Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 15, 1995 TAG: 9501160024
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
First, let it be understood that I have never been particularly interested in politics. It is not that I have contempt for the political process or government. The rhetoric of multimillionaires trying to speak about the needs of the underprivileged and disadvantaged citizens, I find more than a little distasteful.
It has recently been suggested that the government coffers are not a bottomless pit for every pet project in the country. Surprise, surprise! Too long, it seems, there have been those even in "university" who thought federal (and state) funding would never go dry. They remind me of industrialists who thought it was possible to remain competitive with Japan and Germany with the equipment and techniques of the '40s and '50s. They may also be related to those who think the misery of the world would be remedied by having everyone connect to Internet or drive on a "smart" road. These folks are those who stockpile staplers, note pads, and other office supplies, because "if we don't spend it this year, it won't be in the budget next year."
Most recently, the politicians have said they believe we grass-roots types ought to do for ourselves what we were paying them to do (however poorly). What a novel idea. Now we should plan for our own retirements, help the hungry and homeless locally, personalize welfare, not dehumanize it. We should let the market determine the validity of research projects, and let the universities return to their original purpose of enlightenment, rather than being job training centers and parking lots for Mercedes and Jaguar automobiles. (I haven't seen any Bentleys and Lamborghinis in Blacksburg yet.)
Since we would no longer be expecting the government to civilize and spiritualize our children, the churches and synagogues would experience a revitalization, membership would swell sharply, and their original purpose would be reclaimed.
And then, with everyone feeling so good about their newfound independence and personal value, the arts would flourish in all levels of society, our desensitized power-ranger world become more human, and Dorothy could go home to Kansas again. Such dreaming will strongly sustain this enterprise in the future - it always has in the past.
James R. Bryant
Blacksburg
Focus on Blacksburg's needs
When I see the father and son statue in front of Blacksburg's Municipal Building on South Main Street in Blacksburg, I think it would be a good idea to change the names to Roger and Ron.
Projects the town should do are: Paint the guard wire on the bridge on Glade Road over the bypass an aluminum color. Resurface South Main Street from Ellett Road to Yellow Sulphur Road - if you can get over the raised stone in the middle of the road. Lay water lines and sewer lines in all areas of town where they are needed. We need businesses back in Blacksburg and a lot of other needs too numerous to list.
M.D. Smith
BLACKSBURG
Allen's plans will hurt education
I cannot believe that the governor's budget plans, if allowed to proceed, would be good for Virginia. State colleges and universities have already taken a number of hits during the four years of recession. I know of some departments at our local universities that have zero funds for the rest of the academic year. The budget slashing proposed for Virginia Tech and Radford University would be devastating. They have already made the cuts and restructuring required by the state. Lack of support now, when the economy is improving, is nothing less than a betrayal.
I am also opposed to the further attack on education through reduced support for public TV and public radio. These programs reach and help educate many people without being influenced by commercialism. Unfortunately, the combined effect of Gov. Allen's action is to create a climate hostile to higher education.
Millie F. Green
Radford
Permanent gallery would be asset
The art students at Christiansburg Middle School recently visited the Gallery of Local Artists in Christiansburg. They left with the hopes of a permanent gallery. I think it would be very positive to have an art gallery in our area for those who enjoy a variety of art to visit often. An art gallery inspires young artists. Knowing that there would be a place to display their artwork in the future, young artists could more actively express their talents.
Yvonne Shelton
Christiansburg
Gallery was welcome addition
The Gallery of Local Artists certainly was a welcome addition to downtown Christiansburg this holiday season. Its light shone brightly for the talents displayed there, as well as for those of us who visited the gallery.
I would hope that this showcase would become a permanent fixture in our town.
Jennifer Clark
Christiansburg
by CNB