ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, March 19, 1996 TAG: 9603190037
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
I SUPPOSE the most unpopular phrase in the world is ``I told you so.'' What's more, it's a useless sentence. Whatever the damage is, it's already been done.
In the past year, I've read countless letters to the editor from county residents protesting higher assessments, taxes, water bills, ad infinitum, and I've been tempted to use the phrase, but resisted. However, Glen Rosendahl's letter (March 15, ``Assessments are out of bounds'') pushed the button.
Though I sympathize, being a county resident myself, I wonder how many of those who are complaining voted against consolidation of the region's governments? I know that one of them, Don Terp, was among consolidation's most vocal opponents. To those who voted against consolidation because of fear that the county would have to pick up the bill for poorer areas, do you really think it could be any worse than it is?
We made our bed, with all its waste and duplication, so let's shut up and lie in it.
MARCIA WEIS
ROANOKE
Throwing mud at Pat Buchanan
YOUR FEB. 17 editorial, "Buchanan's impact," gives excellent examples of liberals' favorite smear techniques. The editorial writer distorts Pat Buchanan's positions, engages in name-calling and makes false accusations. No facts were given to justify the evil names and accusations aimed at him. This editorial was mud-throwing at its worst.
According to you, he's an "obnoxious bully who bashes immigrants and gays and invites racial hostility," and he's a "sneering extremist." You tell us Buchanan "spews ideas both wacky and dangerous," ``espouses protectionism and isolationism," and "appeals to base instincts." However, you don't present any specific facts to support any of these vicious accusations and sinister names.
You tell us that he "would rather find someone to blame than propose ways to help." The truth is that he's proposing sensible solutions for serious problems facing America. You refer to what you call "his calls for 'cultural war'." In fact, Buchanan has never called for a cultural war; he said there is a cultural war. (Bill Bennett, Bob Dole and others said this, too.) And you state that he "wants rigid trade and immigration barriers." This is nonsense; he doesn't. He just wants trade treaties that are fair.
Please stick with the truth. and stop the unfair distortions, mudslinging and smears.
ELMER E. PHILLIPS
CHRISTIANSBURG
Mayor Bowers showed his audacity
I AM APPALLED to know that David Bowers, the mayor of Roanoke (Feb. 25 article, ``Don't cuss and don't cross him''), had the authority to cancel a 911 call made by a person other than himself. Why would a dispatcher not send police when a voice begging to send police could be heard? What if Bowers' friend had not been at the house to ``calm him down''? I wonder.
ELIZABETH HUNT
ROANOKE
City welcomes all that jazz
BRAVO! Congratulations to the Art Museum of Western Virginia, Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, and WVTF-FM Public Radio for bringing the Mardi Gras Jazz Festival to Roanoke on Feb. 24. The standing-room only crowd (and I do mean ``standing'') that filled the hotel's elegant Crystal Ballroom gave proof to the belief that jazz fans have greatly missed the Jazz Club that was closed at the hotel many years ago.
HAROLD P. CRICKENBERGER
ROANOKE
Retirees are facing double taxation
YOU HAD a news article on Feb. 17 titled ``IRS wants its cut from retiree deal.'' The idea is so unfair that it's ridiculous.
Taxes were paid on total income when these returns were filed. Now, with the accepted deal for only a portion to be returned, full taxation has already been collected and used by the Internal Revenue Service and the state. I can see no rational or just reason for any further taxation on what's returned to the rightful owner.
MARY JANE VADEN
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 84 linesby CNB