Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 23, 1994 TAG: 9409240010
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I'm a heterosexual married woman. However, I'm in support of the diversity that makes this country as great as it is. To me, the billboard isn't an offensive sight as I pass it daily going to work.
However, the other day was different. In their blatant ignorance, protesters had taken it upon themselves not only to deface property and show their stupidity, but to threaten and degrade an entire group of people. ``Kill fags'' was written in black spray paint in the middle of this wonderful rainbow.
As a heterosexual, I apologize to the gay and lesbian community for the ignorance portrayed. And to the person or persons who did this low-mentality act, please go back to kindergarten, get an education. Then maybe you can mainstream with the rest of us in society.
HEATHER B. SPIVA ROANOKE
Be wary of North's record and rhetoric
IN MY view, the Oliver North bandwagon in this state is a little hard to understand.
North says he plans to trim the deficit and to raise defense spending simultaneously. He proposes to cut National Endowment for the Arts funding, and eliminate congressional perks. Chuck Robb is probably right saying this solution would save pennies at best. Whence the funds for increased defense spending? Or is North not serious about the debt crisis?
If North intends to fight crime, how can he oppose the ban on assault weapons? We've all been sickened by stories of children caught in the spray fire of these weapons. Why does he side with the National Rifle Association and, apparently, against the helpless victims of crime?
Who from out of state is funding North? What Virginia interests are these contributors promoting? I didn't invite out-of-state wealth to elect candidates for me.
What was North's part in the Lebanese hostage crisis? Is it true that his maneuvers and mistakes may have caused the capture of negotiator Terry Waite?
Hard answers are missing, and platitudes abound in North's public comments. The Virginia electorate should be wary of him.
THOMAS C. KIRKWOOD ROANOKE
America's own denied help
I FEEL for the people who live in countries under oppression and dictators. They're fleeing for their lives, and being killed by the thousands.
What I can't understand is why this country has to always take them in. A Bosnian moves here, is given a place to live, a job, etc. Our own people are looking for jobs, and can't find one. And what about our homeless, now that winter is coming?
Now, our servicemen's families are being made to leave Guantanamo Bay to make room for more Cubans and Haitians. They'll be clothed and fed.
Will someone please explain to me why all the unfairness to our own country and our people?
IRENE GROVES ROANOKE
Population control, a grass-roots issue
THANKS FOR the Sept. 4 Associated Press article concerning the International Conference on Population and Development (``Where are we going to put us?''). High fertility rates pose a threat to the well-being of generations to come. I laud the work of participating governments that have devoted immeasurable time, energy and money to this important issue. However, overpopulation is a concern that must initially be addressed on a local scale.
The resolution passed in Cairo will have no real effect on overpopulation in underdeveloped nations until these countries' leaders encourage family-planning programs, contraceptive use, widespread education of women, and overall economic development at the grass-roots level.
KATHERINE F. deROSSET CHRISTIANSBURG
Neighborhood, and colorblind, schools
REGARDING the Sept. 7 news article entitled, ``Is school too full or too black?'':
After reading the article, I became angry because I think if a child lives in the district, that child should be able to attend school there.
By the way, I'm white, and this isn't racial.
CYNTHIA GRAY SALEM
by CNB