Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 21, 1994 TAG: 9406270112
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
In his June 15 column, ``Cry of zealotry from pagan left reveals bigotry,'' he posed the pertinent question: ``Is the pagan left suggesting that the imposition of the Christian right's morality would be worse than this [the current spate of ``immorality'' in the USA]?'' The question merits an answer. I've never regarded myself as a member of ``the pagan left,'' much less a spokesman for any such hypothetical group. But my answer to the question is yes.
History is replete with lessons of past impositions of ``Christian morality.'' They include the gratuitous slaughter of the Crusades (and its latest echo in the current genocide in Bosnia); persecution of promoters of such ``heresies'' as the Earth orbiting the sun; the Spanish Inquisition; criminalization of all forms of secular entertainment in England under Puritan rule; burning ``witches'' in 17th century New England; a long-standing (and continuing) effort, via censorship and suppression, to hinder forms of artistic expression or scientific inquiry that lead to questions about orthodox religious dogma; and futile efforts legislating personal morality, as in the fiasco of Prohibition.
My response isn't the product of uneasiness with conscientious individuals attempting to live in accordance with religious precepts. Since ``the golden rule'' is inherent in most successful religious codes, these people are usually admirable members of society, more eager than most to afford their neighbors caring concern and support that humans often require.
My problem arises when such well-meaning people group into religious sects pursuing acquisition of political power. An all-too-common consequence is the creeping perversion of religious precepts into repressive mandates that result in outrageous episodes of inhumanity.
Fifty years ago, I was prepared to put my life on the line to oppose a similar imposition of authoritarian dogma on my native country. My resolve to resist intrusion of religious dogma into civil government hasn't waned. If that makes me a ``pagan leftist,'' then I'll accept and wear that soubriquet with pride.
ROBERT F. SHIPP
ROANOKE
Some GOP delegates are liars
ALL DELEGATES to the Republican state convention promised to support the party's nominee. A small minority of delegates are already violating that pledge.
By definition, those who deliberately refuse to keep a promise are liars. Incredibly, they have the gall to criticize Oliver North because he lied to protect an anti-communist covert action, and to protect Americans held hostage by terrorists. And the media, which continually criticize North for lying, do not criticize the lying delegates at all.
All these hypocrites should spare us their self-righteous pronouncements about character and integrity. They've destroyed any moral base on which they might stand.
DENNIS FRITH
RADFORD
Warner often sides with Democrats
MUCH HAS been made about Sen. John Warner's opposition to Col. Oliver North's candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Sen. Chuck Robb. If Warner's opposition means he wants another senator with his positions on many issues, I call readers' attention to a sample of his record during the past six months. A lib-Democrat?
April 14, Warner voted to confirm a liberal nominee to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th District whose soft-on-crime record in Florida is a matter of record.
Feb. 8, he voted against an amendment offered by Sen. Jesse Helms to the Goals 2000 education bill prohibiting distribution of condoms, contraceptives, or federally funded drugs to public-school students without parental consent. (Sen Ted Kennedy had a temper tantrum when the amendment was introduced, so Warner supported him, going against the Republican leadership. Warner ``stood tall'' with his Democratic friends on this.)
Nov. 20, 1993, Warner voted against the Republican leadership, supporting the Democrats' $1 billion increase in jobless benefits after the conference committee stripped away the Republican amendment ordering Clinton to keep his word and cut 250,000 federal jobs. He again showed his strong position for socialism and big government.
Nov. 19, 1993, Warner voted against a Republican amendment to strip the North American Free Trade Agreement of side agreements that would add 24 bureaucracies with international control over labor, environmental cleanups, border patrols, etc. He voted with Kennedy and Robb, giving foreign governments control over U.S. matters.
I challenge North critics to explain what they mean when they talk about North's ``lying to Congress'' and his criminal record. I remember the Marine hero who faced a hostile congressional committee, under oath, and became an overnight hero by his conduct and testimony during the long grilling. North emerged with a clean record. How could he detract from Congress?
HAROLD L. DODSON
FAIRFIELD
Destroying rights America fought for
AS A veteran of World War II, I feel the sacrifices made to sustain freedom in the world and particularly in our great country were really worthwhile.
Unfortunately, today it appears as if our current federal government has contrary ideas. This is a government pursuing control of our daily actions and personal freedoms, including the choice to smoke or not to smoke among many other personal choices.
The absurd and intrusive idea of prohibiting smoking has gone too far. Imagine not being able to smoke (by government decree) at any sporting event, restaurant, family reunion, barbecue, etc.! I'm sick and tired of our present government eroding the basic rights that I and so many others fought to retain during World War II.
Let's not forget government tried, unsuccessfully, to impose prohibition on alcohol many years ago and failed. Let's not have a repeat of that debacle.
GERALD J. FLYNN
VINTON
Clintons bring back `Hanoi Jane'
SO, President Clinton and Hillary ``agonized'' for weeks over the setup and protocol for the recent visit of Japan's emperor, huh? They evidently didn't agonize long enough - they invited Jane (Hanoi Jane) Fonda. But then, as they say, birds of a feather flock together.
Why didn't they use, if they could find, Tokyo Rose? She also was American-born and protested against the United States. These people fit right into the description that used to define a traitor: They gave aid and comfort to the enemy. Fonda visited and schmoozed with hierarchy and soldiers in North Vietnam, and Tokyo Rose broadcast such stuff as ``you are going to die, American soldier - here's a song to help you on your way.'' I don't think this dinner party will be forgotten by veterans in the next election.
Somebody, please, give Clinton instructions in how to salute properly. At least he could show some respect for men who serve him with a snappy salute, not a sappy one. And that way, maybe before he leaves office, he could get one thing right!
SANDRA TUCKER-MAXWELL
ROANOKE
Don't just sit there - do something
AFTER READING the June 12 news article by staff writer Michael Stowe, ``Neighborhood eyesore is stuck in federal limbo,'' I was compelled to write.
It's a shame to see such deterioration among homes that seem to be well taken care of. There was a time, though, when neighbors joined neighbors in an effort to solve problems. Has our culture conditioned itself to the degree that we accept no responsibility for ourselves? It's amazing that these fine neighbors are ``tired of watching this property deteriorate.''
We are Americans with the freedom to use our minds. Why don't the neighbors get together to pick up trash, mow the grass, and do something to make this ``eyesore'' a little better?
Sure, there are reasons not to - it's not my property, I don't have the time, I don't have this or that. But there are more reasons to do something: You can teach your children community responsibility. You won't have such an ``eyesore'' to look at. You get a chance to work side by side with your neighbors. You'll sleep well and revel in the fact that you made the world a little better because of a hard day's work - something this country was founded on!
So, make a day of it. Do something good just for the sake of doing something good. It's a lot better than just watching the property deteriorate and waiting on someone else to do something!
NANCY PETTENGILL
SALEM
by CNB