Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, February 11, 1994 TAG: 9402140317
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
It's all very well to say that black history should be adequately covered in American history. Unfortunately, what most of us have learned as American history is woefully incomplete. The role of blacks in our country's history is often downplayed or forgotten. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to learn about this overlooked facet of our past, and I believe it will be an appropriate part of our calendar as long as there are those, such as myself (and no doubt McNeil, although he won't admit it), who have history to learn.
McNeil also apparently associates energy spent on Black History Month with all manner of ills affecting blacks in the United States. He writes, ``No one's forgotten these inhumanities. It's just that most are too busy trying to better themselves to help their families become a part of the great society.'' It's a strange view that time spent on education and pride in one's heritage hinders economic and social achievement. Perhaps the next time we have a recession, he would prefer that the Fourth of July holiday be canceled. We certainly wouldn't want to waste time thinking about the past when there's work to be done for the future.
SUSAN D. DAY
BLACKSBURG
Justice has failed on both coasts
BEING WELL over 60 years of age, I have reflected many times on a cliche, ``It's the only system we've got.'' This first-degree murder case in California, at least for me, reaches the ultimate in disgust at what's called justice in these supposedly United States. This tragedy of juries in the name of justice is sick, or is it the other way around?
I have a challenge for the Roanoke Times & World-News. Somewhere in your archives, you certainly have facts about the ``Martinsville Seven'': the case of seven black men who, in the early '50s, were tried, convicted and put to death in about six months for the supposed rape, not kidnap or murder, of an acknowledged, known prostitute, yet living.
Regarding the Jan. 29 Associated Press article, ``Mistrial declared for Lyle Menendez'': What's the crime? Shotgun murder of both parents.
Shamefully and sadly, why not remind Virginians that Virginia long ago outdid California tragically in ``justice'' - the only system we've got.
EMORY A. BURKS
ROANOKE
Withhold taxes for all pet peeves?
REGARDING the Feb. 1 letter to the editor by Herb Krebs, ``Abortion shouldn't cost taxpayers'':
I don't care about abortions, but I don't believe in space travel. Why should I and others who don't believe in space travel pay for someone's stupid mentality? Everyone who shares my belief should stop paying taxes and revolt with votes to get those sicko, money-hungry politicians out of office.
I have a friend who feels the same about farm subsidies. He feels that he should stop paying taxes until subsidies are stopped.
WALTER BIBB
ROANOKE
Disney preview needed in Roanoke
VIRGINIA is the right place for Disney's proposed theme park, and Roanoke is the right place for a Disney preview to assist tourists traveling north on Interstate 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Some complain that it will create traffic congestion. But we already have that in Northern Virginia. Denying Disney a place there will not prevent growth in traffic. Development will continue, regardless. The important thing is that we have a proper mix in growth, and something like a theme park is now missing.
Roanoke, being the only major host city to I-81 and the parkway, should have a Disney preview at Center in the Square and at Explore Park. An informative preview would make a Disney visit much more orderly and enjoyable, and it would give tourists one more reason to stop in Roanoke.
JAMES NOONKESTER
BLACKSBURG
Love won't put food on the table
I HAVE to tell John Smiley a few facts (Feb. 2 letter to the editor, ``Money is no substitute for love'').
He said a deadbeat was someone who wouldn't pay debts. If he brings children in the world, f+iit is his debto. He owes them food and clothing. If he doesn't provide for them, he's a deadbeat.
Smiley mentioned love and said if he loves them, he'll want to give them what they need. He said all women wanted was money. If he could tell women how to provide for children without money, I'm sure they'd be glad to do it.
BESSIE CHERRY
ROANOKE
Republicans also on thin ice?
THE JAN. 28 editorial, ``Harding's skating on thin ice,'' implies that this country shouldn't be represented at the Olympics by a person of questionable character. I heartily agree. However, in this democracy, we should let the people make the final decision. This, of course, may be impracticable. So why don't we use a poll, or perhaps a simulated poll?
For example, we can use the Republicans in Virginia. If they select Oliver North, a one-time convicted felon who lied to Congress, as their candidate for senator, we can assume that the character of the person who represents this country's citizens is of no importance, whether it be in the Olympics or in the Senate.
SANFORD GROSS
RADFORD
by CNB