ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Tuesday, January 9, 1996               TAG: 9601100099
SECTION: EDITORIAL                PAGE: A-4  EDITION: METRO 
                                             TYPE: LETTERS 

DON'T DO AWAY WITH CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS

IN RESPONSE to Amina Al-Hindi's Jan. 1 letter to the editor, ``Christmas was on display in public schools,'' I'd like to make several points.

Yes, in our area's public schools, I noticed a few Christian observances. I saw choral performances that told of the Christ child's birth. All performances were done in good taste - not cramming a message down anyone's throat, but simply displaying our rich Christian culture that this country was founded upon.

Yes, this happened in a public school, but I see no horror in it. Though there are those who want no mention of religion in schools, is that really logical? Religion is a real part of a people's lives. To ask them to leave it at the school's doorsteps is literally impossible. Do they have to leave all their thoughts and opinions there, too? They can't - no one can.

Several years ago, I attended a winter talent show at a local middle school. The children were allowed to decide what they would perform. There were the usual Jingle Bell songs, a few Christmas carols and a Hanukkah song. The audience was elated at the performances, and all the children received equal applause and praise. This is an example of freedom - the children chose what they would perform.

I, along with Al-Hindi, admire the mission statement to ``pledge to prepare responsible citizens by developing understanding of self and diversity within the community.'' However, I don't believe Christianity has to be stifled in public schools to accomplish this. Do Christians, because they make up the majority, have to follow a separate set of rules from their friends of other religions? Do they have to give up their culture, throw away their traditions, because they make up the majority?

Our country has a rich Christian heritage. Our culture and traditions are dear to us, just as other countries cherish their traditions. Should we be more sensitive to other religions? Definitely. If a child in public school wishes to observe Salat and pray five times a day as Muslims do, should they be allowed? Yes. Does Christianity have to be obliterated from the public schools to accomplish this? Never.

JUDY KEISTER

RADFORD

New sheriff made a bad decision

I AM a voter, and have voted for years and will continue to do so. I've voted for candidates who won and lost. Win or lose, I've always thought that I voted for the right person, until now.

I voted for Doug Marrs for sheriff of Montgomery County, and he was elected. Marrs then proceeded to do a despicable act - he fired two of the most qualified law-enforcement officers in the county.

Was this a vindictive act because someone dared to run against him? Does Marrs have an ego that convinced him that he should have been unopposed? On the surface, it would appear so.

This was a blow to democracy in Montgomery County.

JACK H. ATKINSON

SHAWSVILLE

Veterans' caretakers stayed on the job

I AM an employee at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Salem. As everyone knows by now, the government was shut down. At the VAMC, we worked through the furlough without pay.

As a veteran myself, I know what it is like to be a patient in a VAMC. And as long as I'm able, I'll work to ensure my brother veterans get the best of care. But I feel it's unfair to keep our veterans and their caretakers hostage over politics.

DONALD J. AKERS

ROANOKE

Drug can be a lifesaver

IN RESPONSE to Margaret High's Dec. 26 letter to the editor, "Drugging kids to keep them quiet'':

As a parent of a child who takes Ritalin, and who is not hyperactive, I must state that any drug can be dangerous if not used or prescribed correctly. I have seen many children with ADD and ADHD who take this drug, and in most cases it does not make them "drugged" if the drug is taken correctly.

The television programs that are aired always depict worse-case scenarios. Please remember that as a parent, when your child has a disease, you will do anything in your power to help him or her. This medicine has been a lifesaver for my daughter. Do not judge people until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

MARLENE ST. CLAIR

ROANOKE

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