Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 15, 1994 TAG: 9401170225
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
For years, this debate has played a major part in Virginia's politics. On one side are advocates of notifying parents if their children wish to end an unwanted pregnancy. Others contend it's the right of the child (anyone under the age of 18 is still by law considered a child) to make her own choice regarding termination.
Currently, Virginia law prohibits purchasing alcoholic beverages until age 21. Scientific findings confirm that younger individuals using alcohol become impaired faster and at a greater degree than adults, face a greater chance of becoming addicted faster and an elevated possibility of alcohol-related physical problems. This is not to mention highway deaths attributed to teen-age drinking. Another Virginia law mandates an individual be 18 years old before purchasing tobacco items.
I agree with both of the above and am proud that Virginia is among those states that consider their young people precious commodities and are seeking to preserve their health and well-being.
My daughter has a 17-year-old friend who went to have her ears pierced for the second time. The shop owner declined to pierce her ears, stating that she needed her parents' permission. On another occasion, school officials refused to give my child an aspirin without my consent. I'm glad for both of these restrictions as well.
In view of the above limitations for our children's protection, does it seem reasonable that the choice to terminate a pregnancy should rest on the shoulders of any young lady under the age of 18? This goes far beyond freedom of choice. Not only does this decision affect the teen-ager's mental health for the rest of her life, it affects the living fetus inside her. In a decision of this magnitude, a parent or other responsible adult needs to be consulted.
I'd ask Virginia's General Assembly members to use common sense when this issue is presented. Does it make sense that no one under 18 is able to have their ears pierced without parental notification, but can terminate a pregnancy?
The issue of parental notification is not one of freedom of choice for our teen-agers, but that which is best for them. Teen-agers need more family involvement in their lives, not less. Parents can and do make a difference!
TEENA TRENT
ROANOKE
Think future when planting trees
CONGRATULATIONS to the Roanoke Times & World-News on a fine editorial outlining the benefits of trees to Roanoke (``Healthy trees for a healthy city,'' Dec. 30). The impact trees have on the environment, aesthetics and economics is important, and the benefits were well-stated in the editorial.
However, one aspect that tree planters in the city should keep in mind is that in the urban environment, there's often strong competition for space. Buildings, utilities, roads, property lines, etc., all must often coexist in close proximity to one another.
Therefore, property owners should plan their efforts to avoid planting a tree in too small an area or where it must compete for use of the space. They should keep in mind that the small sapling will grow into a fairly large tree within a relatively short time. Tree planters are encouraged to look up to make sure the tree will not grow into utility lines. This would cause inconvenience when the tree has to be trimmed periodically to maintain electric service. They also should make sure that there are no underground utility lines before digging. Planters should keep in mind that the tree will not only grow up, but will also grow out laterally. For that reason, trees shouldn't be placed too close to driveways, houses, property lines or other areas where they can cause problems as they mature.
Dogwoods, crab apples, redbuds and other low-growing trees are recommended for planting under power lines because they will not normally grow to a height that will threaten electric service, but they'll still provide the many benefits of trees as described in your editorial. The same philosophy applies to other areas in the urban environment.
Thank you for your interest in maintaining and increasing the number of healthy trees in Roanoke.
H. LYNN GRAYSON
Forestry Superintendent
Appalachian Power Co.
ROANOKE
Is there a hero within us all?
IN THIS WORLD where reality and fantasy may seem to converge, a catalyst to this coming together may be the hero!
Heroes are created, a wise man once said, when considerable determination to become one's self is realized. In consideration of our heroes is a revealing image of a world we may have little firsthand knowledge of. In discovery of heroes' unique qualities, we become as one, in appreciation of that joy, if ever so briefly.
The hero, in the end, though, may only show what's possible, what's first rate. The possibility of realizing these qualities and possibilities in ourselves will not come through indulging in imitation or envy! Ultimately, what we come to know of our own unique qualities will be in understanding that heroes may not be models!
Children can learn by heroes' examples, however, and parents can be a major heroic example of good in their children's lives. Know that children will be more when parents take time to be more themselves and then share that wonder with their children!
In daily living may come a kind of phantom quilt; a fear without reason! This anxiety may be in part from our own failure of discovering and then living up to our own heroic potential!
Sometimes the notion of being created equal may be confused with a kind of need to be the same. Equal in the better sense may be the idea of being unique. The hero within us knows this and in this realization will follow the whisper of the inner voice. In this revelation of ourselves, could it be that the hero we seek is quite possibly within us all?
ERIK ANDERSON
MARTINSVILLE
by CNB