Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 19, 1995 TAG: 9502200020
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The claim of sexual harassment is often used as revenge against male students who have become a bother in the girls' lives. From a male point of view, a label is pasted so as to say that all men are sexual harassers. This is just a stereotypical opinion that has lowered the esteem of men and caused a fear of relationships.
In my opinion, the faculty and staff of Blacksburg Middle School have done an exceptional job keeping gender bias out of the classroom.
Ashley Chance
Blacksburg
Be wary of `cultural elitists'
There is little doubt that we are in the midst of a "cultural war" which goes to the heart and soul of American society. On one side are the "cultural elitists" who seem to find fault with everything Americans have held dear for over two centuries. On the other side are those who believe in this country and the values set forth by our Founding Fathers.
One particular front in this "cultural war" is the ever-increasing assault by the media and other "elitists" against people of faith. Christians, in today's "politically correct" climate, usually bear the brunt of the attacks by those who are ashamed of American culture. The media and other elitists take fiendish delight in portraying those who identify themselves as Christians as unbalanced. To openly identify one's self as Christian is an invitation to being cast as a threat to society. It would seem that the only acceptable form of discrimination in today's society is that against people of faith. The witch hunts of the 1990s are being conducted by those who claim to be objective and enlightened.
For over two centuries people have seen this country as a beacon of light. We must ever be vigilant in order to expose the agenda of "cultural elitists." In the final analysis our hope lies with those who still believe that America stands for something.
Joe Painter
Blacksburg
Appreciating the police
It's late Friday night, and you and your roommates are having a party in your apartment. There is a knock at the door. You look through the peep hole and there are two Blacksburg police officers. Your first reaction is to expect the worst and panic. There is a general misunderstanding between students at Virginia Tech and the Blacksburg Police Department. Over the last few years there has been a perception that the town is overregulating students' social lives.
As a leading student organization, the Interfraternity Council of Virginia Tech worked with the Blacksburg Police Department this past semester to ease tensions between students and the police. Using the Civilian Observation Program, better known as the "ride along" program, the council and the Police Department arranged for 15 fraternity members to ride with officers on their shifts. By seeing things from the law enforcement angle, students gain an understanding of the complexity of police work.
The officers often are busy responding to calls ranging from vandalism to domestic violence. The average noise violation from an apartment party is the last call they want. With a limited number of officers, the department does an exceptional job in keeping this community safe. These officers put their lives on the line and deserve our appreciation and respect. Our cooperation can build a stronger community. We look forward to continuing a positive relationship.
B.J. Ford,
President,
Interfraternity Council
Blacksburg
Keep police forces separate
I think putting all policing within Pulaski County under one head would be a big mistake. Policing within a town and policing out in the county are quite different.
It would cause more [officers] to quit and create a need for more training. This is a big part of police expenses now and would cause a big increase. The number of people served by the one dispatching system would increase by about 10,000, and there would be no backup like we now have if one system failed.
If this should be put under the control of the board of supervisors, I would bet money the cost would go up. Look at what has happened to our garbage pickup cost and the overrun of cost to repair the courthouse.
During the period that Dublin cut real estate taxes by 8 percent, the county raised them 40 percent despite the fact that the new high school and the Dublin Elementary School debt got paid off.
I feel the crime watch program would suffer for lack of contacts with the police. We need more support for the police system we now have. Let's keep out of this those who would like to tell us they know more about what is good for us than we do.
Colbern E. Linkous
Dublin
Community-wide prayer returns
The New River Valley's Men's Prayer Group is organizing its second community-wide prayer for Sunday, Feb. 26, in the Radford High School auditorium from 2-3 p.m.
The first community prayer was a success, and people expressed an interest in a second community prayer. Do you have unsaved loved ones? Is your marriage on the rocks? Are you having some personal difficulties? Are you tired of watching our nation move farther away from God? If so, then this next community prayer is where you need to be.
This hour of prayer is not based on any particular denomination or group. If you are not convinced prayer will make a difference, come to this prayer time and experience for yourself the change prayer can make. There is strength in unity. Be there if you care!
Jack L. Turner
Radford
by CNB