Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 22, 1994 TAG: 9402220225
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
If you don't like Robb but then don't participate in the Democratic primary, you haven't done f+ianythingo toward determining the Democrats' candidate.
Likewise, if you don't like North but then don't participate in the Republican convention, you haven't done anything toward determining the GOP candidate.
To my definite knowledge, neither party prohibits citizens from participating in the selection processes. It simply takes some effort on the citizen's part. To put it plainly: If you don't get involved in the selection process, don't bellyache about who the candidates are.
There's plenty of time left for concerned citizens to have a positive effect on who's nominated in both parties. For those who have such strong feelings against both North and Robb, I respectfully suggest they participate in the Republican convention and also vote in the Democratic primary. That's the ultimate in grass-roots politics!
STAN REAS
MONETA
Feigned support for Republican Miller
IN RESPONSE to your Feb. 1 editorial on Lt. Col. Oliver North entitled ``The celebrity candidate'':
Apparently trying in vain to come up with something substantive to meet a last-minute deadline, you drew an utterly ridiculous analogy between North and, for crying out loud, Lorena Bobbitt. You're trying to paint him as a tabloid-type figure, but it won't work. It just proves that he's got you liberals scared - so scared that you had the unmitigated gall in your editorial to actually feign support for his GOP opponent, Jim Miller. Do you expect people to believe that yours was a thoughtful insight as to whom to support for the Virginia GOP Senate nomination?
You tried to sound credible by quoting the likes of Sen. John Warner, who's against North. You stated that Miller ``has the issues down pat'' - as if you agreed with his stances on them. You had the insolence to declare Miller the better candidate because he ``is a true conservative.'' Who are you to judge a true conservative anyway?
You're not going to get away with it, you sly dog, you liberal wolf in sheep's clothing. Miller supporters, please don't fall for that editorial's half-wit support of him. Rest assured that if Miller does win the nomination (and more power to him if he does), the very pen that so meagerly endorsed him over North will turn right around and stab him in the back.
JOE BOWMAN
FLOYD
Absent parents are still responsible
THIS IS my first time to write a letter to the editor, but I couldn't let John Smiley's Feb. 2 letter, ``Money is no substitute for love,'' go unanswered.
As a divorced father, I take offense at the common implication that because I choose not to live with my children's mother that I'm less than equal as a parent. As one who pays his child support on time, makes the effort necessary to see his children and provide a home atmosphere, I applaud efforts to collect child support from those who are unwilling to pay. Contrary to his belief, I view paying child support, along with love, spiritual growth, quality-time spent and discipline, as an expression of responsible parenting.
It's always been my position that anyone who refuses to take care of his or her children is less than human. Paying child support doesn't make a man a better father any more than having children makes a woman a good mother. But when absent parents refuse to make support payments, what else can they be considered but deadbeats?
Until some changes in current law are made to give a divorced parent more control over how child support is spent, we'll have to live with unfair situations. The bottom line is when you're responsible for bringing a child into the world, you're charged not only with financial obligations but many others as well.
TERRY L. ST.CLAIR
ROANOKE
A man of many accomplishments
WE NEED City Council members who have experience and ideas to help in the development of Roanoke with the interests of the citizens at heart. We feel that Jim Trout meets these requirements.
He's a friend to business and citizens of all ages. As a city councilman, he was the driving force behind the Jefferson Street bridge at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, construction of the U.S. 460 firehouse, expansion/renovation of Oakland School, and construction of homes for senior citizens, such as Melrose Towers and Morningside Manor. This is but a sample of his achievements.
His conviction and dedication to a greater quality of life means education, economic development and safety for all.
We encourage you to go to the polls March 1 and support our good friend and fellow Christian, Jim Trout.
LEWIS and JANET BARNETT
ROANOKE
The hard work was appreciated
THANKS to all those people who worked so diligently to restore power to those of us who were without. I'd also like to thank the highway department for clearing out fallen trees and plowing roads. And for those who complained about power workers taking a break to eat or take a rest, may it rain on your picnic this summer.
CHARLIE LEFTWICH
ELLISTON
Out of power and out of contact
THE SUN is up now, so it's possible to write this letter. The electricity has been off six days. I'd like to compliment those working in the field to restore power service. They work under terrible conditions and for long hours. Thanks!
But the power-company management thinks and operates like the typical monopoly: It gives out only information it wishes. Customers dependent on the service aren't only cut off from electric power, but have no idea when they can expect its return. The frustration built up when callers get a busy signal or the message, ``All circuits are busy,'' doesn't make waiting easier. We've had two contacts by phone with Appalachian Power Co. in six days!
Why is it not possible for the power company to provide some public-relations information to customers during emergencies? We don't expect schedules for the return of power, but do feel some information is deserved. Apco's emergency plans should include more than simply repairing lines. It should include some means of informing customers of the status of repairs.
HARRY W. GROOT JR.
HIWASSEE
A snack and nap well deserved
IN RESPONSE to ``somebody'' who called the city to complain about seeing Appalachian Power Co. crews eating and napping when they should be working:
Shame on you! Would you work 38 hours straight f+iwithout a breako to restore power to people? I think not.
Granted, it was an inconvenience to most and a hardship on others, but under the circumstances, Apco has gone above and beyond the call of duty to restore power as quickly as humanly possible. It would be a refreshing change to think of how fortunate we are, instead of complaining and always putting oneself ahead of anyone else.
TERESA LEE
TROUTVILLE
John Edwards leads the pack
ROANOKE city Democrats and Republicans have attracted fine ladies and gentlemen to offer their talents and services to Roanoke City Council. We're fortunate to have choices.
The Democratic candidate, John Edwards, leads the pack in knowledge, experience, previous public service and hard work. His insight of local problems, vision for future growth and improvements in our valley and appeal for f+iallo Roanokers to become involved in problem-solving make him the leader in the City Council race.
Let's all get involved and get out March 1 to vote for Edwards.
MARJORIE SMITHEY
ROANOKE
Clinton forgets 2,238 MIAs
AS AN ex-Marine and combat veteran of Vietnam, I'd like to thank Bill Clinton, our draft-dodging, liberal commander in chief, for lifting the trade embargo against Vietnam. All this for the sake of big business, politics and the almighty dollar.
We were damned when we went over there and damned when we came back. Now Clinton damns 2,238 missing in action who'll never come back.
MICHAEL W. PHILLIPS
VINTON
by CNB