ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, June 22, 1996 TAG: 9606240014
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
IN MY 51 years, I've never written a letter to the editor of a newspaper, although I do read the newspaper every day. My letter is one of thanks and congratulations to every employee of Roanoke city's government, from the city manager down to the smiling sanitation worker who picks up my trash every Tuesday.
Of all the hundreds of cities and towns in the United States, only 10 were picked to win the All America City Award (June 16 article, ``Just in time for the 4th of July'').
Two years ago, I fulfilled a life-long dream to move back to Roanoke after a 36-year absence. I left in 1960. I drove a truck all over the United States. I've been to 48 states, and I've always said that I wish that I had stayed in Roanoke.
This award that Roanoke has received belongs to everyone. We not only have a good, solid government, but we have good solid citizens. I hope everyone enjoys this award as I do. The children of Roanoke today will benefit tomorrow from awards of this magnitude.
Let me say thanks again for making this award for Roanoke possible.
ROBERT D. THOMAS
ROANOKE
Give him thanks, but not your vote
JOHN WARNER, the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate, openly invited Democrats and independents to enter the Republican primary and vote for him. Many of them felt they owed him their thanks for having opposed right-wing extremists Mike Farris and Oliver North.
Whether or not they voted for him in the primary, they should realize the November election is no time for expressing thanks. Which party will control the Senate? Will President Clinton face support or gridlock? Our country's future is at stake.
Warner showed great political courage in opposing his party's extremist leadership in Virginia. But for two years, he has marched in lock step with Newt Gingrich's wrecking crew. His voting record has been identical with that of Sen. Jesse Helms. We can't afford six more years of that.
Anyone who wants to thank Warner should drop him a note, but not vote for him in November.
AUGUSTUS C. JOHNSON
SYRIA
Make sure you're eligible to vote
A HEARTY amen to Steve Curtiss' June 17 letter to the editor, ``Stop whining and start voting.''
I would like to add this reminder: If you've moved since you last voted, you're probably in a different precinct, so you must register in the precinct where you live to vote in 1996. If you haven't registered yet, and are 18 years of age or older, do it now!
Familiarize yourself with the issues and find out how the candidates stand on all issues. Be informed and vote your own mind, not how some politician tells you to vote. How you vote is your business.
Voting is your duty as a first-class citizen of the United States. God bless the voters of 1996.
MARY K. GREER
SALEM
Intolerant words can cause pain
IN RESPONSE to Anne Lavery's June 11 commentary, ``Try to feel a pre-born baby's pain'':
I am a 50-year-old who, since early retirement a few years ago, has too much time to think.
The possibility of absolute harm that Lavery and others would inflict on others amazes me. This isn't a personal attack on her because of one commentary she wrote. I read it and have been sick about it all night - but not in the way she meant to sicken me. I see ``her'' on television, in the newspaper and out in public daily.
The commentary was about abortion, but it could have been on a number of things - gays, blacks, feminists, sinners, white or black men, other men, women, kids, etc. The word is intolerance. People like Lavery - ministers, psychologists, self-proclaimed experts, the religious right, the religious left and a million others - do not think of the harm words like Lavery's can bring.
I've never had an abortion, never had to give up a child for adoption and, until a few years ago, never knew anyone in either situation. But now I know one who had an abortion and another who put a child up for adoption, and they both are putting themselves through hell because of the damning of people like Lavery.
I suggest that if she and others with strong, hateful, mean, intolerant views on anything are not going to look into the eyes of everyone who is hurt by these views - and if they will not financially and emotionally support these people for the rest of their lives, if necessary, due to the pain and total devastation they may cause - they should just shut up.
JOYCE A. BLEVINS
SALEM
The noise ordinance is being ignored
IN RESPONSE to Coye Witt's June 15 letter to the editor, ``Please turn down the volume'':
Yes, please do. Many play the radio for themselves and the person riding in the car with them. Their music wakes people at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., and these people have to go to work. The owners of the radios think only of themselves.
I thought there was a noise ordinance in Roanoke city, but it sure is ignored. Can something be done about it?
MARGUERITE TOLIVER
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Long : 105 linesby CNB