ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, April 19, 1996 TAG: 9604190064
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A10 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTER
ON APRIL 11, 3,313 young people attended the six Salem schools. The next day, 3,346 students were in attendance. The figures respectively represent 86 percent and 87 percent of the school system's total membership.
Ordinarily, those statistics would hardly be cause for comment, let alone celebration. On any given day in the Salem schools, 95 percent of the student body is present. What makes the April 11 and April 12 figures worthy of note is that both days were originally scheduled as part of the spring-break holiday.
The 3,300-plus students who attended school those two days deserve to be commended. They and their parents have their priorities in the proper order. The students took seriously their responsibility to get an education. In a day where fewer and fewer people do so, they responded affirmatively to their duty. While many of their friends and neighbors were enjoying the two most beautiful days of the year, these young people chose to devote their attention to reading, algebra, auto mechanics and other areas of study.
Going to school when one is supposed to go isn't a heroic act. It does, however, underscore the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities. Each year, citizens of Salem provide millions of tax dollars in excess of the state minimum so that their young people get a first-class education. They consistently fulfill their responsibility by investing in the future. On April 11 and 12, thousands of Salem's young people and their parents demonstrated that the investment is well-placed.
N. WAYNE TRIPP
Superintendent Salem School Division
SALEM
Open minds, hearts to gay individuals
FROM the time I did a book report on ``To Kill A Mockingbird'' in the eighth grade, I understood the damage of prejudice in any form. Many quotes in Cody Lowe's March 24 column (``Diversity enriches: Why did these two words cause such an uproar?'') are good examples of how destructive prejudicial language can be.
Thirty years ago, it was often said that if black people hadn't been such ``troublemakers,'' and had ``kept their place,'' society would continue to be in harmony. However, the price for that harmony for the African-American community included being discriminated against in nearly every facet of American life, and being dehumanized and demoralized. Fortunately for this society, people in the black and white communities refused to tolerate this reality.
Similarly, individuals in the gay and straight communities are working very hard to promote tolerance and understanding among gay and straight people. We attempt to do this in a way that's positive and respectful.
The Rev. Mel White says that people who have attitudes of hate and intolerance against gays and lesbians aren't ``bad people'' but are ``victims of misinformation.'' I attempt not to stereotype people. However, if I had to stereotype gays in the Roanoke Valley, I'd say that these individuals are among the kindest and most responsible people I've ever known.
Perhaps the greatest tragedy of all is for those who discount people based on their sexual orientation. My life and the lives of my two young sons are much richer because of the gay friends that we've cultivated.
I've always believed that prejudice is rooted in fear of the unknown. I encourage the citizens of this valley, most of whom I believe are reasonable and caring, to keep their hearts and minds open to the many fine, contributing people who are part of the gay community.
ALISON ALLSBROOK AYLOR
ROANOKE
Camera captured boys' discomfort
REGARDING a photograph featured in your April 4 Neighbors section titled ``Top 16 times'':
The photograph was of the Gator Swim Team. It showed three girls standing in their swimsuits behind three boys (all 12 years old) who are kneeling in their speedos. In the photograph, the boys are covering themselves, and have embarrassed looks on their faces.
I feel this photograph was taken without thinking and was presented in a nonprofessional manner. I'm not one to write letters to the editor, but when I saw this photograph, I was embarrassed for the boys and felt that something needed to be said.
AMY RICHARDSON
SALEM
Store observed the Easter holiday
HOW MANY people noticed that Hill's Department Stores were closed Easter Sunday? Store officials are to be commended for this judgment, not only for their employees' interests, but for the symbol of Easter.
EVELYN WILSON
ROANOKE
Coalition strays from Christian agenda
JESUS wouldn't have voted with the Christian Coalition. He would have gone to a mountain to pray.
Jesus wasn't doctrinaire. He gave hope to the thieves, forgave the adulterer, and complained of those who live by the spiritless letter of the law.
On the issue of abortion, Jesus would have been divided. He would have felt for the child, for the mother.
Jesus' platform wasn't evangelical; it was compassionate. It seems only after Jesus' life on Earth was over did this new problem of belief for the sake of believing creep in - belief for the communal barbecue spirit of it, with para-millennia groups readying themselves for Armageddon.
The whole world's idea of Jesus is that he was infinitely understanding, even to the point of forgiveness. His life cannot be used as a parable of punishment. It didn't have to do with empowerment, but with letting go of things. He didn't limit our neighborliness.
This is the Jesus I read about, and in whom I trust.
BILL AIKEN
BLACKSBURG
Gerrymandering is not acceptable
IT WAS with great displeasure that I read the comments made by the Rev. Charles Green and the Rev. Leonard Hines concerning the April 22 mass meeting regarding the modified ward system.
According to an April 2 article in The Roanoke Times (``Ward supporters to skip hearing, spokesman says''), neither speaker took into consideration comments made by Roanoke City Council members prior to or after their vote on the issue.
When City Council was presented with a plan for a modified ward system in 1992, I voted against it. I didn't vote against the modified ward system, but against the plan. For the two speakers to state that I'm against a referendum is erroneous. I've made my view very prominent: I'm against the modified ward system in Roanoke city. However, I've said all along that I'd support a referendum. Referendums come from plans. The plan presented to City Council in 1992 wasn't one I could endorse.
In no way will I support a plan that gerrymanders voting districts to guarantee a vote to one segment of a community, whether because of race or ethnic background. This is more unfair than the blatant discrimination that African-Americans have received in previous years (and the discrimination still exists). For all Roanoke Valley citizens to be served wisely, it's important that we keep the focus on what we're trying to accomplish. Affirmative action in voting means you're guaranteed the right to vote. It doesn't mean that you're guaranteed a seat. Until that is understood, we (meaning City Council) will continue to absorb the blunt of some of the public's mistrust.
At no time have I lied or flip-flopped on the issue. I still would favor a referendum. But, again, referendums come with plans. The presented plan must be workable, feasible and fair to citizens. I'll continue to speak for the opportunity of all citizens to have a say in their city government. But I will not support a plan that includes gerrymandering voting districts as a way of getting it to a referendum.
DELVIS O. McCADDEN
Roanoke City Council member
ROANOKE
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