Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 25, 1993 TAG: 9311250364
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A32 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Since 1984, when Hoechst made a few repairs, it has considered itself exempt from federal benzene-emission laws. How could anyone be considered exempt from ensuring that workers are not exposed to a substance that causes blood disorders, leukemia and chromosomal damage?
In 1989, the EPA changed its regulations regarding benzene in the work place to include recycled usage. Why did Hoechst not keep up with the standards?
A long court battle costing millions is going to take place. Why not just shape up the company's standards on benzene, rather than go to court?
It's important to realize that business and the planet can survive together. Hoechst could save itself a lot of money by working this out for the company, the workers and the environment.
TAYLOR L. JONES
ROANOKE
Hard hearts in nation's capital
IN RESPONSE to recent news stories concerning hunger, violent crime and political gamesmanship in this country:
During holidays of giving thanks and remembering our Lord at his birth, we who care are reminded of the less fortunate. By our free-will heart, we can dig in our pockets to help them have a decent holiday, or to put a smile on the face of a child or elderly person. A little of something is better than nothing.
From dedicated and caring members of the news media, we learn of the need and it's an ever-growing problem. What tears at the heart is that a country like ours, with enormous wealth, turns a blind eye to the problem. With 535 members of Congress and a supposedly caring president, we still have this stop-go back- sideways kind of attitude that's severely ruining this country.
There are hideous crimes, not only by adults. More shocking, there are kids as young as 9 years old murdering someone because of boredom, for a thrill or for money. What a very sad time in this nation's history when values, honor, hard work and earning one's way through life is a joke to some. Some demand respect, but if you don't respect yourself, how in the sam hill do you expect respect from others?
This country is in bad shape, and it's getting worse. The abuse of wives and children is rising to new levels. Parents and kids are killing one another. And the notion is that to get ahead in life one has to lie, cheat and steal. That's sick.
Politicians are hard and have a see-nothing-know nothing attitude. When the good Lord passed out brains, he bypassed Washington. May God help us all.
MITCHELL ROBINSON
GALAX
Welfare lifestyle is now accepted
I READ the Nov. 18 ``Pregnant and proud'' article by staff writer Beth Macy regarding the two teen-age girls. Just knowing that my tax dollars are going to subsidize, support and uphold this irresponsible, immoral way of life makes me livid.
Now that basic morals expressed in the Bible are no longer allowed to be taught in the schools, but have been replaced by our liberal educators and social planners with sex education, birth control and tax-supported ``womb to the tomb'' health care, the logic these teen-age girls express should surprise no one.
What actually concerns me most about the situation, as described in the article, is the fact that this lifestyle has become an acceptable alternative for our teen-agers.
Our new governor-elect has expressed a sincere desire to break this endless chain of welfare dependency. Let's all pray for his success in this endeavor.
JOYCE S. SIMMONS
ROANOKE
Talking road is an absurd idea
THE TRANSPORTATION Board of Virginia is, if anything, a little slow to act on projects that are necessary. Recently though, it headed out of the gate at a gallop on a project that holds very little benefit for Virginians.
The proposed U.S. 58 ``talking highway'' is an absurd idea. A narrative of the ``natural resources and historic highlights'' along the entire stretch of this road is completely unnecessary. It will not lure more tourists into the area. The proposed cost: $491,000.
According to Connie Gendron of the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the idea is to convince motorists that U.S. 58 is the ``highway of choice through Virginia.'' I invite all who read this to pick any 100-mile stretch of this road and take a leisurely drive on it one Sunday. It's hardly a highway of choice, whether it talks to you or not.
Nominations are being accepted for the ``Voice of Virginia'' - someone who'll tell all these new-found tourists all these wonderful things. Among those mentioned for the position are Willard Scott, Roy Clark and Alan Alda. How much will be spent to pay for such a name? Is that included in the proposed cost?
Why doesn't the transportation board take the money it plans to spend and improve some of the road's conditions? Make it four-lane, end to end; resurface it; build bypasses around some congested areas.
If it must use some of the money to attract tourists, put up public-interest signs. After all, the idea is to get tourists to stop and visit, not just notice how quaint the area is as they pass through!
Better yet, take that half a million dollars and put it into local history departments in our schools. Then you can listen to a running narrative coming from your back seat as your children surprise you with their knowledge of the area.
J. MICHAEL WELCH
ROANOKE
by CNB