Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, May 16, 1995 TAG: 9505160073
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
It has never ceased to amaze me that people who have suffered so much at the hands of the power brokers and politicians can time and again outshine those individuals in the level of gratitude shown for those who have served in our military forces.
In fact, despite the pride I possess as a former Marine, I have always felt too humbled by the ``Veterans' Song (Dance)'' that is a part of each powwow's grand entry to partake in its celebration. When I think of how many people in this country have turned from their responsibility of serving in the military while Native Americans have consistently volunteered to defend our flag, I am overwhelmed and embarrassed beyond expression.
We took their land, erased many of their tribes into extinction and attempted to destroy their culture through an educational system that prevented their children from being themselves. Yet, when we were in need, they were always there - be it as code-talkers and flag-raisers during World War II, or as infantrymen on the front lines in Vietnam. And all they have asked for in return is our respect, and the truth.
Perhaps it was the intense atmosphere of cultural harmony in evidence at the Natural Bridge powwow, or maybe some of the high degree of dignity and self-esteem that these people exude became a part of my own character over that weekend, but I finally took part in the ``Veterans' Song (Dance).'' I still felt humbled, even after sharing the circle with my brother veterans three times. But I also felt a renewed pride for having given three years of my life in the service of our country.
My only regret is that the same level of honor and respect has never been in evidence in my own culture. Yes, we touched on it during the Gulf crisis, but 20 years overdue. And even then, we could have done more.
JIM KENT
POMPTON PLAINS, N.J.
City officials due recognition
IT WAS indeed a source of pride and joy to be part of the official opening of Hotel Roanoke at the Educators' Night reception on March 29.
Hotel Roanoke looked elegant, the food was superb, and the program was very entertaining. The majority of the guests were Virginia Tech faculty and administrators. Virginia Tech students were assisting, guiding guests and parking their cars. I am sure that the renovated hotel will be a great source of revenue. Truly it is a luxurious place to spend an evening.
I was surprised and disappointed that City Manager Bob Herbert and Mayor David Bowers, who were attending the reception, were not introduced and acknowledged. I was even more surprised to see that the Virginia Tech faculty and administrators did not recognize our city officials.
The majority of Roanoke residents regard Herbert and Bowers as accomplished and dedicated officials. I was expecting them to be acknowledged. Roanoke has played a big part in making this a successful project.
ZAMAN K. MCMANAWAY
ROANOKE
Do innocent citizens have reason to fear?
IN THE AFTERMATH of Waco and Oklahoma, a national survey was conducted revealing that the majority of United States citizens believe that they have reason to mistrust their own government. Journalists and government officials have expressed shock and questioned why.
History has proved that, under given circumstances, any one individual is capable of aberrant, sociopathic behavior. However, this issue concerns a reasonable people who stand aside helplessly and allow their structural systems to operate in the callous fashion of the deviant individual.
The question is simple: Do honest, innocent citizens who have done no wrong have great cause to fear the systems of our government? Ask Baby Richard!
PATRICIA B. WIDNER
WYTHEVILLE
Averill will bring fresh ideas
TRIXIE AVERILL is the Roanoke Valley's answer to your April 25 editorial (``More than a few good women'') about too few women in the General Assembly.
She is a conservative, family-oriented candidate who will bring fresh ideas to a House seat kept warm by the same man for far too long. She can make a difference in the political life of our state.
POLLY JOHNSON
ROANOKE
Timber legislation must be vetoed
I READ Bill Leichter's May 4 letter (``Don't let resources go up in smoke'') about the timber-salvage riders to the rescission bill, and would like to clear up some of the misinformation in his letter.
This legislation must be vetoed if President Clinton is serious about the pledge he made to veto anti-Earth bills.
First, the cries we hear of a forestry health emergency are hotheaded rhetoric.
The so-called emergency was manufactured by timber lobbyists. It has no legitimate scientific basis. Promoters of the amendments tacked them onto other bills in the House and the Senate as riders to avoid the usual testimony by scientific witnesses required for bills of this magnitude.
The American Fisheries Society, the Society for Conservation Biology, the Wildlife Society and the Ecological Society of America oppose this extreme salvage program.
Second, the salvage riders will not protect the environment. Critics have correctly stated that the effect would be to suspend every law governing management of the public forests, including those that protect fish, wildlife, water quality and recreation, and that the riders would turn off judicial due process in standing court cases by overturning every past court decision in the country that protects timber sales. The effect would also be to bar public comment on timber sales and eliminate administrative appeals.
MARK E. BARKER
ROANOKE
Money goes into the abortion pot
I MUST strongly disagree with your April 24 editorial (``United Fund keeps up its credibility'') where you stated that United Way of Roanoke Valley keeps up its credibility by continuing to fund Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge even though Planned Parenthood will begin to provide abortions.
The organization may have commendable education objectives to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. But for it to begin destroying developing babies seems terribly wrong to me.
When a wonderful organization such as the United Way provides financial support for that organization, its credibility is seriously diminished in my view.
I saw an interesting article in which the writer maintained that history would probably judge us as wrong in our free use of abortions.
After all, earlier societies had condoned such practices as human sacrifices and slavery, and now we see those practices as unacceptable.
It is hoped that recognition of abortions as unacceptable will come soon.
In your editorial, you claimed that United Way will not fund abortions, but only Planned Parenthood's educational programs.
But let's be honest: It doesn't matter which pocket the money is put into. The bottom line is that you are endorsing United Way support of an organization that takes innocent life.
Someday, when we stand before God to be judged for our activities in this life, perhaps you will think of a more plausible explanation for your stand.
KEN DREYER
HARDY
Wondering where the money goes
I KEEP seeing articles in the paper about what the government wants to do about Medicare.
I would like to know what they are doing now with all the taxes they deduct from every taxpayers' pay each week. They also take $46 out of my Social Security each month before I even get a check.
Another thing: If I have a $50 doctor bill, and Medicare approves $40 of that bill and pays 80 percent of $40, that leaves $18 that I have to pay.
Medicare helps pay bills, but it leaves a gap that seniors have a hard time paying.
This Medicare money is being used for things other than what it is meant for. I would love to know what's becoming of it.
MAE JONES
ROANOKE
by CNB