Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, September 13, 1993 TAG: 9310280323
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Norfolk has a variety of condos, lofts, townhouses and apartments in the downtown area whose residents are helping to bring its downtown back to life.
As a proud, new owner of a loft in a renovated downtown warehouse, I walk everywhere - to work, museums, dinner, the YMCA. Often, I won't move my car for a week, and I couldn't be happier!
KITTY WOMACK
NORFOLK
Await the verdict on Jackson
MANY are shocked and outraged at learning of the accusation of sexual misconduct by one of America's most extraordinary entertainers. We have heard great outcries of denial and charges of extortion by the alleged victim's father. Many refuse to accept the possibility that a person we look up to, admire and revere could be guilty of moral impropriety. How dare we smash this great icon of our society and our dreams.
In September 1991, some in the black community refused to accept that Clarence Thomas could have been guilty of sexual harassment. Many would prefer to see an African-American on the court than address the possible humiliation and victimization of a black woman.
A person, in our justice system, is believed to be innocent until proved guilty. This must be our attitude for Michael Jackson. However, if he does have a problem, not only his image and best interest should be our concern, but the care and support of the victim must also have priority. For millions of Roman Catholics, the idea that a Catholic priest could be guilty of sexual misconduct is unthinkable. But we know many have been found guilty of sexual molestation of children. Priests are people (like entertainers) who are fallable and are struggling in the throws of everyday human life.
We must remove blinders from our eyes and admit that at times the emperor is indeed naked! We must develop a self-critical faculty. Let's hope that Jackson is innocent and that the children entrusted to him have generously been blessed and benefitted from his musical genius. But, if he is the victim of a psychological disfunction, we owe it to him as loyal fans to advocate that he avail himself of existing professional resources to free himself from this pain!
REV. JOHN D. BODDIE
ROANOKE
Why criticize Allen's principles?
THE MEDIA seem desperate to latch onto anything they can blow out of proportion, if it disparages conservatives. The recent ploy of Mary Sue Terry's campaign against George Allen - because he is a family man - is nothing short of ludicrous.
Even if this had started with Allen, it seems perfectly natural to include a wife and children in some of his publicity pictures. He should be admired for the wholesome standards he upholds, rather than criticized for embracing the very foundational principles held by great leaders of the past that made our country strong.
When the Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Allen instead of Terry, it was announced in bold headlines, but whose eye-catching picture was predominant in the article? Mary Sue Terry's!
If the polls continue to rise in Allen's favor, perhaps it means Virginians are getting wise to inefficiency and evasion. I hope we will opt for a refreshing change in the next election for governor.
MILDRED SADLER
SALEM
Roanokers' fear of not flying
UPON ARRIVAL at Dulles Airport recently, it was announced that the Roanoke flight would be delayed two hours. After a long flight from San Francisco, I was looking forward to getting home in a matter of minutes. No reason was given for the delay; weather conditions were good. We endured a tiresome, frustrating time sitting at the boarding area. The hour was getting late and little children were crying and fussing. Some time ago, we had a similar experience when we found ourselves in Charlotte waiting, due to a schedule change.
The big advantages of flying, speed and convenience are compromised when these delays occur. It seems that flights to and from Roanoke have more than their share of these occurrences. I'm not a frequent flier but my son is, and he says that this happens all too often.
If I were a businessman looking for a location in Roanoke and was aware of this disadvantage, I would certainly take it into consideration.
Having been about completely inconvenienced by railroad and bus travel, surely Roanoke deserves better from the airline industry.
THOMAS PATTERSON
ROANOKE
Turning off TV customers
IT IRRITATES me to see this continuing farce going on between WDBJ and Cox Cable. WDBJ is asking 57 cents of our monthly cable bill.
I talked to people at the cable company and they say it's not their decision whether to eliminate WDBJ. After looking at other amounts charged for showing their stations, it seems as though 57 cents is a bit much for WDBJ to receive.
WDBJ is my favorite station, so I will have to get rabbit ears to continue watching it. Why can't these two companies get together and try to think of the public just one time, especially retirees who are on limited funds.
RANDY E. PRILLAMAN
ROANOKE
by CNB