Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 17, 1994 TAG: 9402170259
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A16 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
First, the attitude of doing what it takes to get ahead and make money - the new American dream.
Second, she's a perfect model for the United States of America's new motto: ``It wasn't my fault.'' Poor Tonya grew up with a dysfunctional family, and we all know this fact now exonerates one from any wrongdoing.
Also, she lied after the incident only because she was frightened of those around her. The Menendez brothers have shown us that you're not responsible for actions taken when you're scared.
Finally, she has also indulged in that great American pastime - suing when all else fails. Tonya is a perfect representative of what the United States of America has sunk to.
MARIA THOMPSON LOOS
LYNCHBURG
The 2nd protects against tyranny
I DON'T usually write letters to the editor, but I'm compelled to express an opinion about the Jan. 22 letter to the editor by R. Edward Mitchell entitled ``Second Amendment: insurance policy against tyranny.''
Mitchell has explained the Second Amendment better than anyone I've read. He understands, as did the Constitution's framers, that in a nation like ours elements could arise with the intent of taking over our government. Knowing that the majority of Americans own and know how to handle guns, has, in my opinion, deterred any would-be emperors or military dictators. We've seen coups in other countries where people have no guns.
Thank God for the Second Amendment and for the foresight of men like Jefferson and Franklin. Who knows, perhaps the Second Amendment has already dissuaded someone with ulterior designs on the White House or the Pentagon.
WELTON E. MURPHY
ROANOKE
For letter carriers, it was no holiday
SORRY, Jack Burke (Jan. 25 letter to the editor, ``Mail service, airport took a holiday''), for the inconvenience you experienced Jan. 17-19, but we were all doing the best we could, given the weather conditions forced upon us.
It was no easy task to deliver mail and travel on icy roadways, sidewalks and steps. Every piece of mail capable of being delivered was. In some instances, a letter carrier walked up several ice-covered steps to deposit mail in the mailbox, but the customer wouldn't venture two steps to retrieve it. Several delivery vehicles, including those of other major delivery services, couldn't have possibly reached their destination.
Roanoke Airport wasn't the only one closed. Other airports, including major ones, were closed or with heavy delays, all for the safety of their passengers and employees. We've all seen the tragedies caused by ice on planes, haven't we?
All of my customers received their mail. As a Salem letter carrier, I'd like to express my appreciation to those on my route who cleared their walkways and steps in concern for my safety. Did you know it's the citizen's responsibility to ensure that there's safe and clear access to and from their mailboxes? How was yours, Mr. Burke?
ARTHUR KASSEBAUM
SALEM
Storm confirmed power line's need
LISTENING to local call-in radio shows, I think it's apparent that many have little understanding, or tolerance, of area power companies' efforts to restore power when a major problem occurs. It's like a tree. You have to restore power to the trunk before you can serve the limbs, and the big limbs have to have power before the little limbs can be served. It's unfortunate those whose homes are the little branches and isolated leaves of the system are the last to get power back on, but there's no other way.
We all recall the heated debates over Appalachian Power Co.'s request to build a second major transmission line into our area. Environmentalists were up in arms over proposed routes and the damage to the natural beauty that would occur if the line were built. This area is served primarily by one major transmission line. If high winds had been associated with this latest ice storm and that line had fallen, the entire area would have been without power - not for days but for weeks. The new line they're requesting would provide a backup in the event of a major weather problem like we experienced, or a worse problem.
I wonder if those complaining the loudest at any inconvenience they experienced are the same ones who beat the drums against Apco when it seeks to provide protection against an even worse situation.
SAM LIONBERGER JR.
ROANOKE
A show of love for McComas
VIRGINIA Tech mourns, Blacksburg grieves, and Jim McComas, the right man at the right time, is no more. The spontaneous outpouring of affection and remorse across the campus and throughout the community is remarkable to behold.
During the first two years of the McComas administration, Jim and Adele, his able, charming and dedicated wife, lived in the interim presidential home on Rainbow Ridge Drive while awaiting the restoration of the Grove, the elegant old (1902) presidential mansion on campus. Hence, those of us of the Rainbow Ridge community were privileged to become acquainted with the McComases as friends and neighbors.
Others, especially students, may better cite the qualities and attitudes that he brought to the university, a measure of warmth and humanity that's uncommon in large institutions.
In my half-century of involvement in academia, in varied universities in this country as well as throughout Latin America, Malaysia and Greece, I had occasion to work with countless presidents, chancellors, rectors and a sultan - a diverse lot. Many were respected, some feared and others tolerated. Never have I known one who was as widely loved by students and faculty as was McComas.
He's sorely missed and will be long remembered.
LEONARD J. CURRIE
Professor Emeritus
BLACKSBURG
Garland gives lame defense for North
RAY Garland's Feb. 3 commentary column, ``Don't judge North apart from his context,'' tries to excuse Oliver North's conduct by relying on the most specious of moral arguments. North was a busy man, says Garland. The inference, apparently, is that busy people in positions of high responsibility should somehow be excused from lying under oath, shredding evidence and engaging in all manner of deceit.
Second, says Garland, North was a small ``cog in a vast, cumbersome machine.'' The inference here, apparently, is that we're to place blame not on people who chose to act one way rather than another, but on bureaucratic institutions, which of course have no power to choose at all.
Third, North was really a scapegoat. The inference here is clearer. North's superiors were really the guilty ones, but they made him take the rap. Scapegoats always generate sympathy.
Fourth, the means justify the end: ``A policy no matter how crudely pursued must be judged by the results.'' Such an argument could be, and has been, used to justify any kind of immorality - slavery, for example.
North is a ``viable'' gubernatorial candidate, concludes Garland, ``because he has mobilized the resources required.'' Hitler, we're reminded, mobilized a great deal of resources. If we are to judge North from his context, one wonders why the context for Garland excludes right and wrong behavior.
ROBERT DENHAM
SALEM
Do the animals still matter at SPCA?
IT OCCURS to me that there's a dictatorship at the Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Any action taken must be approved by the board. Why would its members approve of getting rid of themselves? What are their qualifications for this position? I guess the peasants will have to overthrow the present government.
I feel sorry for the animals. No one seems to care about them.
PAM HILL
BEDFORD
Bureaucrats discover crime
CRIME BILL? I keep seeing on television and reading in newspapers that our very undistinguished legislators and very, very undistinguished president want to pass a crime bill.
Evidently I've missed something along the line. What's a crime bill going to do? Make it a crime to commit a crime? Every since I took my first steps, it's been a crime to murder, rob, rape, etc.
Maybe one day I'll wake up, see the light and understand what our bureaucrats are trying to do for us. But I doubt it.
GARY K. SPENCE
CHRISTIANSBURG
by CNB