ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, May 6, 1996 TAG: 9605060006
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
MIKE SILVER (April 29 letter to the editor, ``Roanoke's image problem'') offered three lessons to help Roanoke improve its image problem and attract tourists. All three could be placed under one heading - multiculturalism. And, if put to use, could be nothing but a detriment to the city.
People like him believe culture is an immutable trait, passed through the genes like skin color, not something learned and passed on to members of a community or nation.
Multiculturalists like all other cultures and would like us to respect them, except when it comes to this one. Diversity is good, except when it comes to American culture generally - Southern culture in this case.
This country was built by great people who came from far and wide. But I don't want the Mill Mountain Star replaced by a Doric temple, the City Market with an oriental bazaar or the Salem Avalanche stadium with a Spanish bullring.
Diversity will not draw visitors or residents here or anywhere, but a single purpose among members of the community, a common culture, nice manners, tasty food and an appreciation for the good of America will.
BLAIR LOVERN
SALEM
Many use their kids as a crutch
IN VIRGINIA, the courts determine child custody based on state law that requires the court to base its decision on the best interest of the child or children involved.
A suggestion that I've sent to President Clinton and Gov. George Allen in implementing welfare reform is this:
If a custodial parent can only support his or her child or children by receiving welfare benefits, and the noncustodial parent desires to have custody and can prove he or she can provide a stable environment and financial security, the noncustodial parent should be awarded full custody.
The advantage of this would be to encourage those receiving welfare to attempt to find work, and would also further encourage custodial parents to evaluate and possibly change their lifestyles.
Too many use their children as a shield or crutch to obtain whatever they need to get by. The ``best interest'' of a child or children isn't living in poverty. Many people (not all) are capable of seeking employment and won't because they have their excuses. They are what I would call ``deadbeat parents.''
SHERRY BOYER
DUBLIN
Give the star a fuller viewing
OUR EASTER weekend visit to Roanoke was a delightful experience. Our son, who was recently transferred to your area, gave us a full tour. We visited the colorful downtown public market (how clean your city is), viewed the city from the star-topped mountain and had a wonderful dinner in a superior downtown restaurant. We even squeezed in a trip on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway to Natural Bridge. Unforgettable memories!
One suggestion we would like to make: The huge impressive star, which lights up at night and is so visible, has its lower part obstructed from view by some tall trees at its base. Replace the trees with low-lying bushes in order for your beautiful star to be seen in total.
Best wishes to the ``Star City of the South.'' We look forward to our next visit.
NICHOLAS and DONNA HOBER
FAIRPORT, N.Y.
God has offered the best explanation
IS EVOLUTION really a fact as stated by several recent letter writers? Has that "fact" ever been proved? To prove a fact scientifically, two things must happen:
A theory must be tested repeatedly with objective, observable tests.
Other theories that also explain the results must be disproved.
If the theory of evolution is true, we would expect to see new life forms and new species still developing. Yet in the 140 years since Darwin, is there even one example of an observed evolution from one species to another? If after so many years no genuine evolution has ever yet been observed, perhaps evolution isn't a "fact" but a "faith" system.
I'm not afraid to expose my faith in the God of creation to genuine scientific methodology. It appears, however, that there are many who fear exposing their evolutionary theory to the God of creation. How did all we know come into being? The belief in an all-powerful God of creation is no less a valid scientific theory than is the belief in eternal matter changing by accident into an ordered universe. In fact, God far better explains the universe we see than evolution ever could.
WAYNE BROOKS
Pastor, Woodland Church
TROUTVILLE
Police apology isn't sufficient
I AM glad the Roanoke County Police Department has the luxury of saying ``we're sorry'' and moving on. We as citizens don't have such luxuries if we drive (not to mention chase) at speeds up to 70 to 80 mph on a 35 or 40 mph road (Plantation and Williamson roads). Citizens would be given a reckless driving charge and maybe other charges if any harm were done to a person while driving at high, risky speeds.
Although a person shouldn't run from police, is a degree of window tinting worth three innocent people's lives? I think law officers should at least use some sensible discretion.
KRISTIN CHAPMAN
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Long : 106 linesby CNB