Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, December 10, 1993 TAG: 9312140003
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Nowhere did I see Garrison described as ``Embezzler'' Sam Garrison or ``Gay-rights activist'' Sam Garrison.
However, when a conservative Republican candidate is running for office, he automatically catches a label. (Witness your constant referral to Oliver North as Iran-Contra figure Oliver North; or your references to Mike Farris as home- schooling advocate Mike Farris, or right-wing extremist Mike Farris.)
With due regard to the ``fairness doctrine,'' I suggest that, in the future, you use the following labels when you refer to our favorite Democrats:
Bill Clinton - ``Draft dodger, womanizer, homosexual-advocate Bill.'' Al Gore - ``Wacko environmentalist Al.'' Donna Shalala - ``Radical feminist Donna.'' Ted Kennedy - ``Chapaquiddick Ted.'' Charles Robb - ``Cocaine Chuck.'' Don Beyer - ``Can't read or can't tell the truth Don.''
But, alas, since when are the news media supposed to be fair and unbiased? One consoling thought is that whoever the newspaper endorses will probably lose. (Witness the last election when it endorsed every Democrat in sight.)
Just feel free to continue your labeling of conservative Republicans. It just further motivates our troops!
DON ASSAID
ROANOKE
Get busy, entrepreneurs
IN REPLY to Brian McConnell's Nov. 21 commentary (``Chance at good jobs is slipping away'') and Richard B. Talbot's Nov. 28 letter to the editor (``Entrepreneurs and Tech's helping hand'') regarding the Blacksburg Electronic Village:
There's a lot to be said for both of their comments regarding the necessity for marketing and other administrative functions coordinating the efforts of the town of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech and C&P Telephone.
Neither C&P nor Tech has come up with any sort of marketing to attract outsiders to the project. Although it might be a bit early for that sort of thing, planning is always a good beginning, and a solid knowledge of what's going on is imperative.
McConnell's suggestion that the local authorities in Blacksburg should get involved is an excellent one, as are Talbot's remarks that Tech has a solid background and track record with small-business enterprises and, therefore, should make an excellent contributor. An agency or commission - made up of citizens and local-government people already involved with the BEV Project and working with some of the Tech people, who could provide guidance and expertise - would be ideal.
It may be a little premature to expect a large number of industries to form around the BEV Project right now, but it's not out of place to be prepared for promotion to exploit this possibility. Certainly, if the information were made available, small businesses could consider their options earlier.
Of course, a lot of what happens is going to depend on what Blacksburg's citizens and the BEV Project want in the way of services. McConnell mentioned having all appliances wired together and talking to each other. No one's appliances can do that now, nor will they be able to for three or more years, even if they wanted to make the change.
Experience has shown us that small organizations, rather than large corporations, are the basis for economic growth. With computers, digital networks and a backbone electronic highway, the Blacksburg Electronic Village and Southwestern Virginia could become the center of the universe.
Who's to say it won't be in five or 10 years? Here's to Talbot's half-full glass being filled to overflowing. Entrepreneurs, get busy.
DON TERP
ROANOKE
Be aware: Some want pregnancy
IF BETH Macy's purpose in writing the Nov. 18 article, ``Pregnant and proud,'' was to enrage the taxpaying public, she gets an A! She reported the truth, and the truth is scary.
The public needs to be aware that this is the feeling of so many unwed mothers. I even hesitate to use the word ``mother,'' as I think of a mother as being a woman who gives birth to, loves, nurtures and supports (with the help of the father) the child until such time he/she can be independent. The public needs to bring their concerns to their congressional representatives to force change, as the changes are not taking place where they should - home.
I read Janet Claytor's Nov. 23 letter to the editor, ``Youngsters need to keep their pride.'' She says, ``I thought it (the article) would focus on two young women who were asserting themselves in a positive effort after becoming pregnant.'' How quickly she forgot that Shannon was quoted as saying, ``If she (Tasha) was pregnant and I wasn't, I know I'd have to be.'' Ms. Claytor, get real! Shannon set out to get pregnant!
CAROL GROVES
ROANOKE
2nd chance for bypassed counties
THE REGION of Franklin and Henry counties in Virginia and Rockingham County in North Carolina missed out 35 years ago when decisions were made on where to locate interstate highways. The results for this region were the loss of jobs, nowhere for young people to find employment, decrease in our population and little or no economic growth.
Now, we have another opportunity. Linking the metropolitan areas of the Piedmont Triad and the Roanoke Valley through the above-mentioned counties will help communities in these areas, as well as enhance traffic safety.
When we speak of the prospect of attracting new industries to our communities, we need to also consider what should be done to help our existing industries expand. That's why we should support Job Link - the committee trying to bring this interstate to our region. This interstate would assist greatly in the movement of raw materials and finished products from our factories, and give an aid to the competitiveness of our existing industries.
S. JACK WEBSTER JR.
MADISON, N.C.
Afflicting the comfortable
IT TAKES real courage to write the truth, especially the unvarnished truth, about teen pregnancies. Thanks to Beth Macy for making me and lots of people I know very uncomfortable about what some teen-agers are really saying and doing (Nov. 18 article, ``Pregnant and proud'').
It's easier to criticize the bearer of bad news than attack the problem. Ms. Macy has factually presented the way it really is. What are we going to do about it?
BARBARA A. SMITH
ROANOKE
Profit motive behind power line
PRIVATE corporate profit is a component of the high-voltage power-line controversy that Appalachian Power Co. and American Electric Power would prefer not to talk about, but I believe it explains a lot of their concern about the issue.
Apco's obligation to provide reliable electricity can be achieved by alternative approaches. The high-cost, high-profit alternative that it promotes may be in its corporate interest, but it's not in the public interest.
Apco is required by law to provide reliable electric service, with or without its proposed new power line. Upgrading existing facilities and promoting conservation is a reasonable alternative.
Apco and AEP are in the business of selling cheap electricity. It's simply not in their corporate interest to promote less use of their product. Corporate greed shouldn't be mistaken for public need.
RICHARD ETTELSON
WAITEVILLE, W.VA.
A celebration of profits only
I PREFACE my remarks with the following disclaimer: I'm not a religious person.
It seems that Christmas has gotten totally out of hand. Would you please tell me what it's all about? Let me save you the trouble. I'll tell you.
It is commerce, pure and simple. Go to the malls and you see nothing about what's being celebrated. Not a single icon. Nothing.
Reports only mention that some businesses do 40 percent of their yearly gross, which translates into 50 percent of their yearly profits, during the ``holiday'' season.
Executives, whose livelihoods depend not one whit on how poorly they perform, admonish persons of good will not to give to street people who're looking for a handout. It's said that ``they'll only buy alcohol.'' Is drunkenness a character flaw or a social or medical problem? Compassionate people would ask: ``Who cares?'' It's the ``holiday'' season and they should get 40 percent of their handouts and 50 percent, etc.
One day, believers, driving the money changers from the temple will seem like tame stuff. God isn't mocked for whatsoever, etc.
DOUG GRAHAM
SALEM
by CNB