Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 19, 1994 TAG: 9408120011
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
True, Virginia history needs the respect and dignity of all who are fortunate to live in this great state, or those who merely visit, wanting to be a part of the history for a few brief days. But comparing Disney to a ``carnival'' set beside a historic battlefield is far-fetched, to say the least.
Anyone who has been to Disney World in Florida will tell you what a well-maintained, professionally managed complex Disney is. Epcot is an educational experience for a child. What better way to learn than to be a part of the process? And if that means riding in a theme-park car in the shape of a horse, so be it.
Why can't history be enjoyable? Yes, the bloody battlefields, the countless deaths and the destruction resulting from all this history aren't to be taken lightly.
But in the true Disney tradition, good taste, authenticity and educational aspects will make Virginia history a history that children will want to remember, and maybe explore further. When you're a child, and are required to take Virginia history in school from a book, how much is actually retained? We need to explore any avenues there are to help our children learn.
I applaud Disney for trying to bring some fun into Virginia, and maybe along the way we'll learn something.
DEBBY HOLTZCLAW BLUE RIDGE
Defense spending still runs amok
NOT TOO long ago, a statement was made to the effect that the Cold War cost American taxpayers $5 trillion.
A more recent television documentary revealed that the total cost of the Cold War was no less than $12 trillion. Of that, $4 trillion was spent during the Reagan administration.
It was also stated that half of our staggering national debt consists of past and present national-defense expenditures. The present annual defense budget is still in the Cold War range. Why? Our national-defense program has never served fully our real defense needs. It's been more of a big business.
Both Eisenhower and MacArthur warned this nation against permitting the military-industrial complex to run amok in pushing for higher and higher military budgets. Obviously, the momentum of self-interest and greed prevailed.
It's our country's militarists who insist we become involved in all foreign broils, and who prefer that the United States remain the No. 1 sales source for international arms.
As a fleeced society, we had better wake up with the dawn before someone starts playing ``Taps'' at night.
The national-defense budget should be cut back to $100 billion per annum. That should cover all necessary costs.
JOSEPH J. ORLANDO LEXINGTON
Salem: Love it or leave it
AFTER READING Aaron Smith's drivel about the proposed baseball stadium (July 13 commentary, ``Salem's costly proposition''), one might get the idea that he has the best interests of Salem citizens in mind. Methinks he doth protest too much.
He didn't want a football stadium, which has proved it's usefulness. He didn't want the sports complex, which gives Salem's children and adults a quality place to play soccer and softball, plus makes a little money to boot. I suspect he doesn't understand quality of life, because he tries to put a dollar amount on every endeavor.
We in Salem take a lot of pride in our city. We tend to get our hackles up when someone takes shots at us, especially if they go outside our city limits, then turn and shoot. We tend to view them as transients, not Salemites.
Smith should lighten up. He lives in a darn good community that he should quit trying to drag down. Or leave.
BUTCH JOHNSON SALEM
Would Clinton like a wake-up recall?
AS I understand it, President Clinton's fund for the defense of some of his alleged shenanigans has been approved, legalized, or whatever.
It might be a good idea if we had a referendum, and released the poor guy from his position so he can devote more time to his personal problems.
DICK MALLEN ROANOKE
'The Lion King' is a moviegoers' treat
REGARDING the movie entitled ``The Lion King'':
People have been critical, and said that it's not a very good movie for kids to see because there's too much violence.
What violence? There's absolutely no cussing in it. Believe me, I should know. I've seen it three times!
The only part that's sad is when Simba's father, Mufasa, dies in the beginning. That's not violence, though. It's a fact of life.
``The Lion King'' is my favorite movie. The songs are wonderful, it's funny, and has really great characters. Once you start laughing, it's hard to stop.
I give it five stars!
MEAGAN LaPRADE ROANOKE
by CNB