
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 13, 1994                   TAG: 9404140010
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PENALIZING |

REGARDING the March 30 news article on the decision of our esteemed legislators to reduce the $150,000 in scholarship funds for the Virginia Scholars program, the purpose of which is to keep our brightest students at Virginia colleges and universities (``Virginia Scholars? Not this time'' by staff writer Joel Turner):

It seems our values are somewhat distorted.

Our elected representatives continue to allocate thousands of dollars for teen-pregnancy programs with results that are negligible. In addition, hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent for delinquency-prevention programs affiliated with the Department of Youth and Family Services, with results that are questionable at best.

Thank you, Mr. Legislator, for reducing money designated for responsible teens while continuing to allocate money for irresponsible teen-agers whose behaviors aren't altered.

|WILLIAM G. WATERS |ROANOKE

Voters beyond Va.|

support North|

GOD BLESS Dennie Cregger for his March 13 letter to the editor, ``North was evasive; not dishonest.''

Oliver North's critics remind me of a passage in the Bible (John 8:4-8) when the Pharisees came dragging a prostitute to Jesus, demanding she be stoned in accordance with the law. Jesus, knowing their hypocrisy, replied, ``Let him that is without sin cast the first stone.'' The Pharisees slunk away quickly without further ceremony. (Do I see Ted Koppel crawling down the path?)

Col. North proved his dedication to our country with gallant action in Vietnam and loyalty as a member of the National Security Council. His vision is that of our founding fathers, and his God-given wisdom, courage and faith will serve him well in his steadfast determination to restore values inherent in the Constitution and Bill of Rights that the founders gave to us.

Our nation needs North in the Senate, but we must look to you good people to put him there. We, his supporters beyond your borders, are paying and praying, but only you can vote.

|GLADYS M. MAXWELL |CINCINNATI, OHIO

Voters need to look|

at Goode's ability|

I WAS pleasantly surprised to learn that Virgil Goode was planning to get the necessary signatures to place his name on the ballot for the Democrat primary for the U.S. Senate. Having known and observed him since he was in high school, I know his integrity is unquestionable, his intellect is rarely surpassed, his work ethic is unbeatable, and his political savvy is unusual.

When one thinks of the many great statesmen Virginia has produced, it's difficult to believe that the best candidates we can now put forward are those four who previously announced for the Democrat primary and Republican nomination.

In these times, it's rare for voters to have a chance to elect a man of Goode's ability.

|BEN DIVERS JR. |GLADE HILL

Educating firms|

on export ventures|

THE MARCH 20 articles by staff writer Lon Wagner (``Region can be a gold mine for exporters,'' ``Exotic ups and downs of exporting,'' and ``Odd name gives stamp of approval'') on exporting and ISO 9000 certification were quite timely, especially now that diminished defense spending is forcing Virginia to find new markets for its goods and services.

Virginia Tech's Public Service Programs, a division of Virginia Tech's University Outreach and International Programs, has long recognized the need for Virginia businesses to export and to become ISO 9000 certified. We're in our third year of providing firms with basic information on exporting, and our second year of educating businesses on ISO 9000 certification.

We consider these activities to be part of the university's mission to serve Virginia.

Motorists lack|

human decency|

MY LETTER isn't about a political or major issue in the world today, but to me it's extremely important.

I watched another motorist run over a little rabbit's hind legs, and the driver never stopped to see if anything could be done for the rabbit. The poor rabbit pulled himself off the road, and I stopped to see where he went. While I spent time on the phone trying to find out who would treat a wild rabbit, he died.

I've seen numerous animals hit, and those responsible never stop. To me, an animal's life is just as precious as a human's life. I wish people would be more humane and help animals because they can't cry for help. You may not be able to save them, but you can help them from suffering. I believe it's just human decency.

|KIMBERLY M. COLEMAN |ROANOKE

by CNB