ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 22, 1996 TAG: 9602220006
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
WE READ so much these days about negligent landlords who do not put smoke alarms in rental property. I agree that this is wrong. But why do we expect them to be more concerned for the children living in their houses than we as parents are? When we choose to become parents (and this is a choice), then we need to determine that we alone are responsible for the well-being and safety of the children we bring into this world.
There hasn't been a day since the death of the Leftwich children and their grandmother, Christine Duncan, that I haven't grieved over their tragic death because I knew them. When the children's father is pointing a finger at the landlord, I hope he sees the thumb that points back to him. He was their father, a volunteer firefighter, and he should have noticed on his regular visits that there were no smoke alarms and done something about it. We shouldn't expect others to care more about our children than we do as parents. Let this be a lesson to all of us. BETTY KELLY ROANOKE Pay for the work done, not promised
I READ Laurence Hammack's Feb. 7 article, ``Contractor gets 5 years in jail.'' Included within the article was ``Tips on Selecting a Home Remodeling Contractor'' (a pamphlet available at the Better Business Bureau). All of the points stated made sense until I read the last one. It should read: ``No money up front. When material is delivered to the job, a draw can be paid against the invoices - marked paid by the supplier.''
I've been in business for 16 years, averaging more than $3 million per year, and have never received money up front on any job! If a contractor needs money to start a job, a homeowner should run as fast as he or she can, and find another who doesn't need ``front money.''
If you can get the money before you do the work, why do the work? RICHARD H. BAIRD President Baird Drywall and Acoustic, Inc. VINTON Kids must make up for lost time
I AM A teacher in Montgomery County, but this message is for all youngsters in the Roanoke and New River valleys who have missed a great many school days due to the weather, and for their families.
A bit of review to get students back on track each time schools reopen is necessary, but time lost becomes compounded. Parents should keep in mind that their children's education is a prize to be earned, and not simply a matter of spending a certain number of days in a given grade level.
To be sure, students need extra time to help with winter-driven chores around the house, to get much-needed rest from busy schedules, and to enjoy the opportunity for riding sleds and building snowmen. But they also need to be working on school projects and writing papers.
In many cases, it would be a good idea to look ahead in the textbook to see what is coming, realizing that some material may have to be covered in a speedier fashion than before the winter storms. Obviously, a student who had work to make up before a school closing should return to school with work in hand, and ready to proceed at a brisk pace.
Time is like money, except that not even the rich can buy more of it. Let's use it wisely! GAIL T. LAMBERT ROANOKE Unity of language unites people
THE GENERAL Assembly is considering whether to adopt English as Virginia's official language. What else could it be? English has been the language of most of our inhabitants since the first settlers came here.
We have a more diverse population now, and that makes it even more important that we give the English language the primary position it deserves. Unity of language is absolutely necessary for unity of people. If they can't understand each other's language, they become suspicious of each other and animosity develops. And then what? Look at Canada and its problems with the French language.
All the immigrants who have come to the United States have found that knowing English is the best way to get ahead. They can continue to use their own language with their family members and friends. But to become part of the culture of the United States or any state, they need to understand and speak English. And it's such a rich language, besides being the world's language of commerce. NADINE J. NEWCOMB BLACKSBURG
LENGTH: Medium: 86 linesby CNB