ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, April 27, 1996 TAG: 9604290081
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
I WAS appalled by your April 18 news article (``Cranwell's pitch not picture perfect'') regarding the failure of the Virginia House of Delegates to override, by one vote, the governor's veto of funding in the 1996-98 biennium budget for the College of Health Sciences. Particularly unfair was the suggestion that Del. Dick Cranwell misled the House. He did not!
The confusion was created when the reporter reflected only part of my quote. Immediately following the House's vote, the reporter asked: ``Does this mean the college will close?'' I was most emphatic in my response: ``Absolutely not! We've come too far to close our doors. We'll survive! We've been at this [working for the survival of the college] since September 1994. We'll be back.'' I implied that I expected to go back to the General Assembly in 1997.
By quoting only part of my statement, the reporter left the impression that my comments were at odds with those of Cranwell. This wasn't intended to be the case. It was wrong to imply that he misrepresented the fiscal challenges confronting the college. When I said that the college wouldn't close as a result of the House's action, this spoke of my deep personal resolve for its survival, not to the fiscal situation at hand. Faith and perseverance are hallmarks of our success.
Indeed, because of the college's fiscal limitations, and even with commonwealth assistance, students and employees will continue to have to make sacrifices over the next few years until our enrollment generates sufficient revenues for the college's operation.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to General Assembly members who championed this cause. More specifically, this region once again owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Cranwell for his integrity, leadership, tenacity, perseverance and commitment.
HARRY C. NICKENS
President, College of Health Sciences
ROANOKE
Farewell to days of the manuscript
YOUR APRIL 3 editorial ("Libraries in an information age") is indeed timely. It's also time Roanoke Valley dwellers know of what, by whom and how books are written today.
Amateur writers turn pro, new columnists and feature writers rush to meet deadlines, seasoned authors learn new skills, the Scopes trials resume in Tennessee and evolution has come full circle.
Valley Writers (the group) has evolved into a computer-user network as paste pots, scissors and typewriters are retired. Submissions are sent on disk - no manuscript. No more Federal Express - no box to get, no fees to split, no manuscript.
ERNEST F. REYNOLDS
ROANOKE
Evolution lets us off the hook
THE OPINIONS, commentaries and letters to the editor concerning creation and evolution have been interesting, if not particularly enlightening. It's amusing to note the near panic that overtakes liberal professors and teachers at the mention of the word ``creation.'' Are they afraid their students might find some credence in the concept? Would an hour or two per year explaining the origin of the universe accepted by many Americans undermine the massive amount of time devoted to promoting evolution?
I suspect the fundamental problem is more philosophical than scientific. To recognize a Creator has significant ramifications. It would seriously infringe upon many of the ``liberties'' that we feel are our inalienable rights. For example, it would render many of the discussions of abortion, assisted suicide and homosexuality moot. If God created us, we would necessarily be answerable to him for our conduct. Just think what that would do to the entertainment industry. And how it would cramp the politicians' style: ``You mean I should keep my promises?''
Science, obviously, is important, but we need to recognize its limitations. Science cannot explain the pervasive presence of evil in the world. The Bible does. Change must originate in the human heart. Truth is truth, whether or not it can be corroborated by science. Until we comprehend this, evolution is obviously our only alternative. Small wonder that it has so many enthusiasts.
DANIEL C. ESAU
ROANOKE
Edwards believes in big government
I AM not surprised that state Sen. John S. Edwards is in favor of Goals 2000 (April 17 letter to the editor, ``School boards support Goals 2000''). This gentleman is so misguided that he doesn't even realize he's a liberal.
I have a question for him: Do his solutions to problems require that money be transferred through government channels from those who work to those who don't work? He can't deny that his answer is yes!
He stated during his latest campaign that he believes in helping people. I can't argue with that concept. It was his next line that proved he's a liberal: ``I believe in programs that help people.'' Translation: Government programs can solve all our problems.
Edwards should admit that he's a liberal. Frankly, I don't trust his judgment.
STEVE STEC
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 97 linesby CNB