Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 12, 1994 TAG: 9406270122
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: E-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The $25,000 contribution for 1994 came from money allocated for, but unused, in the snow-removal budget. How can this be? We experienced the worst winter in 50 years. Snow lay on the ground and streets for months, but there was still $25,000 unused?
If the snow-removal budget's line item was $25,000 over the need, who's responsible for such an astronomical allotment?
If actual snow-removal expense was $25,000 under budget in the worst winter in years, exactly what's the traditional allotment?
If Roanoke has this kind of money lying around, instead of throwing it to Roanoke's answer to the supercollider, why not reduce taxes?
As the most influential newspaper in the western side of Virginia, why aren't you publicizing the continued waste of taxpayer money regarding Explore?
Making a contribution to Explore is hardly the way to strengthen relationships with the county. Explore is, and always will be, a drain on taxpayers. This is 1994, and fiscal responsibility isn't limited to the private sector anymore. The city, county and this newspaper should work together to attract industry and jobs, not ideas of business as usual and tax-money throwaways. It's the responsibility of elected officials in government and this newspaper's publisher to insist our money is used for investments that offer a return.
WALLACE H. CLARK III
ROANOKE
Secondhand smoke no longer debatable
THE BOARD of Directors of the Roanoke Valley/Franklin Unit of the American Cancer Society applauds the fact that Valley View, Tanglewood, River Ridge and New River shopping malls went smoke-free as of June 1.
This is certainly a major step in the right direction to eliminate secondhand smoke, or environmental tobacco smoke, as a cause of major health concern for the vast majority of citizens (75 percent) who don't smoke.
Exposure to other people's cigarette smoke is more than annoying - it's deadly. Environmental tobacco smoke has been classified as a Class A carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. It causes an estimated 53,000 deaths annually in the United States, primarily from heart disease and lung cancer. It can result in aggravated asthmatic conditions and impaired blood circulation in adults, and poses additional health hazards for unborn and young children. For most people, involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke is the most widespread and harmful indoor air pollutant they'll encounter.
By now, the environmental-tobacco-smoke debate isn't cloudy. There was a time when we didn't know better. Now we do.
BETTY H. LESKO
President
Roanoke Valley/Franklin Unit
American Cancer Society
ROANOKE
Young students to take on challenges
I SAW a ray of hope for our troubled society as I read the letters from ``young voices'' at Virginia Tech and Hollins College on the May 24 Young Voices page.
These young students know there's something drastically wrong in our society. They also know that few political promises ever come to reality. So, what do they do? They're becoming involved, trying to correct many faults that haunt us. I sincerely hope all students in our colleges take up the challenge that points to a brighter tomorrow. These students are taking the first step on what I hope will become a crossed pathway to cure many of our ills.
Hats off to those who look into a promising future. Long may the brave live and take on challenges for a better United States, and for that matter, a better world.
EDWIN R. ROBERTSON
PEARISBURG
Taking pride in a generation
REGARDING the 50th anniversary of D-Day, and next year's V-E Day:
The generation that fought in World War II is the best this country has had since the one that fought in the Revolutionary War.
ROBERT PUIG
ROANOKE
Falwell tape testifies to his moral beliefs
REGARDING Judy Marshall's May 30 letter to the editor, ``Jerry Falwell's latest pitch for money'':
The distribution of the video tape regarding the Clinton administration is hardly a hard-up, slanderous effort indicating that Falwell's position on politics is more important than God. The tape has been produced from inside documentation and research, and has been distributed out of concern for the moral decline of our government and country. If you're concerned about whom Falwell is serving, I suggest you listen to his messages and then ask him.
As a 1994 graduate of Liberty University, I can assure you that he's serving the same God now that he's been faithful to for his entire ministry. Falwell is human and makes mistakes, just as you and I do. But I commend him and respect his efforts in promoting the family, moral living and an honest government that this nation should be able to trust.
The selling of this video tape is hardly for a large profit to cover the expense of Falwell's ministries. I'm sure if you asked him for a copy, he'd give you one - free of charge.
JANET JONES
DALEVILLE
Disarming America is the ultimate goal
SEVERAL months ago, I left a hunting shotgun at a local sporting-goods store to have minor repairs made. Recently, having been notified that the repairs were complete, I returned to claim my weapon. To take possession of it, a gun I already owned, I was required to go through the process of a background check. This is ridiculous! The anti-gun clique is determined to disarm everyone. The Brady Bill is just the first step of a plan with that ultimate goal. Recently, you saw step two - the ban on assault weapons. Next, it will be handguns. Then, all firearms.
Our elected representatives lack intestinal fortitude to deal with the crime problem.
I've thought previously that the National Rifle Association was wrong in taking a negative stance on every gun issue. I now support the NRA 100 percent. If you give in on any one issue, it will start a snowball effect on anti-gun legislation that will leave you at the mercy of criminals who somehow, some way, will get what they need to do their deeds.
WAYNE OWENS
ROANOKE
Sensitive story was refreshing
THANK you for the May 30 news article by staff writer Dwayne Yancey about Charles Spraker of Craig County (``In tender prose, he honors lives passing'').
Your readers have been blessed in four ways:
There was such a man as Jim Mann.
There is such a man as Spraker.
Yancey had the sensitivity and insight to write such an article.
The Roanoke Times & World-News was willing to publish the article.
In a time when it's heartbreaking to keep up with the news of Bosnia, Somalia, Haiti, North Korea, teen-age pregnancy, politics, politicians, etc., it's refreshing to be reminded there are places, people and actions as described by Yancey.
MOLLIE LOU BOHON
ROANOKE
Cranwell can't blame diabetes
REGARDING the May 26 news article by staff writer Laurence Hammack, ``Bias alleged in case,'' on the dismissal of driving-under-the-influence charges against Charles ``Richie'' Cranwell:
Cranwell admitted drinking three beers while out with friends. Alcohol intake lowers the glucose level in blood, causing hypoglycemia. Aware that he was a diabetic, Cranwell chose not only to drink, but also to drive a vehicle.
Most people, including other diabetics, learned the hard way - choices have consequences, whether good or bad. I only hope he made his choices out of ignorance, not arrogance. But don't blame it on diabetes.
CYNTHIA C. JONES
VINTON
by CNB