THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, February 6, 1997            TAG: 9702060003
SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A16  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                            LENGTH:   18 lines

GET A BALANCE

With all the hoopla about the words of ``Carry Me Back To Ole Virginny'' and the sensibilities of one particular group, I would suggest a sense of balance.

As a Jew, I am offended by certain words in two esteemed classical works, Handel's ``Messiah'' and Bach's ``St. Matthew Passion.'' What shall be done about those?

Incidentally, my ancestors were slaves, too, and while we make a point of not forgetting it, life goes on.

ELEANOR KANTER

Portsmouth, Jan. 30, 1997