Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, February 14, 1994 TAG: 9402150027
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I've heard him speak in person and on television, and have talked to him in person. I am convinced that he's a good Christian man and also a patriot who served his country with valor - the kind of person I'd want to represent me in Congress.
The principal thing against him seems to be that once he lied to Congress about the Iran-Contra affair. I'm a Christian and believe that God hates lying. It's a sin. But who of us is free from sin? There are times when lying is the lesser of two evils. If telling a lie would prevent a person, a friend, from being badly hurt or killed, would you lie? I feel that North was under pressure before Congress. He was only a lieutenant colonel and was trying to protect his superiors, whose orders he had carried out. How many congressmen do you suppose have never told a lie?
Another objection made to North's running for the Senate is that he's new to government and wouldn't fit in well in the Senate. But that's one reason why I'd want to vote for him. We already have too many good ol' boys up there who fall right in with the majority and vote what the lobbyists want. I want a man who knows what's right and is patriotic enough to vote accordingly.
FRANCIS C. GILKESON
FAIRFIELD
Trout's a good idea man for city
I'M PLEASED that Jim Trout is running for the Democratic nomination for City Council on March 1. We need someone of his caliber and ability to develop and implement ideas, as he so often has in the past.
Since I reside in Old Southwest, I was pleased with his idea to widen Franklin Road into a boulevard to downtown Roanoke. This makes the entrance to Old Southwest very attractive.
Trout's leadership and chairmanship of the city's economic program has meant so much to the creation of jobs and economic growth for all citizens.
Get to the polls and vote in the March 1 primary. Your presence will encourage others, and what a privilege it is for us to vote.
MARGARET A. HIGH
ROANOKE
Misunderstanding over proxy vote
I'M WRITING to clear up any misunderstanding about the improperly submitted proxy from Lee Fitzgerald for the recent Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals election (Jan. 27 letter to the editor by Waine Tomlinson, ``Protesters aren't wild-eyed extremists'').
Ms. Fitzgerald sent the proxy, to be handed in at the meeting by me. As I sat through the proceedings, I became aware that, to be counted, the proxies must have been submitted five days before the election. At that point, I saw no reason to hand it to those collecting ballots.
She didn't lie about submitting a proxy. She entrusted it to me to submit. I didn't hand it in since I knew it to be invalid. I simply told Ms. Fitzgerald that the proxy couldn't be counted as the proper procedure hadn't been carried out.
I apologize for causing her credibility to be questioned, as I've known and respected her for more than 20 years. I have firsthand knowledge of the countless hours of behind-the-scenes work she's done promoting animal welfare and people's rights to responsibly own the pet of their choice.
MARY KEITH WELCH
ROANOKE
Money talks louder than Limbaugh
CONGRATULATIONS to the Steak and Ale chain that recently closed Rush Rooms in all of its 158 restaurants. I'm sure that other companies will follow suit.
Customers are letting it be known that the steady stream of garbage that flows so freely from Rush Limbaugh's motor mouth doesn't mix very well with a good meal. And those in the restaurant business will, in the end, honor their patrons' wishes and dollars and reject the proud Limbaugh.
I've been around a good many years and have learned some things. One is that not many sounds are so sweet to the ears of a businessman as the ring of the cash register. Money talks, and it talks even more loudly than Limbaugh. His star is losing some of its brightness.
LLOYD MATHEWS
PULASKI
Past tax policy wasn't unfair
IN REGARD to the past exemption of Virginia state employees' pensions from state income taxes:
As a retired federal employee, I think this was done merely as a part of their benefit package, and I don't feel all that unfairly victimized by it.
RALPH BRUMFIELD
BLUE RIDGE
by CNB