Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 8, 1995 TAG: 9507100138
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
History shows us that centuries of religious persecution persisted into the 18th century, even in the American colonies. As a few examples, members of new sects (such as Methodists and Baptists) landed in jail when they violated existing laws governing religion - even in Virginia. Christians (Catholics and Protestants) clashed in Maryland. Authorities regularly imprisoned, whipped and publicly humiliated Quakers.
Thankfully, America also held out seeds of new hope as people escaped the turmoil of Europe. Pennsylvania provided a safe haven for Quakers and other similar groups. The Puritan theocracy in New England failed as dissenters founded other prosperous settlements outside of its authority. Laws changed in places like Maryland. And a thriving Jewish community in Newport, R.I., built an imposing synagogue in 1763.
Furthermore, soon after the American Revolution, Patrick Henry stirred a heated political debate over religion when he proposed the re-establishment of a state church in Virginia. Several new Protestant sects actively opposed him. Minorities have sought freedom from the tyranny imposed by those in power, and men of good faith have debated how to achieve that from the very beginning.
Controversy continues, and changes in society require attention to all our freedoms. We must continue to seek a balance by learning to respect others' beliefs and, in return, we shall be free to practice our own without fear of persecution. This constant process and ongoing public debate among reasonable people provides a healthy atmosphere to protect society over time. To do that, we must put the issue into historical perspective without twisting facts or applying our own oversimplified notions and wishful thinking to people and events of the past.
ELIZABETH A. PAULL
TROUTVILLE
New artifacts don't enhance city
IN VISITING Roanoke, city of my childhood, I discovered that it has been estimated to cost $5 million to build a walkway across a set of railroad tracks, and $42 million-plus to build a conference center that doesn't architecturally blend with the history or majesty of Hotel Roanoke, and also destroys the beauty of the landscape.
The architectural togetherness could have been accomplished by using the same scheme as the former structure, or using the same colored brick as the Norfolk & Western building and the stone of the old Stone Printing building. Both of those buildings are structurally sound, and could be used for worthwhile purposes.
Where is the vision and foresight? Who is responsible for the planning? Roanoke, you were taken, cheated and abused!
The laugh of the decade is the corner with plants and stone-etched marker labeled ``Historic Gainsboro.'' What is left except the Catholic church on the hill? Although designated as a historical landmark in Gainsboro, ``the hill'' was not part of the pulse of the Gainsboro community. I know this because I was born and worked in Gainsboro as a child.
It's sad to see that the teachings and learning of your childhood haven't been used in a fruitful, positive, insightful manner. I fear for Roanoke's families and children. Children learn from their elders. What are you teaching?
KAYE L. CLAYTOR
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
Good parents still abound
IN SPITE of crime in our country, it's still the greatest place on Earth to live because we still have parents who believe in God and live in a way that is pleasing to him.
These parents take the responsibility of raising their children very seriously by keeping them in church, reading the Bible to them, and praying with them and for them. They keep good books and literature for children to read - never any smutty magazines or pictures of any kind - and never alcohol of any kind.
Their honest and God-fearing living day by day is a lesson children and friends never forget.
Children of good parents are also taught to love their country and each other. At no time in our country has love been needed more. We are taught by example to love and respect all people.
MATTIE F. CAMPBELL
ROANOKE
Brown has many leadership assets
LETTERS to the editor regarding Michael Brown's outstanding qualifications and accomplishments are surely proof that he'll serve Bedford with distinction as sheriff.
Beyond his proven leadership ability in many areas of criminal justice, he knows Bedford County and Bedford city well. He was born and reared in Big Island, and began his career in law enforcement as a sheriff's deputy in Bedford.
I hope citizens of Bedford will join me in supporting Brown for sheriff.
WILLIAM E. WILLIAMS III
BEDFORD
by CNB