Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 29, 1995 TAG: 9508290026
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The religious right has been crowing about its alleged ``victory'' over the forces of injustice, discrimination and so-called Christian-bashing ever since the legal battle ended over the funding for ``Wide Awake,'' an evangelical Christian student magazine.
Several issues involved in the debate include free speech, equal treatment and required support for disagreeable causes, to say nothing of the predictions of Pat Robertson and Ralph Reed of the Christian Coalition and others that the door is now wide open for school vouchers (an entirely different can of worms).
One phase of the controversy has been largely ignored. No one has spoken to the basic issue of the motivation of the principal characters involved. Motivation is difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain objectively. However, the original plaintiff in the case, UVa student Ronald Rosenberger, proclaimed his Christian faith as the basis for his lawsuit.
I suggest those students who claim subsidies for their campus activities have such a right. However, if their goal is to evangelize, proselytize or to convert, then the very ethics of Christianity should compel them to decry any form of governmental assistance, financial or otherwise.
If, as is obvious in this case, the motive is to expand religion's place at the public trough, then the recipients of such largess should bow their heads in shame.
Let government do its chosen work - to protect and serve the public. If it fails in some phase of its responsibility, correct it. Let the church do its work - to worship, convert and serve. And let it not demand financial support from those who deny its worth to their lives.
HAL H. EATON
MOUTH OF WILSON
Turn no calendar before its time
REGARDING Gael M. Chaney's Aug. 13 letter to the editor, ``Don't pop the corks till 2001,'' and Tom Carter's Aug. 23 letter, ``Whenever, welcome the new millennium'':
This isn't an opinion letter, political or religious. It's about our calendar. Dating this letter Aug. 25, 1995 - using what are known as ordinate numbers - the date is the eighth month, 25th day and 1,995th year. As first, second, third or 10th, 11th, 12th or 20th, etc., these are ordinate numbers. First means first, not a complete one.
At birth, we're not 1 year old, but we've begun our first year. An 8-month-old is only two-thirds of a year old, but he or she is living in the first year of life. Year 1995 does not mean there have been 1,995 years since Christ. It's four months short of that.
Any year must run its course before you chalk it up. The 2,000th year is no exception. When the year 2000 is over, this millennium will end. Then 2001 will begin. The 2000 and first year will begin. That's how I think it is.
ELLIS J. CARTER
MARTINSVILLE
Scores noteworthy in Craig County
I READ with interest the Aug. 24 article, ``SAT scores hold steady.''
Many times when I read a comparison source on the Roanoke Valley or New River Valley, I notice Craig County is usually left out. I sometimes wonder if our good newspaper finds Craig County to be irrelevant.
I was pleased to read in this article that Craig County ranked higher in the SAT scores than its neighbors. If a survey of television antennae were done, I wonder whether one might find fewer in Craig County than in the rest of our area. Fewer television antennae just might tell us something.
Congratulations Craig County!
THAD RIDDLE
PILOT
A 7 should look like a 7
PEOPLE here aren't used to a seven that looks like an F when crossed. It has caused me problems with my prescriptions, notes, etc. I don't know what it means or stands for, but I know it causes confusion and frustration for those of us who don't know what it is.
So for senior citizens and others, I hope this habit will stop. I'm sure this must have come from some other country, as I don't know of its source here in America. Also, the post office isn't too happy about it.
MARCY BURNETT
ROANOKE
by CNB