Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 29, 1994 TAG: 9411010014
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I found it, not in any supporting logic in his letter, but in his technique for avoiding exposure to editorials in this newspaper that reach conclusions at variance with his own preconceived ideas.
I wonder if his view of the ``short step from liberal-socialism to communism'' is based on ideological or historical considerations. Neither provides much support for his position. Ideologically, democratic socialism and communism are irreconcilably at variance on issues of civil liberties, freedom of the press and democracy of control, which are essential to 20th century socialism and anathema to communism.
Historically, I recall no example in which a communist regime has evolved from an established democratic socialist form of government. Rather, communism has arisen in poor countries, and countries with large disparities in wealth distribution and/or privilege, as a desperate response to the status quo on the part of the have-nots. In fact, to the extent that democratic socialist governments have been active in ameliorating the worst effects of disparities in wealth and power, it can be argued that socialism is an effective form of protection against the onset of communism.
Recently, the words ``socialism'' and ``socialist'' have been elevated to the status of slurs. I also note that Sweden has returned to its 60-year-old tradition of democratic socialist government after a very short experiment with conservative rule. Therefore, is Sweden ``one short step from communism''? Is the country facing imminent loss of its enviably high standards of living, the civil liberties of its people, and its commercial and technological competitiveness in the international market as a result?
Please, do let us follow Robison's advice. And when reading catchwords like liberal-socialism intended as derogatory epithets, let's be doubly wary of what we read.
ROBERT F. SHIPP ROANOKE
Marshall Coleman has the right stuff
THE DICTIONARY defines momentum as the quantity of motion in a moving body as measured by the product of its mass and velocity; popularly, impetus due to motion. Momentum, as I see it, is the only thing Oliver North has in his favor.
The Republican and Democratic parties insult us all. Thank goodness for the qualities we see in Marshall Coleman.
BETTY M. BUSH ROANOKE
Semper Fi is an honorable salute
REGARDING the Oct. 11 letter to the editor by Lt. Col. Rodney O. Lawrence, USMC (Ret.), ``Play on slogan is gesture of contempt'':
My service as a World War II Marine predates his experience as a member of the Marine Corps by several years. I assure you that the ``Semper Fi'' abbreviation of the Marine Corps' motto ``Semper Fidelis'' was indeed used prior to his introduction to the term, and quite honorably. I don't know what or where he might have been, but a visit to the flight lines or foxholes would have frequently exposed him to use of the term.
I publish a newsletter that goes to 200 veterans of Marine Air Group 61, a bombing group that distinguished itself flying PBJ (B-25) aircraft in the war in the Pacific. I have a regular exchange of mail with many of them. In almost every letter, they sign off with a very sincere ``Semper Fi.'' Don't tell these Marines that by doing so, they're engaging in a contemptuous act toward the corps that they served and loved!
Semper Fi, Ollie!
BERNARD E. TILLEY RADFORD
Pretty billboard, sordid subject
I READ the Oct. 10 letter to the editor by John and Mary Boenke of Hardy entitled ``A sign of fearful times.''
My impression was that they thought that covering these billboard ads with pretty pictures somehow covered up the sordid subject matter. I don't understand why homosexuals even bother to try to portray themselves as Christian. If they read the Bible, at least the Bible that has been accepted for years and is used in most churches, they would know that God did not and does not condone such behavior.
How can a gay or lesbian enrich anything, unless it's to put money in the pockets of medical people? I believe those who spray-painted the billboard had as much right to do that as those who put that type of information on the boards. It seems to me that there's entirely too much tolerance for things like this. Churches and individuals should pray for these people to realize they need to change, and I don't believe they should be accepted as they are.
So far, my life hasn't been invaded by such behavior. I have been blessed, and pray that everyone would be so blessed. I pray for our country. We need to put God back in all aspects of our lives.
BETTY S. WILLIAMS PEARISBURG
by CNB