Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 13, 1995 TAG: 9507140031
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
I couldn't fathom it: Why on Earth would Bowers, who at other times has seemed fairly sensible about city affairs, propose a new school that would have a virtually all-black enrollment, in a no-growth area of the city, in a neighborhood surrounded by three other elementary schools operating below capacity? He's trying to curry favor with somebody, I thought, but who and why?
I found the answers when I got to the front-page article, ``Tax relief, school aid proposed,'' reporting Bowers' proposal for cutting property taxes. It mentioned the mayoral election coming up next May. Aha, mystery solved! His Honor is doing what all incumbents do as an election pops upon the horizon: wave fists of public cash, and spout gaseous promises at every special-interest group and voting bloc that can be counted on to come across with support on Election Day. Proposing an unneeded school in a politically active section of the city and jumping on the tax-cut bandwagon are but two ways a mayoral candidate could drum up support - at the expense of the public treasury, and in defiance of common sense.
In political terms, the mayor is wielding the power of incumbency to his obvious advantage. But in practical terms, Northwest Roanoke doesn't need another elementary school, and the city shouldn't cut taxes at a time when federal and state governments continue to reduce aid to localities.
MITCHELL L. MENDELSON
ROANOKE
History books serve up treasures
FREEDOM OF thought is the root of American greatness.
Before the founding of America, states typically claimed that their authority came from God; the divine right of kings was taught by church and state together. The church sought, and for long centuries had, a theocracy. Europe's kings all bowed to the pope, who blessed their rule with divine sanction. These were later known as the Dark Ages. Christians outside the clergy weren't even taught to read. Even slaves of pagan Rome were more often literate than the noble families of Christian Europe. The result was a corrupt church and tyrannical states.
The Protestant schism led to both religious and civil wars. Reformers who placed authority in Scripture rather than the church made it a goal that everyone should be able to read the Bible for themselves. This led to an increase in literacy, and to continuing schism. There are now thousands of different denominations.
America was a child of the Enlightenment. A revival of interest in classical (Greek and Roman) philosophy showed reason to be an alternative to faith, and democracy an alternative to theocracy. Thomas Paine's ``The Age of Reason'' shows the deism that was the view of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and other American founders. Even those like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, who were definitely Christians, were unorthodox, and they knew it.
Hence, when they wrote the Constitution, they didn't claim authority from God, but by the consent of a free and self-governing people. Ours was the first nontheocratic government, created by the people as their servant, to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and for us.
My life has been full of treasure in the form of books. Those who don't read are no better off than those who cannot. Those who don't know history are in danger of repeating it. Treasure your freedom of thought, and use it.
JOHN B. HODGES
BLACKSBURG
Graduate showed love for classmates
IN RESPONSE to recent critical commentary regarding Jeff Eenigenburg's valedictory address at Patrick Henry High School, I offer the following:
Eenigenburg was exercising his rights under the Constitution since the First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion.
I would think that all members of his graduating class, regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof, would be complimented that he blessed them in the name of Jesus Christ, the undisputed leader of his chosen faith. I believe Eenigenburg was expressing, in the strongest possible terms, the love and affection he has for his classmates.
Why do people attack a religion that promotes hope, love, peace, compassion and a sense of security that has comforted and helped so many people? What is wrong with such a positive approach to life? Wouldn't adherence to the Ten Commandments make this world a better place in which to live?
I look forward to following Eenigenburg's career, and predict his contributions to God and country will be significant.
RICHARD E. MARTIN
ROANOKE
Animals living on borrowed time
RECENTLY, my wife and I helped evacuate the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals pending potential flooding. We picked up four cats to care for until the rain broke and it was safe to return them. It's unfortunate that three of these cats, which were kittens, are to be euthanized. After spending an evening playing with them, it seems apparent they are going to be put to death because a home cannot be found for them.
We gave these kittens a temporary home to save them from drowning, and I would like to find homes for these animals while they have this borrowed time.
It's a great thing to see the love that was poured out to help save all the animals currently housed at the SPCA. Even as the rain continued to come down, the parking lot overflowed with those wishing to help. I realized the vast majority of those picking up animals were pet owners who want the same thing as my wife and I. We would like to find homes for the animals.
From articles I have seen in The Roanoke Times, you have supported the SPCA in the past. I believe homes are available. The problem for me, and obviously for the SPCA, is connecting those pets with owners. Your newspaper could make a huge difference.
DAVID J. LANG
ROANOKE
Changes strengthen the Constitution
VICTOR KAMBER'S June 30 commentary ``Leave the Constitution alone'' illustrates, though not intentionally, just how the terms ``conservative'' and ``liberal'' aren't always accurate labels for individuals. It also shows how some in our society are willing to manipulate the very essence of our most precious institutions to discredit and obstruct an adversary.
Do Kamber's very ``conservative'' wishes for our Constitution make him a good ``liberal''? I think not! He achieves that by blindly opposing the Republicans and, it would seem, any issue they support.
Ho-hum, politics as usual. This is what Gingerich-era liberals have been reduced to. The party of ideas and, yes, change is the Republican Party. A far more descriptive label for these new (or new-era) Democrats would be obstructionists rather than liberals.
How could Kamber suggest such an idea as to ``leave the Constitution alone''? It's a brilliant, even sacred document, but it's not perfect. It couldn't possibly cover every issue for all times. Thank God for its ability to be modified. Its ability to be changed is a built-in facility that helps to make it as brilliant as it is. Has Kamber forgotten such necessary modifications as the Fourth Amendment (against unreasonable searches), the 10th (which delegates powers not given to the federal or state governments, to the people), or the 13th (against slavery) that righted an inhumane and immoral wrong that was a huge detriment to an entire race of people and our country?
So, is there anything respectful in wishing for a condition that would weaken our Constitution? A condition that wouldn't allow it to change as needs be? Would it not ultimately become obsolete?
That's a pretty high price just to try and prove the Republicans wrong - a price Kamber seems all too eager to pay. But who said a liberal didn't know how to spend?
WALTER L. KING
BEDFORD
by CNB