E. VASILCHIK ENDWELL Thankful for clear air I We are glad for the smoking ban. It's 1 much more enjoyable to go to a restau-I rant now, and we like bowline much better. Maybe if smokers would quit they would feel better and have money to purchase that new car they always wanted. 1 WILLAR0 SMITH WINDSOR Cards of Thanks daughter and I pulled into the nearest parking lot, Reliable Auto Sales on Main Street in Binghamton.

The gentlemen there made a potentially stressful holiday event a meaningful holiday moment. They were kind, generous, patient, good humored and helpful. That alone would have been noteworthy, but add to that the fact that all four gentlemen had immigrated to the United States. I felt twice blessed one, they chose to immigrate to Binghamton; and two, they chose to make another person's misfortune a happy memory. I wish them and their families a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

BARBARA MULLEN VESTAL Services comforting On. Nov. 22, 1 awoke to 5 inches of water in my family room. I was in a panic and didn't know whom to call. I called the water department, and the person there must have called the Binghamton Fire Bureau because 1 no sooner hung up the phone and they were at my door.

I had no 'idea they would respond to that type of situation. They pumped THE ONGOING FIXEP COST OF JEFFREYS YeS.ANPWHATA FINE INVESTMENT THAT'S TURNING 0PIUPGLL pressconnects.com Do you plan to cut beef from your diet after mad cow disease was found in the U.S.? Go to the opinion section of www.press-connects.com and cast your vote. Watch for a new question every Wednesday morning at pressconnects. Results of the previous question will be posted online and printed Wednesday morning in the Press Sun-Bulletin. QUESTIONS If you have a comment about items on the opinion pages, call Editorial Page Editor Frank Roessner between 9 a.m.

and 5 m. weekdays at 798-1 1 24. Editorials on this page reflect the opinion of the editorial board of the Press Sun-Bulletin. Columns and letters reflect the views of those writers. the water out, and were very helpful and very courteous.

They told me to call ServPro of Broome County for the cleanup, which responded shortly after the Fire Bureau left and was very professional. It is comforting to know we have such good services in our community. FRAN SARANT0P0UL0S BINGHAMTON Support overwhelming Words cannot express our gratitude for the generosity shown by all family, friends and community at the benefit for James Lavine on Dec. 13. The Lavine family was greatly overwhelmed by the donations given, but mostly by your love and support.

JAMES, BILL AND L0RI LAVINE RICHF0RD Care was 'wonderful' I was recently a patient at Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center's cardiac unit. I want to thank my doctors, the nurses and staff of South and North Tower Three for all the wonderful care I received. DOROTHY 0TTAWAY PORT CRANE in care giving, but also should include an awareness of the costs in providing care, the current issues involved in paying for the cost and the organizational policies that direct nursing care. In addition to the efficient use of available supplies and equipment, research has validated that care provided by registered nurses decreases complications and length of hospitalizations. Establishing the requirements for the education and performance of Professional Nurses is a process that began over a century ago.

It arose from recognition by New York nurses of the need to protect the safety of the public receiving nursing care. "Training" of practitioners required the setting of standards to ensure that anyone hiring out as a nurse could verify he or she was competent in that role. New York state nurses historically are leaders in safeguarding the public trust. In 1901, they successfully influenced the state Legislature to pass the second Nurse Practice Act in the country (North Carolina beat us by one day). In 1972, the Nurse Practice Act was amended to accurately reflect the expansion of the nurses' responsibilities that evolved over the years.

The requirement that a nursing educator be Master's prepared is not just New York law, but also a standard set by the profession. As with any profession, educators must be not only practitioners, but knowledgeable about the theories on which their practice is based and able to pass their knowledge on to students. Lowering the credentialing of nursing instructors would diminish the value of the professional practice of nursing. It is significant to point out nursing educators are often paid equal to or less than the salaries offered to their graduated students as beginning practitioners. This is a deterrent in recruiting accomplished and educated nurses as educators.

I am sympathetic to the frustrations of a potential nurse regarding the length of time involved in accomplishing her education; I am concerned the profession may be losing students due to situations that prevent them from waiting to get into the nursing program. I can only ask that potential students and all current nursing students be assured that nursing is a profession that allows you to enhance people's lives. Education is essential to providing safe, intelligent and committed nurses for the future. The need for nurses is currently not being met, and there are predictions that it will not be met in the future. It is of equal or possibly greater importance that the potential nurses be fully educated to assume their roles in protecting the health of those within their care.

Cotlner, RN, MS, is a Johnson City resident. ple die, as destiny requires of all eventually. Front pages make famous the passings of the famous; it is, after all, a challenge to chronicle the births of the not-yet-famous. Each year also sees the passing of numerous people whose doings and undoings provide windows on the past and markers for the present, putting our ongoing days into comprehensible context. No easy chore today.

Here's a short roll call of 2003's notable passings, not from Page 1: Lloyd Rigler died at 881 a successful entrepreneur (irons, shoes, mushrooms) and then, us sometimes happens, a philanthropist. In 1948, he bought a Santa Barbara restaurant's special seasoning and turned it into Adolph's Meat Tenderizer. Howard Fast, who did not endure slavery but wrote Spariacus anyway, died at 88 of natural causes. A confirmed Communist, he used a brief 1950 imprisonment as inspiration for a book that turned Kirk Douglas into a Roman revolutionary who also died. Walter Pforzheimer, the CIA's first legal counsel and archivist, died at 88.

And so, at age 76, did Rem Krassilnilkov, whom nobody knew, a fact that was no accident. He headed KGB counterintelligence for Russia but was better known as the model for omniscient, mysterious Karla, George Smiley 's nemesis in John le Carre's spy novels. Ivan Getting was an engineer and physicist who helped invent sophisticated airplane and missile-guidance systems and the World War II radar that downed 95 percent of Germany's V-l rockets. Then he invented and successfully guided through critical legislative procedures the ubiquitous Global Positioning System, that army of guidance satellites that delivers airplanes to airports, ships to harbors and your Buick to holiday parties. He navigated to age 91.

During a rare 1950s holiday, a real estatejukebox popcorn-machine broker noticed many families traveling by car. So he changed the roadside face of travel by inventing a clean, bright, affordable motel where children stayed free. Kemmons Wilson named it Holiday Inn and built many before dying at 90. Seattle's Dr. Belding Scribner died at 82, apparently of a heart attack, but not before turning kidney dialysis from theory into a blood-cleansing treatment that's prolonged millions of lives.

Finally, we celebrate with music the 83-year-long life of Wilbur Snapp, the only ballpark organist known to be ejected from a game by an umpire. On June 25, 1985, a young official called a Clearwater Phillies base runner out. Without a word. Snapp, who never learned to read music, commented by playing Three Blind Mice. This is Saturday.

Jan. 3, 2004. On this date: In 1521. Martin Luther was excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. In 2000, the last new daily Peanuts strip by Charles Schulz ran in 2,600 newspapers.

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