Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, October 18, 1995 TAG: 9510180026
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Every time the race issue is brought up in the public eye (the media), people always shy away from it. They try to pretend that racism doesn't exist. But as soon as the verdict came out, suddenly racism exists. And now it's more vicious than ever before.
The question that's being asked most is: Will this verdict divide black America and white America? I say that we as a country were already divided. This trial and the verdict only perpetuated this.
Putting the verdict aside for a moment, racism, in reality, does exist. Black people are being fired from their jobs, and they're being harassed and ignored at their work place and other public places.
This madness has got to stop. I don't understand why this particular trial has to determine this country's fate. Real justice has never existed. Why are we pretending that it did?
TAMEKO L. BARNETTE
ROANOKE
The parkway isn't an interstate
FOR THREE years now, I've driven to work on the Blue Ridge Parkway from U.S. 460 to U.S. 220 South. I leave earlier than I normally would so that I can take the parkway. I set my cruise control on 45 mph, and enjoy the scenery and animals I often see along the way. This gives me time to plan my day and just enjoy nature.
I've been so tempted to put a sign on my rear window that says, ``If you want to speed, go interstate!'' Invariably, there'll be someone on my quiet journey, riding my back bumper, waiting eagerly for the double lines to come to an end so he or she can whiz by me. Recently, someone passed me on the double lines.
There must not be enough park rangers to cover the parkway because seeing one is a rare occasion. If you're in a hurry, go interstate, and leave the parkway to those who want to snatch a few minutes out of their busy day to enjoy life!
BETTY WIMMER
ROANOKE
Characterizations were insulting
IN RESPONSE to your Oct. 10 Campaign Notes From Across Virginia - ``A `bimbo' by any other name ... '':
I consider Newell Falkinburg's choice of words (bimbos, idiots, cretins) describing utilization reviewers for insurance companies both insulting and personally degrading.
Working in the field of utilization and managed care, I consider my educational background, clinical expertise and knowledge of current medical issues to be exceptional.
It's undeniably humbling and disconcerting for a physician to be the recipient of unwanted expertise and informed decision-making from other knowledgeable individuals in managed care today. Our goal isn't to win a popularity contest, but rather to serve as strong patient advocates. Personal monetary gain doesn't influence our judgment. Rather than undeserved name-bashing, let it inspire a higher sense of reverence and responsibility.
Martin Luther King Jr. said, ``The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.''
NANCY BRAND
ROANOKE
Not all whites declared O.J. guilty
IN RESPONSE to James Lileks' Oct. 6 column (``Gosh, what took the O.J. jury so long to decide?'') regarding the O.J. Simpson verdict:
I am a 14-year-old white female who totally disagrees with his column. The reason I stress that I'm white is because many people I know believe that only African-Americans are cheering for O.J. Well, they're wrong, because I believed he was not guilty from the start.
Of course, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but the column seemed more like a prejudicial comment made over and over to me. I think that all the bad comments about O.J. are unnecessary.
Even if he did it, which I don't think he did, don't you think all the guilt he's going to have to live with for the rest of his life is enough? Well, I do. So please, ``Mark Furhman'' Lileks, keep your racial comments to yourself.
ANNIE TANVERDI
ROANOKE
Respect doesn't mean to condone
THE OCT. 10 letter to the editor by Mark Martin (``For gays, the issue is simply respect'') raised three important points for discussion.
First, I agree that all people should be treated with dignity and respect. God commands all his followers to demonstrate their uniqueness by their love for each other and for those with whom they disagree. I don't believe respect means condoning.
Second, it isn't any Christian perspective that ultimately determines what's moral or immoral. The Bible is God's accurate and infallible revelation of himself. Through it he reveals to us absolute truth, right and wrong. All sexual sin is immoral, according to a righteous God.
Last, the greatest gift from God we can impart to our children is not ``to be honest with themselves and to accept who they are with love and dignity.'' The greatest gift is the personal relationship each of us can have with the creator of the universe - God - made possible through Jesus Christ. By his love, we're made complete.
V. JEFFREY DOREMUS
ROANOKE
Public has missed old mountain road
THE SEPT. 10 article in The Roanoke Times indicated that John Coates, Roanoke city's manager of parks and recreation, "doubted closing Prospect Road would affect traffic because it's been closed at the bridge for years." The article also stated that the chief factor Coates is considering is ``how much impact closing the road would have on the public.''
I'm concerned that Coates and his department are completely disregarding the impact that closing the bridge has already had on the public. Mill Mountain is one of our favorite spots to show visitors and guests. Prior to the bridge's closing, we would always finish our tour of that area with a fun drive down the scenic and winding Prospect Road. We've missed being able to do this. I don't think I'm the only one in the Roanoke Valley who feels this way.
It appears to me that Coates' committee needs information that would provide an accurate picture of the use of Prospect Road prior to the bridge's closing in order to fully assess the impact a permanent closing would have on the public.
DANITA BAILEY
SALEM
Hegira House has helped many
THIS IS an urgent plea for our governor and legislators to spare Hegira House's drug-rehabilitation program. We've seen (and still see) firsthand the rehabilitation of men and women, both young and older, whose lives and families have been disrupted due to alcohol and/or drug abuse by a much-loved family member. These highly valued individuals - mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children, cousins, nephews, nieces and close friends - are priceless to us.
Our own much-loved nephew owes his life to Hegira House and its ``tough love'' confrontational methods. Once a menace to his own family and society, he's being transformed into a caring, productive citizen for the first time in years. We can also attest to friends and former classmates who have been able to get their lives turned around and back in order because they were fortunate enough to have Hegira House to turn to for help.
Addiction to drugs and/or alcohol respects no boundaries. It ravages the very souls of rich and poor alike, as well as all colors, cultures, creeds and values.
Hegira House gets people in touch with the feelings that helped lead them into substance abuse in the first place, and it teaches them how to think objectively rather than subjectively. Clients also learn to apply rational-thinking skills into areas of concern.
Don't forget: The next person helped could be a member of your family or your best friend!
PAT D. and LUTHER S. DEEL
CLOVERDALE
by CNB