Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 14, 1994 TAG: 9405170015
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Is there a way Virginia taxpayers can sue the jury in Winchester regarding the verdict in the Ricky Layne murder trial?
We have to keep that monster alive for the next 30, 40 or 50 years. He'll have free medical and dental care, three meals a day, be warm in the winter and cool in the summer - all at no cost to him. But taxpayers will pay $80,000 to $100,000 a year to keep that beast alive when a dollar's worth of electricity would have solved his problem forever.
How in the world is Aldrich Ames allowed to plea bargain, and his wife probably will receive four or five years, after he betrayed his country?
When I served in the U.S. Marine Corps just after World War II, traitors were shot, hanged or electrocuted. This traitor sold out his country, causing the deaths of agents of various overseas countries. And like Layne, he will perhaps live for many years at government (taxpayers') expense.
The rhetorical question: How many millionaire or billionaire drug dealers would be in business two weeks if their ``mules,'' ``pushers'' and salespeople were subject to caning if caught? Would the dealers in marijuana, cocaine, heroin, crack, LSD and all other illegal substances be out there plying their deadly trades if their bottoms were caned as we've read happens in Singapore?
Please, no letters or crank calls from bleeding hearts. I said it was a rhetorical question, didn't I?
SAMUEL C. PALMER JR. ROANOKE
A fine tribute to Minor Keffer
I WAS VERY pleased to see Joe Kennedy's April 25 ``Time Out'' column entitled ``Humble servant.'' Thanks to him for writing this special piece in tribute to Minor Keffer, and thanks to Pastor Rob Colwell for allowing his words to be printed.
All who had the privilege of knowing Keffer should remember his parting words each time as we left the store, and try to practice them in our daily lives: ``Don't you hurry now!'' I know that I will.
LAURIE T. ZIRKLE SALEM
One sure cure for nation's ills
THE UNITED States of America has enjoyed abundant blessings throughout history. No other country matches its freedom, wealth or technology. Our national pledge proclaims us a nation under God, yet tragic newspaper headlines indicate society's spiraling downward.
Crime, violence, drug addiction and broken families are rampant. Traditional values are under attack; church members are labeled right-wing radicals; and human life, fetal or terminally ill, is no longer sacred. Natural calamities occur with increasing frequency and devastation. No one feels safe anymore, and parents worry for their children.
Given our rich heritage as a country founded on Judeo-Christian ethics and the resulting blessings we've enjoyed, the solution to our nation's ills are obvious. It comes from the one who created us all, whose love endures forever, who told us if we humble ourselves, pray and turn from our wicked ways, then he will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land.
KAREN S. RUSSELL TROUTVILLE
Creative power may be tapped
ON MARCH 16, 1995, Dr. Billy Graham will begin a four-day global broadcast from Puerto Rico. The satellite linkup will reach more than 182 countries and more than three-fourths of the population. More than 5 billion people will simultaneously be watching and listening.
The creative power of that many people, singularly directed, has never been attempted or accomplished before.
Is it a biblical reference and the fulfillment of prophecy of the beginning of the end? How will so many minds and souls praying together affect the planet's future?
One way or another, March 20, 1995, will come. That day is the day everyone will be waiting for.
TONY WAZNY ROANOKE
A vile swipe at the deceased
I FEEL compelled to write regarding the Bill Day cartoon on the April 29 Opinion page. It depicted President Nixon presumably trying to turn the knob on the door to heaven, and presumably an angel on the other side of the door saying that it wasn't locked, apparently referring to Watergate. This was right after Nixon's funeral!
What a cruel, vile, low and stupid thing that was to do to his family and friends in their grief.
PATRICIA ANN MATTOX ROANOKE
by CNB