Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 27, 1995 TAG: 9504270025
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
His erroneous assumption that humans are puppets under God's control is shared by many. We've lost sight of the greatest gift God gave us - the choice to exercise our free will. It's our responsibility to use this gift out of love and compassion for the good of mankind. Unfortunately, there are individuals who choose to exercise their God-given free will under the powers of greed, selfishness and hatred.
Too often, Americans want to transfer their social responsibility and accountability to some other power. In this case, the transfer is to a God who allows a tragedy like this to occur. Interestingly enough, the nation's desire to transfer responsibility for this terrorist act was dashed as we learned it was apparently done by residents of our own country.
Free will isn't given selectively. Once given, events resulting from the exercise of our free will are allowed to play out in this world. Don't question God and his gift, but rather learn its power, and gain the ability to make more responsible choices.
Likewise, don't look to government for control of our citizens' actions. Be aware that the greater control government has, the more we become puppets as that clergyman already views us. As much as we may want the ability to monitor such groups as the Michigan Militia from the inside, control people's possession of guns, and regulate the purchase and possession of fertilizer (as Sen. Arlen Specter suggested on ``60 Minutes''), the level of government control would threaten our continued ability to exercise free will.
Let's not overreact to this tragedy. More government control would result in situations similar to those only recently eliminated in former communist countries of Eastern Europe.
Although we'll stand as a nation and say to those responsible for this tragedy that theirs wasn't an acceptable exercise of free will, we must not at the same time jeopardize this privilege for the remaining majority of us.
BARRY L. LIPSCOMB
ROANOKE
Dining among discord and discs
WELL, ``Spanky'' Macher cleaned out his basement and opened the Star City Diner. At least I thought it was open. The doors weren't locked and people were inside. But when we visited, I don't think the employees expected us.
We were greeted by the controversial Big Boy. That spherical billboard couldn't possibly be worth half of what it generated in free advertising. All new businesses should be so unfortunate.
The decor isn't that of a '50s diner, but closer in style to ``early yard sale.'' It's equipped with someone's not-so-hot record collection glued to the ceiling; Roanoke's own walk of fame, including a star at the front door just for Macher; plastic covers over recessed lights that were painted in a rush (unless those drips and runs are for added character); and a collection of objects from just about any 20th century decade of your choice. All of this is trimmed in a bright red glossy paint that I'd have balked at when painting my tree house.
It was a true dining experience. We were seated at a table so close to the one beside us that if it hadn't been for my date's smile, I might not have known who I was dining with. I looked over the menu and decided on the ``Bluemoon'' burger with sauteed onions, mushrooms and blue cheese dressing. After time enough to read a James Clavel novel and work a week's worth of crossword puzzles, my meal arrived. There was no dressing on my burger, so I alerted the waiter. His response: ``Oh, you wanted that?''
I was excited when hearing about the coming of a '50s diner. I thought sleek, clean, stylish, and a place to get a cup of joe and a slice of pie at 2 a.m. It's not sleek, clean or stylish. It's cramped, slow and aesthetically nauseating.
JIMMY DECK
ROANOKE
Costume changes part of star's charm
REGARDING the totally unprofessional review of the Reba McEntire/Tracy Byrd concert by Mark Morrison (March 25, ``Country's queen has arrived ... and arrived ... ''):
It's not just because I'm an enthusiastic McEntire fan that this review offended me, but rather the pathetic style in which it was written. I understand that Morrison thinks that it's his job to critique concerts, but he could at least be professional when doing so.
As one of several thousand fans at this incredible sold-out concert, I enjoyed McEntire's taking time out to change into several different costumes. That was a part of the magical appeal of an absolutely wonderful night.
Morrison was too busy looking at the negative side of things that didn't suit him personally, as he so often does.
CARLA M. WRIGHT
ROCKY MOUNT
A pill won't solve all of a kids' problems
PARENTS today are so quick to jump on the Ritalin bandwagon. It seems to be a status symbol for children of the '90s.
Much has been on the news lately about misusing Ritalin. Physicians should be cautious when prescribing it for children with extreme allergies and asthma. Children should be monitored closely.
The problem often is that both parents work and no one has time to listen to children, so it's much easier just to give them a pill. It seems to be the in thing to do.
Parents need to wake up. Perhaps they are the problem, and not the children.
SHIRLEY TAYLOR SURRATT
SALEM
Lawmaker spreads misinformation
I READ an April 21 article that I just can't agree with (``Lawmaker: Rape can't impregnate'').
How can Rep. Henry Aldridge, R-N.C., say that women don't get pregnant when raped? He mentions that ``the juices don't flow, the body functions don't work.'' You would think that he, being 71 years old, would know better.
It hasn't happened to me, but I'm sure there are a lot of women in this world who will agree with me when I say that it is possible. I think Aldridge needs to read up on how the woman's reproductive system works.
KAREN LEE KING
SALEM
Southerners may close ranks again
YOUR MARCH 27 editorial ``In search of the Lost Cause'' is evidence of the lack of balance in your understanding of Southern history.
On what authority can you pronounce that the defense and perpetuation of slavery was central to the Confederacy's reason for being? Are you experts? Are you biased?
Slandering Virginia GOP Chairman Patrick McSweeney's motives for speaking at the new Confederate flag monument's dedication in Danville smacks of partisan political mudslinging. More fair-minded individuals might applaud his courage for taking a much-needed stand against dangerous demagogue revisionists whose anti-Southern bigotry mocks their claims of egalitarianism, tolerance and sensitivity.
In his speech, McSweeney correctly reported that ``many blacks' ancestors also perished while fighting in the Civil War,'' so that ``preserving Southern heritage is a biracial phenomenon.''
He might have reminded his audience that according to such authorities as Dr. Edward Smith of the American University, 93,000 blacks voluntarily served, under arms, in the Confederate army. Had authorities in Richmond been more enlightened, there would have been many more.
Remember also that it was primarily the self-righteous condemnation of the South that fueled its determination to sever political bonds with the United States.
No one will long stand for the constant train of abuses and slanders against one's family, friends, culture and heritage. Southerners may again close ranks in our homeland's defense. Our first allegiance is to our states, not Washington, D.C. Remember well.
WAYNE D. CARLSON
DUBLIN
by CNB