Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 16, 1994 TAG: 9404180110
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The writer was considering mostly economic costs, but tobacco use is what literally costs lives. Statistics show even inhalation of smoke by nonsmokers causes 3,000 deaths each year from lung cancer, 150,000 to 300,000 cases of bronchitis and pneumonia in youngsters, and also deaths from heart disease and other forms of cancer.
Government needs to persuade tobacco farmers to plant alternative crops. Research has revealed that soybean oil, added to diesel fuel, measurably reduces pollution from the smoke that large transport trucks and buses spout forth. Another study shows an extract from corn, added to gasoline that cars use, can diminish their pollution. Agricultural experiments show broccoli, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are other potential crops.
Should these not provide enough revenue for farmers, smokers should approve a large enough cigarette tax to provide subsidies. If they wish to continue their habit, they shouldn't object to the banning of smoking everywhere, except their homes, because nonsmokers have the right to be free from inhaling others' smoke.
CLARABELLE HOPKINS ROANOKE
They don't build 'em like they used to
HAVING read Bill Corbitt Jr.'s diatribe about the spotted owl, timber and Clinton's etc., etc., let us say this about that (March 20 letter to the editor, ``Spotted-owl fiasco hurts home buyers''):
We bought our present house for $100,000 in 1992. We're looking for something in the $130,000-$140,000 range. So far, we've been terribly disappointed. Either we got a great deal on our present house, or Corbitt and friends are padding their pockets. Homes we've looked at are poorly constructed and overpriced. We haven't seen one we'd trade for our present house. He and friends blame the spotted owl and anything else they can think of instead of looking in the mirror.
As for his line on the ``so-called health crisis,'' if he had a family member with a terminal illness he might feel differently. If you have medical coverage on your present job, and then lose your job, try getting medical insurance again. Can we say ``pre-existing condition''?
We hope Corbitt doesn't speak for all builders in the valley.
KENNETH and DEBRA WILBURN BLUE RIDGE
Put America's needy people first
I DON'T understand the motivation that impels religious and charitable organizations to go offshore seeking good works to perform.
There are 12 million ill-fed, ill-housed, ill-clothed children in this country and thousands of homeless. These are our own deprived and unfortunate who should have priority. Where are these good Samaritans looking when an 80-plus-year-old woman says she's never known indoor plumbing, or when an elderly, lonely woman froze to the floor of her home in ice from frozen pipes?
Instead of importing and further diluting this country's social and economic resources, I suggest these groups look to alleviate hardship and deprivation as it exists at their very doorstep. It may not make headlines or enhance a power base, but it's the right thing to do. Our own needy must come first.
BUD SANTORO ROANOKE
News is lacking on Miller campaign
WE LOOK to the Roanoke Times & World-News for sharp and worldly criticism and comment, and aren't often disappointed. Your loyal readers are relieved to see strong expressions of opinion in your editorials. Somehow, though, the wall between editorials and ``hard news'' has been breached. The partisan hand we respect, in the one domain, is one we're having second thoughts about as it becomes too obvious in the other.
Clearly, this year's Senate race has made for much interesting news and editorializing. The editors' political inclinations are clear, and we readers expect and respect this. But I, and I may be a lonely one on this matter, am surprised and disappointed at the lack of news on candidates besides Robb and North. I'm a Jim Miller supporter. I know he's running a campaign with purpose, clarity and no little success. But I wouldn't know from reading this newspaper. He's a good man and a good choice to be a senator. Perhaps these qualifications disqualify him?
Please give us the news coverage we need this very confusing year.
AVENT C. BECK GLASGOW
Lawns are for living (weeds and all)
IN HER ZEAL to keep things natural, Liza Field (April 1 commentary, ``Let's celebrate: From death and decay comes life'') unfortunately goes overboard by denouncing a ``bare'' and ``neat, smooth chem-lawn.'' Moderation and sharing, please.
Many don't use chemicals. We simply mow a wide variety of grasses and weeds and call it a lawn. It's a place for adults, children and pets to enjoy, free of ticks and briars.
Leave some areas natural, yes, but let lawns have a place. Though they may not be natural, neither are houses, cars, haircuts and baths.
ROGER LEWIS WILLIS
by CNB