Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 9, 1995 TAG: 9505100033
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The main subject of your April 27 editorial (``The rising cost of a sheriff's badge'') was the money. You did say that fund raising is ``neither untoward nor inexplicable,'' but you go on to imply that only a national pool of candidates would qualify to serve the citizens in an appointed police-chief system.
This is to suggest that Bedford residents would be willing to raise their taxes to employ a police department and an appointed chief of police, and that local law-enforcement talent isn't up to the task of policing a complicated locality.
Since the first is most likely not going to be appetizing to a majority of county taxpayers, I'd like to take you to task on your suggestion that ``the ability to win election as sheriff inevitably comes to depend less on person-to-person powers of persuasion than on expertise at conducting sophisticated political campaigns.''
What you call ``sophisticated'' is no more than simply raising sufficient money from local supporters to purchase a few bumper stickers, signs and brochures to make sure a majority of voters have enough information to make the right choice. This is just plain old traditional campaigning.
The people understand that an average citizen isn't wealthy enough to personally finance a campaign for office in a county as large and diverse as Bedford. Raising local money isn't only a legitimate campaign activity; it's also a way for citizens to show their support for a strong and viable candidate.
Your suggestion that by raising money a candidate shows more expertise in campaigning than in being a good sheriff is nonsense. It's also nonsense to suggest that campaign expenses somehow replace person-to-person persuasion. In Bedford County, this simply isn't the case now, nor will it be in the foreseeable future.
HARRY REED
Campaign Director
Doug Maynard for Sheriff Campaign
BEDFORD
Trading on hate of the president
I'M THANKFUL we have Bill Clinton for president. He's the most caring, compassionate, sincere president we've ever had. He tries so hard to help the needy, elderly and middle-class working people.
Clinton gave the most overwhelming speech recently at the memorial service in the Oklahoma City Arena. He spoke of hatemongers, and here are four who fit that category:
The Rev. Jerry Falwell. He has a cardboard picture of Clinton and the first lady, which he uses as a mockery. He has made fun of Clinton carrying a Bible to church. Falwell has books and tapes accusing the president of murder. He sells this garbage to make money. I'm positive our Lord wouldn't condone Falwell's actions. He needs to get forgiveness, and become saved.
Rush Limbaugh. Whoever told Limbaugh that he was funny - mocking and telling jokes about our president? He's very un-American, and needs a job that would suit his terrible attitude!
Dan Quayle. He displays hate and jealousy toward the Clintons. What a way to teach children! He needs a lesson in true family values.
Sen. Bob Dole. Dole goes around the country with his mudslinging attitude toward Clinton. We'll be in deep trouble if he becomes president.
Americans need to think before they vote in 1996.
JEAN M. PHILLIPS
ROANOKE
With medicinal help, the honor roll.
IN RESPONSE to Shirley Taylor Surratt's April 27 letter to the editor, ``A pill won't solve all of a kid's problems'':
Attention Deficit Disorder isn't caused by parents ignoring their children. ADD is a brain disorder.
Thankfully, our daughter has a wonderful teacher who alerted us that there might be a problem. Our neurologist spent quite some time examining her.
Since she has been on medicine, she went from incomplete work to the honor roll. Yes, this medication must be closely monitored, and taken at school only.
At home, we do homework that should take 30 minutes to complete, but takes her two hours with our help. It's very frustrating.
We both work, but please don't judge somebody unless you have walked in their shoes.
MARLENE and JAMES ST. CLAIR
ROANOKE
Casting blame is no solution
A CHURCH burns. Tragic! The fire hydrant is blamed. Blame, blame, blame.
I retired several years ago, and then it was blame first and solve the problem later. Make sure someone or something was blamed.
It's still blame, blame, blame! How about solving some of the problems without blaming someone or something?
OTIS CALDWELL
BEDFORD
Guidance through rites of passage
THIS is an exciting time of the year - proms, graduations, end of the school year and summer recreation. For others, thought goes toward which university to attend, and how to deal with sadness associated with separating from friends of many years.
Parents celebrate as well. We see our children mature and develop into fine men and women. While this is an exciting part of life, it's not without its fair share of anxieties.
Our children's opportunities are enormous today. Not a day goes by without a new discovery that can benefit them. However, they're exposed to greater temptations and pressures than children of other generations. Whatever their age, they still need our guidance and consultation.
In recent years, we've seen a reduction in drunken-driving cases, and injuries and deaths related to these offenses. Sadly, though, there's not been a proportionate reduction in teen-agers' involvement with alcohol.
Parents and students inquire whether designated drivers for students on prom night or unsupervised parties are acceptable. A Roanoke area youth's death at an unsupervised party underscores the severity and urgency of substance-use problems our community faces.
We're also struck by the inherent discrepancy: We preach to our children during the school year, only to support - under the guise that it's a necessary ritual - a ``beach week'' where the goal often is to abuse alcohol, sex and others' property.
We should have rituals and rites of passage into adulthood, but they shouldn't be harmful.
Such situations raise questions as to what's important for our youth, and their continued need for guidance.
If we value our beliefs and our children, then we should take a stand with spouses, peers, fellow parents and school administrators. Having integrity means being willing to walk the talk, not just talk the walk.
While schools cannot dictate how children are raised, they are valuable members of a team that is responsible for providing guidance.
Share your opinions and perspectives with your peers, your children's teachers and other significant adults. When we work as a community, then our youth's needs can best be served.
ROB LANAHAN
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
DAVID C. BROWN
Associate Rector, St. John's Episcopal Church
ROANOKE
Finger-pointing is a juvenile response
PRESIDENT Clinton and all talk-show hosts should stop pointing fingers and blaming each other for the bombing in Oklahoma City. We've heard enough of their juvenile accusations!
The terrorists are responsible for their own actions, and their own ideas. They will be held accountable. No one ``made'' them do this horrible deed.
All of us should be held accountable for our own actions. No more blaming others, and no more excusing criminals from a just and swift punishment.
Let's focus on helping, healing and honoring those in Oklahoma City.
MARIAN HORNE
ROANOKE
by CNB