Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, April 24, 1995 TAG: 9504240003
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
It's absurd that a single federal judge presumes to dictate Department of Defense policy based on an obviously limited understanding of the ``Don't ask, don't tell'' policy, the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the military member's experience.
This policy was written into law by Congress in the 1994 Defense Authorization Act. U.S. District Judge Eugene H. Nickerson attempts to invalidate the current law that is the culmination of military experience. Congressional debate and compromise is a formula far more reliable than one man's subjective opinion. Moreover, he assumes that the military member's constitutional rights are identical to those of the public civilian's. They're not. The military member, by virtue of enlistment or commission, chooses to uphold the Constitution while abiding by a far more demanding sense of duty based on regulation, command structure and military law - all of which are designed to promote good order and discipline. The military isn't a democracy, nor can it afford to be a reflection of societal norms and mores.
Congress enacted the UCMJ based on the provision of the U.S. Constitution that empowers the legislature to make rules and laws governing military forces. Judge Nickerson discounts this separate set of laws, under which he has probably never lived. Although the UCMJ doesn't specifically address homosexuality, to openly condone gay and lesbian enlistment would invite activity that is addressed. I oppose civilian courts interpreting to field commanders the intent of the UCMJ.
I suspect Judge Nickerson has never spoken to an 18-year-old basic trainee or technical trainee about his/her encounter with homosexual activity. As a technical-training squadron commander in the late '70s, I had the unfortunate responsibility (as did several of my fellow commanders) to process disciplinary/discharge actions in cases where coerced homosexual acts had taken place. To my remembrance, no other infraction caused more emotional trauma or disruption of morale in that age group, particularly to the young women of my squadron, than the presence of openly gay offenders.
Bottom line: Judge Nickerson's ruling is based more on his political opinion and social biases than on sound judgment, objective precedence and knowledge of military law.
C. ANDREW HODGES JR.
BUCHANAN
Bedford landowners lose under LUGS
I WISH someone would please tell me why Bedford County has a planning commission when all you need is Boggess, Ware, Creasy and Updike to tell you what you can do with your land. Sounds unbelievable to me that four people can tell all of Bedford County what they can and can't do with their property.
We have a candidate running for sheriff who was the chairman of the committee that formed LUGS, which doesn't stand for Land Use Guidance System but stands for Losing Under Government Stupidity. I wonder if Doug Maynard will try to dictate to people like LUGS does if he is elected as sheriff.
Franklin County is doing so well in business growth because it doesn't have this kind of bull to contend with. Bedford County should have an independent committee (people from all walks of life, and not the Board of Supervisors) to run this LUGS outfit. The man who wanted to open a used-car lot, and did everything he was suppose to, should appeal its decision. But I guess maybe there is no appeal.
Who tells the Board of Supervisors what to do? It sure isn't the people of Bedford County.
JAMES CAMPBELL
BEDFORD
Change is for the customers
THE APRIL 6 letter to the editor by David R. Jones Jr. (``Fiscal foolishness in the county'') concerning the change in Roanoke County's utility-billing system contained some inaccuracies, which I'd like to address.
The county is making the change to monthly utility billing at the request of many of our customers. Our bills, due to the major infrastructure projects we're undertaking, are higher than in neighboring localities. It's easier for people to pay these bills on a monthly basis, so in responding to our customers, this is the reason for the change. It's not to save money, although we anticipate a slight savings from reducing our bad debt. We've not added staff to make this change, but instead will send estimated bills for two months of the quarter.
While there will be a cost due to increased postage, that will not come from tax dollars. The utility fund, which is a self-supporting enterprise fund, will cover this increase. As in private enterprise, those who receive the benefit will pay the cost. Jones isn't a utility customer, and will not pay for this change. Additionally, part of the $32,000 is a one-time expense for informing the public about the new billing procedure.
This is the first phase of our program. We're currently investigating the possibility of combining our meter reading with other utilities so that we can eliminate estimated bills without increasing staff. We're also discussing the possibility of automatic bank-account debits and payment through credit cards. Our ultimate goal is to respond to what utility customers want and need to make bill paying as easy as possible.
DIANE D. HYATT
Director of Finance, County of Roanoke
ROANOKE
Taxpayers hit at state/local levels
WE, THE taxpaying public, had to endure probably the most partisan session of the state legislature in recent times. The arrogance of House Majority Leader Richard Cranwell and the rest of the Democratic Party, their total dislike for Gov. George Allen and the defeat of his proposals were enough to turn anyone's stomach.
Although I didn't agree with everything Allen wanted, at least for the first time in years, he was trying to do what was best for taxpayers.
If that weren't enough, while reading the only choice we have for a large newspaper in the Roanoke Valley, I ran across an April 5 article (``County tax rates hold steady'') about our beloved Roanoke County Board of Supervisors. They voted not to raise the tax rate on personal property or real estate for this year, enthusiastically proclaiming that they had held the line again for another year. Now if I could just get them to buy my house for what they think it's worth, I probably would have enough extra money to pay the personal-property taxes on a new car.
RANDY TURNER
ROANOKE
What's in a name?
REGARDING the April 12 article, ``Lake-area intersection's name-choosers collide again'':
Quite a bit of conversation has taken place concerning the naming of the community in and around Halesford Bridge. Obviously, the conversation needs some biblical expertise, which I hope to provide.
Jerry Johnson suggested naming the area ``Stillwaters'' after the 123rd Psalm. But the 123rd Psalm includes no mention of anything resembling ``Stillwaters.'' Johnson, who hopes to oppose Sen. Virgil Goode in the upcoming election, might need to still the waters with the Republican religious-right voters on this one. However, the 123rd Psalm might have more to say to this issue than we imagine. Verse 4 reads: ``Our soul has had more than its fill of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud." Then again, had Johnson accurately quoted the 123rd Psalm, he might have been in even more trouble!
Clearly, the committee needs some professional theological support in considering certain names. Perhaps I can offer my services in this regard. One possibility might be drawn from Psalm 69:2: ``I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold.'' We've all lost flip-flops to the mud wading around in lakes. Yes, ``Deep Mire, Va.'' It has a nice squish - I mean, ring - to it.
Or perhaps since a large contingent of the population there is retired, this verse from Psalm 90:10 would be fitting: ``The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble.'' Perhaps the place could be called ``Toil and Trouble, Va.'' For those who think the place has enough people already, this name certainly would discourage newcomers! You've got to confess, it beats ``Mouth of Wilson'' as names go.
REV. G. WILSON GUNN JR.
Pastor, Peace Presbyterian Church
ROANOKE
Editor's note: A correction about the 123rd Psalm was published April 13.
by CNB