Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 21, 1994 TAG: 9412210007
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Scalawags are back today, and they're in both parties, especially the ``born-again'' Democratic Party. We have Bill Clinton from the once-Confederate state of Arkansas who loves all cultures, except that of his own ancestor who served in a Mississippi regiment against the Yankees. In Virginia, we have Sen. Charles Robb, Marshall Coleman, Sen. John Warner, etc. None of them can find anything honorable to say about the ``flag of the South'' because they're scalawags bent on political power.
Like the scalawags of old, they want you to forget (especially in the polling booth) your heritage, which they arrogantly mock by action and word. They were startled when Oliver North made reference to the Southern flag as ``part of the great heritage of this state of Virginia,'' saw nothing wrong with its display by Virginians, saw its opposition motivated by ``political correctness.'' In a knee-jerk reaction of phony horror, the scalawags mocked North and the sacred banner once carried by Robert E. Lee's men.
This is Robb's second shot at the flag of the South within a year. With Warner assisting, Robb pathetically surrendered to the flawed passion of Illinois' pride, Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun, denying the marvelous and harmless United Daughters of the Confederacy a congressionally approved patent on its logo. That logo featured part of the flag of the South. They were aware of Moseley-Braun's twisted logic, but scalawag politics prevailed. So much of character can be discerned in such seemingly trivial incidents. Remember this on Election Day.
BOYD W. HUBBARD BEDFORD
Be wary of what you read
REGARDING the Oct. 3 letter to the editor by John J. Engel, ``North has liberals gnashing their teeth:''
This newspaper's readers cannot help but be aware of the strong liberal/socialist bias of most, if not all, of its editorial staff members. Much of this bias oozes out like venom beyond the editorial pages. The trick to avoiding this not-so-subtle political slanting of news is something I learned a long time ago.
First, avoid reading any editorials with a political slant (meaning most of them). You can usually glance at the last paragraph to detect the nature of the column. At your own risk, you can read some of the leftist writers on the Commentary page. Again, you can be selective. And finally, view any items under the byline or name of a staff writer with an eye to the subtleties concealing his or her political agenda.
To those readers who are in agreement with this newspaper's political views, I remind you that the next short step from liberal-socialism is communism.
RAY B. ROBISON ROANOKE
Clinton's woes mirror Truman's
THESE DAYS, as I read and hear the vituperation heaped upon President Clinton, I'm reminded of an earlier time. In 1948, it was hard to find anyone who had a good thing to say about Harry Truman. Republicans, sensing a kill in the upcoming November election, outdid their usual toxic blathering and denounced Truman as everything from a horse thief to an incompetent moron. And, sadly, not many Democrats rose in his defense.
When Truman fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who was at that time the hero of the right-wingers, there were predictable calls for impeachment. Of course, Truman beat Republicans' socks off in the election, and today he is seen as one of our better presidents. Even Republicans would like to claim him.
As was Truman in 1948, Bill Clinton is faced with great changes in the world and in our country. During the first two years of his presidency, he has tried to deal with problems deliberately neglected by his predecessors. He inherited a monstrous debt run up during the Reagan years and, over strong opposition of practically the entire Republican minority, he has brought about a reduced budget deficit. He has trimmed the federal work force, and tackled head-on the great national problems of health-care, campaign and welfare reforms. Here, he has so far been thwarted, but he has the guts to make the fight.
Every day of his presidency, Clinton has been sniped at by a pack of peevish Neanderthals and Bible-thumpers. Only Truman suffered as much verbal abuse as now does Clinton. And once again, a lot of timid Democrats shrink from standing by their president.
I advise Clinton-haters not to get overconfident. Remember Truman. After all, who will the GOP put up in 1996? Phil Gramm? Dan Quayle? Give me a break.
BILL WOODS BEDFORD
Talk radio has the voters' ears
IN YOUR LEAD editorial on Oct. 9, ``The betrayal of conservatism,'' the editorial writer attempts to define ``genuine conservatism.'' This could be compared to a wolf telling the sheep where and how to graze.
What in the world does this newspaper know about true conservatism? For years, readers have been inundated with editorials and news stories telling us that we should loathe those in the conservative camp and, in particular, those of the religious right. Posing to be paragons of virtue and truth, the editorial writers have given an elitist form of trickle-down journalism. The Roanoke Times & World-News has slanted its format to favor those on the left, and now pretends those of the liberal persuasion no longer exist.
People are leaving television and print journalism in droves for the pleasures of talk radio, a move detested by those who look down on their customers as mindless pawns. Your editorial staff chastises those like Limbaugh for not verifying ``facts,'' when in reality people are turning to talk radio for some ``facts.''
If this newspaper believes that what is being heard on talk radio is chatter, it, like Congress, is mistaken. In November, the sound heard won't be the banter of a few, but rather the roar of millions. Those who pay the bills have frightfully watched government gobble up everything in sight. It's time we muzzle the ox while he's thrashing. When this happens, there will be those who still won't get it. They walk around today like the king without clothes, going about town as if no one else knows, when in reality even a mere child can see that they're naked.
EDDIE J. EASTERLING BLUE RIDGE
Continue support for local hockey
IN REFERENCE to the Oct. 11 news article ``Civic Center had big year'':
I wish to express thanks to John Gagnon, Pierre Paiment, Frank Anzalone and others in the rest the Roanoke Express Hockey organization for a fine '93-'94 season. I look forward to this season.
I hope all the fans who supported the Roanoke Express last season will continue their support, and keep the Roanoke Express as the Civic Center's top draw. So let's go, hockey fans from Roanoke, Salem and surrounding areas.
CURT STANLEY SALEM
A downtown affair to remember
IT'S MIDNIGHT, and I'm surrounded by hundreds of people dressed in black. I hear loud music coming at me from above and below. There is mass confusion. People are standing in groups talking, many others are moving aimlessly in all directions - maybe not sure where they've been or where they're going.
It's been a long day. First, out to breakfast, then to a picnic on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a business appointment in the late afternoon, and then to this den of activity. I stepped out on the street for a breath of fresh air.
What is this? Cars parked on both sides of the street as far as I can see. Dual lanes of traffic are coming down Campbell Avenue. The traffic signal changes color. Two more lanes of traffic are moving from Jefferson Street onto Campbell - bright lights, people everywhere, horns blowing, much activity.
Where am l? New York? London? San Francisco? Paris? I've just left the very elegant Affair in the Square hosted by Davidsons. I've attended all the past Affairs in the Square, and certainly this is, by far, the best!
There is food, drink, all types of music and entertainment - all free - when you purchase a ticket.
I think this annual party tells you something. If you offer something that people want, they'll support it. Three rail excursions, a nationally known ice show, and the Affair in the Square, all on Oct. 8, prove that Downtown Roanoke is still alive - and vibrant!
BRUCE W. JANNEY ROANOKE
by CNB