Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 20, 1995 TAG: 9504200056
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I agree with giving the responsibility for governing public housing to the residents. I believe if people have control over their lives, and are given options for obtaining self-sufficiency through programs and by other means, they'll take pride in their living environment to ensure maintenance of their property. Given the opportunity to have input into community decisions, individuals feel better about their community. And ultimately, this will have a positive impact on their self-esteem.
The Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, as well as other community agencies, stresses the mission of self-sufficiency. As a former resident of public housing and a current participant in the assisted-housing program, I've been informed of various resources within our community. Information wasn't always willingly distributed. Instead, I took it upon myself to ask questions, and to find the appropriate means of accomplishing my goals.
To obtain self-sufficiency, it's vital to be able to ask the appropriate people what I can do in order for them to better help me. In fact, in asking so many questions, I've found out how to go back to school, become a more effective parent, and become an active member in the community through volunteer efforts and speaking engagements.
During all the discussion of welfare-reform acts and cuts to public-housing programs, people need to remember that anyone can end up on public assistance. It doesn't discriminate by race, age, gender, etc. I haven't always been on public assistance, and don't plan on being on it any longer than I have to. I believe public assistance isn't a handout, but a hand up to assist me in reaching my goals.
FELICIA WHITE
ROANOKE
Appreciate positive news stories
I WAS very impressed with the April 6 article ``Youth's legs are gone, but his spirit is strong.'' Is it possible to print more articles on teen-agers and how they have changed for the better after an experience? To see it on the front page was wonderful.
Also, it pleased me to see that your newspaper published an article dealing with an out-of-body experience in such a positive way. This phenomenon is common to many people and deserves more attention.
SHARON WOJNO
ROCKY MOUNT
Limbaugh & Co. balance the news
IN FLOYD R. Tompkins April 6 letter to the editor ("Dittoheads should think for themselves"), he asked the question: ``Why am I getting one of those funny feelings at the back of my neck that more and more people are blindly accepting [Rush Limbaugh's] opinions, facts and philosophy without any reservation?''
If Tompkins truly wants an answer, I would say to him that it's the liberal news media and politicians perpetuating this notion. How else can they explain changes in the political and social scene that have recently occurred? It must be those stupid, mind-numbed robots who listen to Limbaugh. Surely, it couldn't be that people are upset and fed up with the status quo. Let's blame it on conservative talk radio!
Tompkins suggests that we ``listen to both sides of the issues, and then make up our own minds.'' I submit that current conservative talk-show hosts provide that other side we need to balance the liberal news media we have today.
Sure, Limbaugh is an entertainer, and freely admits that on his show. Too bad news anchors on NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, etc., and certain newspapers won't admit the same of their so-called unbiased reporting of the news.
Bring on talk radio. I promise I won't turn into a zombie!
KEN CARTNER
ROANOKE
Warner fans say `baah' to leaders
THANKS TO Rick Nunn for his excellent April 7 commentary, ``Don't blame Warner for the GOP's Senate loss.'' The only thing I would disagree with is the fact that he didn't mention Michael Farris. I was as proud of John Warner over his refusal to support Farris as I was for his attitude toward Oliver North, and I was equally proud of the Republicans of Virginia on both counts.
Do Republican State Party Chairman Patrick McSweeney and his cronies think we're idiot sheep who can't think for ourselves? I, for one, will vote for Warner as long as he chooses to run, and for whatever office he chooses to run.
CLARA E. MOSELEY
COVINGTON
by CNB