Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 25, 1994 TAG: 9405310121
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The behavior exhibited by Reps. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Mike Synar, D-Okla., at recent congressional committee hearings on tobacco isn't an example that warrants admiration from any quarter, no matter what your beliefs are on tobacco hazards. Should the public, by its action or inactions, lend support to methods whereby tobacco interests are being attacked by these representatives?
A genuine fact-finding hearing's purpose should be precisely what its label dictates. Even an eighth-grade science student knows that a factual determination must precede the conclusion. Reversal of this scientific procedure is called politics as usual, and Waxman, Wyden and Synar are obviously masters of this reversal.
They required the tobacco industry's chief officials to take an oath prior to testifying; called them liars throughout the hearing; prohibited them from answering questions completely by constant interruptions of ``we'll get to that later'' or demands for ``yes or no.'' They prohibited testimony of the authors of articles misquoted and misrepresented by congressmen themselves, and used the hearings as a bully pulpit for their own predetermined conclusions. Obviously, they're conducting the hearings for political and personal enhancement purposes only, with facts being inconsequential.
BILL and MARY CLARE WOHLFORD
WYTHEVILLE
Is Jerry Falwell's memory poor?
I'M DISGUSTED by Evangelist Jerry Falwell's sponsorship of a video production that makes unproved accusations concerning President Clinton's morality (May 14 Los Angeles article, ``Falwell markets anti-Clinton video'').
Falwell's rhetoric, in referring to what he claims is the media's laxity in not airing the disgusting accusations spewed in the video cassette he's hawking, demonstrates clearly that he doesn't understand the difference between the conventional media and tabloid sensationalism, which time and again has been based on a distortion or complete fabrication.
Falwell had lots to say about the unfairness of being accused of shameful acts of perversion some years ago when he brought suit against a magazine publisher. He's apparently forgotten all the pious remonstrances he uttered at that time.
He's forgotten a lot of other things, too. Like: the real meaning of separation of church and state; the true meaning and purpose of evangelism; the obligation and responsibility of any man who would be a religious leader to teach by example the noble character traits of tolerance, forbearance and the ability to see good in all mankind.
BUD SANTORO
ROANOKE
The special quality of John W. Hancock
JOHN W. Hancock's quiet passing left a tremendous void in the Roanoke Valley and Virginia.
Someone recently asked: ``What made Jack Hancock so very special?'' How could a spontaneous answer be given when looking at his life? One really needs to think about an appropriate response.
Was the ``special'' born in him and nurtured by his upbringing? Yes, it had to be. Was he special because he wanted to be? Tough question. He had a choice, as we all do.
Perhaps he was special because he understood the meaning of earnestness. Nothing is denied to well-directed labor and earnest work; nothing is ever attained without them.
Perhaps he was special because he was the epitome of reputation and responsibility. The two were inseparably linked in him. His reputation was his responsibility, not alone to keep, but also to enrich by his words and deeds. Perhaps he was special because of his manhood. From none other but himself did he expect applause. He knew it wasn't what he had but what he was that expressed his worth as a man. He knew that one cannot always be a hero, but one could always be a man.
Perhaps he was special because he had a definite aim. The enrichment of his own life and the persons, businesses and institutions he touched was always his aim. His earnest work and unflagging zeal was his dedication.
Perhaps he was special because his name was a priceless treasure to be guarded forever. Hancock built his good name upon honor, dignity and hospitality. He not only enhanced his good name, he guarded it. He knew that a good name was the result of many actions, and could be lost by one.
JOHN W. CLARKE
ROANOKE
GOP's reputation is on the line
I'M WRITING this as a lifetime Republican. I guess you'd say an old-fashioned Republican, since I first voted in 1938. I'm disturbed by what's being done to the party's image and reputation in Virginia in this year's senatorial campaign.
The old-fashioned Republican Party of my memory of earlier years was one of integrity and responsibility, with men such as Landon, Dewey, Eisenhower, Vandenberg, Taft, Holton, etc., to name a few. Admittedly, there were also McCarthy, Agnew and Nixon, who turned out to be mistakes for the party and for the American people.
Now, there seem to be those bent on repeating such mistakes by nominating a man as a senatorial candidate who has, in an official capacity, given false testimony intended to mislead Congress and the American people, and who's been convicted of a felony for these actions.
It's difficult to believe that the fact that a conviction is overturned by a technicality in legal procedures lessens the fact of a man's guilt in truth. He has escaped punishment, but he hasn't changed who he is.
We've had clear and adequate warning from those in position to know and make judgments, telling us of North's character and qualifications. We may be well-advised to listen to the opinions of the likes of John Warner, Ronald Reagan and Colin Powell on this subject.
The apparent front-running candidate for the Democrats, Chuck Robb, appears as a less-than-distinguished personage in his own right. This seems to make a great opportunity for Republicans to appeal to voters by offering an honorable and responsible candidate.
PAUL STEELE
RADFORD
Robb: an officer and a gentleman
SEN. CHARLES Robb deserves Virginia's support in his bid for re-election. There isn't another candidate for this office who possesses his proven leadership qualities. From the battlefields of war in defense of our country to his service in statewide offices and the U.S. Senate, this man has shown that he's a capable and courageous leader.
In a time when there's unprecedented scrutiny of anyone in public office and attacks are frequent and vicious, Robb has handled himself in the true tradition of an officer and a gentleman. It would seem that we should all be judged, not by our best performance during good times or our worst performance in bad times, but more appropriately on how we conduct our lives daily.
Robb's record of service throughout his career is one of which we can all be proud. I'll gladly vote for this great leader at every opportunity.
FREDDIE D. ROSENBAUM
CRIPPLE CREEK
Women should unite for Clute
IT'S TIME for Virginia's women to unite and vote for Sylvia Clute for the U.S. Senate. We can make sure we aren't choosing the lesser of two evils in November. To do this, we must vote in the Democrats' primary. We have the opportunity to vote for a competent and qualified woman with years of law and government experience.
I urge Democratic and Republican women to forget the good ol' boys and vote on June 14 for Clute. Spread the word. We deserve to be represented!
KAMALA FENN
FLOYD
News photos can move one to action
IF I wrote a letter every time I was offended by your newspaper, you'd hear from me every day.
The May 4 front-page picture of the mother who saved her baby but lost her son moved me to pray for her in a way I'd not have otherwise done. Catching her on film in that moment of grief moved me to compassion. I think a picture can also move one to action, by way of victim aid or hands-on help.
JOHN C. HAWKINS
ROANOKE
by CNB