ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, March 8, 1996 TAG: 9603080024
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTER
I AM WRITING in response to the growing debate over liberalization of laws regarding concealed firearms. More specifically, I am writing about your Feb. 16 editorial, ``Mixing booze and bullets,'' on allowing someone to carry such a weapon in an establishment that serves alcohol.
I am the general manager of a restaurant that sells alcohol. Although it's rare, we do have individuals who cause problems associated with the consumption of alcohol. Even rarer is the customer who turns violent while under the influence. However, these situations do occur. To add firearms to this equation flies in the face of sanity.
We already know the effects of alcohol on judgment and rationality. Even small amounts impair thinking and bodily functions. We have laws against drinking and driving because of the risk to human life and property. Only a few on the fringe would argue against those laws. Should we now repeal laws against carrying a concealed gun, a far more dangerous killing tool than an automobile, in an establishment that serves alcohol?
What this boils down to is politics. The gun lobby has been under assault for several years, and in an effort to get some sort of victory, no matter how small, Sen. Virgil Goode and his gun-toting supporters will back any attempt to get more guns on the streets - even if it means ``mixing bullets and booze.'' As a member of the restaurant industry, I intend to fight this all the way. PHILIP J. NEWTON ABINGDON
Tactics killed campaign reform
CONGRATULATIONS are in order for your Feb. 18 editorial (``Tricky Dick and Cheeky Chip'') criticizing Dels. Dick Cranwell and Chip Woodrum for their tactics in killing much-needed campaign-finance reform legislation. While they're welcome to vote the way they choose on campaign-finance reform, your editorial correctly pointed out that their methods in killing this bill were wrong. In fact, their tactics epitomize what's wrong with politics today, and why people are disillusioned.
Instead of allowing a free and open debate on the floor of the House of Delegates where all members could have voted yes or no, Woodrum used a procedural motion to refer this bill to committee. (House Speaker Tom Moss was a willing accomplice by calling for a voice vote on this matter, thus sparing any delegate from having to vote publicly.) Only problem was this committee wouldn't be able to act on this bill since crossover [a deadline] had occurred. ``Clever, but cowardly'' was how you stated it, and that was right on the mark.
The next time campaign-finance reform comes up, Woodrum and Cranwell need to let there be a free, honest, open debate on the issue, with all members of the General Assembly having an an opportunity to vote in public. JUDITH COMPTON CLAYTON ROANOKE
Gramm put-down was unkind, but ...
I TAKE strong exception to columnist James Lileks' insensitive, inflammatory and thoroughly insulting assertion that former presidential candidate Phil Gramm ``looked like ET after an eye tuck'' (March 1 column, ``The Happy Warrior beats out a dour message'').
I agree with almost nothing Gramm stands for politically, but he's a public servant with a reputation for integrity and, as such, deserves better than name-calling from a pundit.
Besides, he looks more like Yoda. DAN SMITH ROANOKE
Black history needs more study
WHY IS African-American history only celebrated one month each year? As a middle-school student, I think we should be able to learn about our African-American ancestors year-round. When our teachers ask us questions about them and we can't answer, they're surprised. And we sometimes feel stupid because we have only studied a month of black history. We haven't studied long enough to really be knowledgeable about our past. LATOYA JONES ROANOKE
Downsizing support for area events
IN THE NEWS recently, two major corporations - Shenandoah Life Insurance and First Union Bank - decided not to sponsor two of the area's finest races. These races raise money for area agencies, and also bring together citizens who show their support of the Roanoke Valley. These are men, women, children and families who try to promote individual and family fitness, and raise money for a good cause in the process.
It saddens me that every day another corporation is downsizing in one way or the other, and this is another example of large companies cutting back.
Shenandoah Life Insurance reported profits recently. It's a shame they couldn't continue a little good will. I feel local corporations have a civic responsibility to the community, and shouldn't turn their back on these responsibilities. CINDY BISHOP SALEM
LENGTH: Medium: 91 linesby CNB