Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 22, 1994 TAG: 9410250001
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
What I do know is that an individual shouldn't have to prove his or her innocence. If there is a person in the Roanoke Valley who deserves the title of ``reporter'' and interviews Foutz, would that person please ask him something about this constitutional question?
Foutz keeps asking why Bramblett doesn't come in and clear his name. If he does, then will the chief insist that all other citizens of Vinton come in, one at a time, and clear their names also?
When did police work change so drastically? Wearing out a little shoe leather in a small town like Vinton, where most people know most things about most everyone else, will get the police chief a lot further than a television interview, with questions being answered by questions and with his inscrutable smile.
DOUGLAS CHANDLER GRAHAM
SALEM
School officials should resign
AS A first-time observer of a Montgomery County School Board meeting, I concluded that justice has no place in its chambers. Reason, compassion and common sense, traits that are expected of public officials, are lacking.
Following an executive session, School Superintendent Herman Bartlett persuaded six of nine members of the necessity of sacrificing justice in the case of Carol Bracciano. In a blatant disregard for fact-finding results exonerating her, Bartlett and his cronies caved in to the pressure of a few well-meaning but misguided parents, and dismissed Bracciano. In a heartlessly flippant manner, Chairman Vickers called for individual committee votes on the decision as he consumed cookies. I joined a horrified group of teachers watching these proceedings in dismay.
People of Montgomery County should be aware of the dangerous precedent established by this decision. If the School Board is allowed to dismiss anyone it desires without just cause, can we expect anything to follow except a continuing decay of quality education? It's unreasonable to expect any teacher to work in an environment where turning to a superior carries with it the risk of a kangaroo court and unjust dismissal.
It's time School Board members realize that taxpayers no longer are willing to accept mediocrity, which has strangled this board. Bartlett's and Vickers' abuse of their appointed positions demand the election of board members by the public. A board that caves in to the voices of a few self-righteous people, who represent a misguided and misinformed minority, only participate in the crucifixion of justice.
On behalf of those concerned for the well-being of our schools, I ask Bartlett and Vickers to please find the courage to act as honorable men and resign. Their services are no longer desired. They've done enough damage to the trust and integrity of the Montgomery County School system.
WILLIAM L. LANGLEY
CHRISTIANSBURG
Christian Coalition lusts for power
AS A FAITHFUL church member, I find it very hard to be charitable to the so-called Christian Coalition. Jesus said, ``You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'' How can Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson back an admitted liar for senator, and hawk a video of outrageous falsehoods that slander the president of the United States?
Their lust for power threatens the religious freedom of everyone who disagrees with them. Essential freedoms of privacy have been taken for granted. They talk of getting the government off our backs, but they would control relations between a woman and her doctor, books in our libraries, freedom of information, curriculum in our schools, and even what goes on in the privacy of our bedrooms. They also tell their followers to vote Republican. Their know-how in raising money and using the most sophisticated methods to choose and elect their candidates are dominating the Republican Party, and will lead eventually to its ruin.
NANCY ALEXANDER
BLACKSBURG
A vote for children's protection
ON NOV. 8, Virginians can vote to protect children, deter crime and achieve justice. All they need to do is approve constitutional amendment No. 1 on the state ballot, which will empower our legislature to make tough laws to hold child abusers accountable.
Look into the childhoods of our growing number of criminals, and you'll see how many were victims of the anger, frustration and violence of adults. It's a fact: The ravages of child abuse produce adults who are often dysfunctional and unproductive, even destructive. By decreasing this nation's child abuse, we will produce more productive, healthier and less violent adults. And that will reduce crime, the cost of ``entitlements,'' the cost of health care, and our prison population.
While reducing child abuse will not cure all of our national ills, it's perhaps the one most significant step that we can take.
It's important to know what constitutional amendment No. 1 is and is not. This change is consistent with the due-process clause of the U.S. Constitution. The amendment isn't an ``open door'' to the courtroom for any claims for negligent acts, as opposed to intentional ones, and it won't allow additional claims against corporations, churches, clubs. etc. It only allows the statute of limitations to be changed for cases involving individuals who intentionally injure children.
I encourage you to support the amendment's ratification. Children are such easy and accessible victims. We must protect them.
SYLVIA CLUTE
RICHMOND
by CNB