Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 31, 1995 TAG: 9505310066
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
His interpretation is most naive and dangerous. My grandfather had a saying that is most appropriate: ``Wazz ya dare, Charlie?'' Well, let the men who were there speak for themselves.
Thomas Jefferson: ``On every question of construction [of the Constitution] let us carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning my be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed.''
Jefferson: ``No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.''
Patrick Henry: ``The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun.''
James Madison: ``Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.''
George Mason: ``I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people, except for a few public officials.''
Jefferson: ``The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.''
PHILIP HART
WILLIS
El Salvador probe should be ordered
IF PRESIDENT Bill Clinton thinks that Americans should trust our government, he should have watched ``60 Minutes'' on May 21 regarding the war in El Salvador. These soldiers were participating in a big government lie.
If he did watch it, he should order an investigation. It happened during a Republican administration, but I guarantee that it would be investigated if it had happened under his watch.
Even though these soldiers were participating in a covert operation ordered by their government, they shouldn't be denied the medals they earned and deserve. Give them their medals!
VIRGINIA L. HANKINS
ROANOKE
People shouldn't criticize Clinton
I AM very disturbed that so many people do nothing but criticize, no matter who our president is. President Clinton was voted in by the people. Therefore, we should support him, and not criticize him. If you were president, could you do any better?
Regarding Jimmy Carter, we all know now he was a better president than we gave him credit for at the time.
If Clinton is, as some say, a ``wimp,'' why did the people vote him in as president? I support my president wholeheartedly.
Sen. Robert Dole wants to be president so much that he can't wait for the next election so he can try again.
Thanks to Velma Brookman (May 23 letter to the editor, ``Spewing hate for others' opinions'') for inspiring me to write my letter.
GERTRUDE W. LESTER
VINTON
A family's shining example of love
REGARDING your heart-warming article (May 14 Extra section, ``Love's extra mile'') that featured the Ogle family and the devoted attention to their very special daughter, Marilynn:
With all the terrible tragedies in the world today, it was refreshing to read this article (even though it was of a bittersweet nature). I was so glad that the doctor's comment about a mother's loving care was reiterated!
My hat goes off to this couple who have given a lifetime of care to Marilynn. There will surely be a special place in heaven for them!
Even though Marilynn isn't able to express herself, she's so blessed to have parents like Ruby and George Ogle. But, on the other hand, her mother is so blessed to have a devoted husband and family that enabled her to make a choice to not continue working outside the home. Many mothers, in very similar circumstances, aren't able to make this choice, nor are they fortunate enough to have a daughter who is willing to be the caregiver for her invalid sister when her parents can no longer do this.
I'm sure the Ogles have had many bone-weary, tearful and heart-wretching days over this 51-year period. But they're so lucky to have each other and, apparently, loving siblings. Indeed, this was a tragic experience, but good things come from such ordeals.
I honor the Ogles for I and many others have walked in their shoes. They were so often very lonely shoes.
If all readers of this article have ``normal'' children, they should thank their heavenly father for them. They are so blessed! Remember, our children are the greatest gift of all. They're loaned to us for a short while.
NORMA M. STONE
ROANOKE
All of Roanoke must show concern
I AM deeply sorrowed to hear of the burning of Dr. Walter Claytor's office in Gainsboro (May 21 article, ``Fire claims Gainsboro clinic''). Hundreds of businesses and homes and a number of churches have either been burned or bulldozed in that community within the past 30 years.
Despite all the positive rhetoric about community rapport in Roanoke, there is one part of that community that has been, and continues to be, annihilated.
I hope, as we witness these new burnings, something will burn in our hearts. That something might be the pain of knowing that a brother is suffering. And although we might not have set the fire, we continue to let it burn unless we take a stand on racism in Roanoke or anywhere in our country, and unless we become educated and educate our children about the history of the whole community, not just a part of it. Also, we must realize that if one part has been hurt and has fallen, the other cannot run ahead and find success, since success is the product of cooperation and inclusiveness.
For so many years, Gainsboro hasn't been victimized by its own children, but by others who sought to exclude and divide. Today all of our children who witnessed this tragedy will learn by our response. Of course, some may never consider it a tragedy at all, just another fire in another part of town while they slept in safe, pristine beds - not knowing or caring that Gainsboro is the oldest neighborhood in Roanoke. And that is a tragedy, too.
MARY CAMPAGNA-HAMLIN
ELLISTON
Putting limits on the celebration
WHY IS it that William Fleming High School seniors can only invite six people to their graduation? This is their day, and they should be able to invite those they want.
The Roanoke Civic Center has other rooms that will hold those asked to come, with space left over. The smallest room at the civic center was chosen for the Fleming graduation - or was it the cheapest one there? Outside, with rented chairs, would have been even better. Where is the money these kids had to pay, or their parents had to pay?
It's a shame on graduation day that there will be aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., who won't be able to come because only six people per family is allowed. To choose who can come has been hard for my daughter. Who made this dumb rule? And why should they take over the day that's for the students, their family and friends.
MARY INGRAM
ROANOKE
Good citizens don't provoke violence
RECENT events in Oklahoma City reminded us tragically that nonviolent dissent (specifically, using words to express our opinions, as all private citizens have a right to do in America) can be devastating in its impact on violence-prone individuals' targets.
Is it only safe to speak forcefully about one's beliefs privately to like-minded, pacifist friends? Is it possible to ensure privacy now that the Fourth Amendment has been dismantled? Whose designs ended the lives of 168 human beings that horrible morning in April? How can we show the perpetrators how wrong they are, and that what felonious, sociopathic, broadcast hacks spew over the airwaves is only intended to provoke the same reptilian, homicidal impulses that exploded last month in the Midwest?
Good Americans, good citizens, true patriots and good people don't provoke or commit violent acts - they stop them.
TONY GOMEZ
ROANOKE
by CNB