Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 5, 1995 TAG: 9506060010
SECTION: EDITORIALS PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Don't laugh. This may be a new day.
Maybe the tobacco industry will recall the principal irritant in its product, the smoke from the tobacco therein, which, we are assured, these customers purely and voluntarily take into their respiratory systems; thence into their circulation; thence into their hearts, brains and other organs - a most unnatural way of substance ingestion, which is normally through the mouth - to enjoy the carefully crafted flavors thereof, not, as has been rumored, to stave off horrible nicotine withdrawal as claimed by many mean-spirited health professionals who just want to put tobacco workers out of jobs.
LEONARD J. UTTAL
BLACKSBURG
People must face realities of death
IN RESPONSE to John Dailey's May 23 letter to the editor, ``Timing of article was inconsiderate'':
My mother died 21 years ago, my brother almost 15 years ago, and one of my uncles has been in intensive care for several weeks. It's painful to hear about the devastation of alcoholism. I don't like seeing articles about suicide, and I see a television hospital show and wonder if my uncle will make it.
It hurts to lose a loved one, and it seems grossly unfair when that death is premature. But I can't be protected from the reality that's all around me. Women still suffer from alcoholism, young men still commit suicide, and uncles get old and sick and are hospitalized without much hope for recovery.
The newspaper isn't showing an inconsiderate disregard of the Brooks family's feelings. Realities have got the inconsiderate market cornered. There's no avoiding pain, but I've come to believe that God will love me through it. Mummy and brother are dead, but I'm still here!
ANNE COONEY
BOONES MILL
Government committed atrocities
I READ the May 19 article (``Judge suppresses evidence in Cucci tax evasion trial'') regarding Judge Turk's suppression of evidence in Victor Cucci's tax-evasion trial. The article described federal agents breaking down Cucci's door without a search warrant, and then holding his family and friends, including three children, hostage at gunpoint. Judge Turk ruled the search illegal and suppressed evidence found as a result of that search.
Sound familiar? Since the Oklahoma City bombing, the news media have bombarded us with stories of extremist militias while ignoring incidents of this type carried out by extremist federal agents. The injustice suffered by Cucci and his family isn't isolated. Federal agents conduct their affairs in this manner every day, nationwide. The vast majority of these incidents aren't reported or are only reported locally.
I'm sure this case will not reach CNN, nor will it gain the national attention it deserves. These crimes were perpetrated by federal agents, and people in every state should be aware of how federal employees perform their duties, with no regard for our Constitution or people's individual rights.
Does the civilian militia have a place in our society? Whatever your position is, you must agree that its existence is a direct result of the fear and mistrust of our government caused by the way government treats citizens. If it can happen to Cucci, it can happen to you. Our government has fed radioactive food to orphans, tested nuclear bombs on unsuspecting soldiers, sealed documents concerning the JFK assassination until all involved parties have the opportunity to die of old age, and it is responsible for countless other atrocities.
The National Rifle Association was right. Federal agents employed by our government are no more than ``jack-booted government thugs.'' George Bush supported these activities as our president and Bill Clinton follows his lead. Our House and Senate representatives must reign in these federal terrorists before it's too late.
WILLIAM L. PAXTON JR.
COVINGTON
Agency has two separate roles
IN RESPONSE to Ken Dreyer's erroneous assumptions concerning the education funds of Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge (May 16 letter to the editor, ``Money goes into the abortion pot''):
Planned Parenthood's clinic service and educational program are two separate departments housed in different buildings and employing different staffs. The education department has an excellent resource library that's available to many groups in Southwest Virginia. Its trained educators provide information and guidance to schools, churches, civic organizations and other groups that request them.
One goal of Planned Parenthood is to reduce the need for abortions. Ignorance and lack of self-respect, especially among teen-agers, are two problems underlying many unwanted pregnancies.
Encouraging or profiting from a woman's choice of abortion is totally against Planned Parenthood's principles.
VIRGINIA HOPKINS
ROANOKE
Don't cram all kids into one mold
I GASPED when I read Donna Chewning's reaction (April 10 letter to the editor, ``Taking a stand for disabled children'') to Robert Frary's (March 15 letter to the editor, ``Disruptive students should be excluded'') about excluding children with disabilities from regular classrooms. Chewning felt that Frary's views were typical of most people concerned about children's education, but ``reacting out of fear and misunderstanding.'' I disagree.
As a special educator for 16 years, I feel it's impossible to suggest a blanket prescription for all children. I agree that it's the parents' responsibility to make a strong stand for their child's best interests. I also am an advocate for that child, but not at the expense of that child and others. Each situation for inclusion must be viewed on an individual basis. Many children do well and benefit greatly from exposure to a regular classroom. Empathy, compassion and a desire to help others (values lacking to many) are beneficial to regular students. But there is the flip side of the coin.
The regular education teacher of included students must be carefully selected. Teachers are as individual as students, and some are better-equipped than others to handle differences and make flexible modifications.
There are and always will be students who can't or won't be able to comprehend compassion for others. They will taunt, ridicule and intimidate the disabled child and anyone else they choose. Unfortunately, many doing the taunting are disabled themselves, at least by their attitude.
Some students thrive on challenge and exposure while others need a more secure, sheltered environment. After all, isn't that what individualized instruction is all about? Parents and teachers can determine which environment is best for each child, rather than attempt to include all in one mold.
As the sister of a mentally disabled brother and the parent of a learning disabled child, I see and understand both viewpoints. Numerous students, disabled and not, are disruptive to the teaching and learning of others in any classroom. Education's greatest need today is strong parental support, strong disciplinary measures and strong individualized teaching for all students. Education could make a grave mistake by cramming inclusion down our throats. When that happens, the natural reaction is to gag. We must be sensitive to the whole child to educate the whole child.
SHEILA M. STATES
TROUTVILLE
Roanoke won't miss the TV trash
REGARDING the removal of the Ricki Lake show from the WSLS line up (May 15 Extra section article, ``Channel 10 saying good-bye to Ricki Lake''):
Almost without fail, the first thing anyone says about living in the Roanoke Valley is what a marvelous place it is to raise children and have a family. With people like Randy Smith, general manager of WSLS, I think Roanoke has a chance to remain a terrific place to raise children and have a family.
I have seen ads featuring small sections of the Ricki Lake show, and never have I seen and heard such trash displayed for public consumption. For this type of entertainment to be on the air in the middle of the afternoon for all ages to view is absolutely unacceptable.
I'm extremely proud to see someone stand up for convictions. We hear so much talk, but see so little action.
ROSALIND W. ZAHN
UNION HALL
by CNB