ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, June 29, 1996 TAG: 9607010013
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTER
IN YOUR June 23 news article, ``Police use tear gas on rowdy anti-Klan crowd,'' it wasn't the article that struck my attention as much as the photograph on the front page of Keshia Thomas blocking a suspected Ku Klux Klan member from further attack.
I felt this photograph showed courage and compassion on the part of Thomas, who chose human compassion during a time of great racial tension. Not only did she ``body block'' the possible KKK member from a beating, she also risked her life for a man who doesn't believe in black people. In my opinion, she knew the true intent of a group of people (black, white, etc.) trying to show their opposition to the Klan in a nonviolent manner.
Others would probably say that the man got what he deserved, and it wouldn't come as a surprise to me if some criticized Thomas for her actions. However, in my opinion, she is a true hero for her selfless act in saving the man.
As we all know, racial tensions are high, but violence isn't going to change the way people think. Selfless acts such as that by Thomas have a more profound affect on the way people think. I believe the man she saved was changed in some way. If not, she still should be proud for showing the world that people can have compassion for one another. VICKY RAINES DRAPER
The tale of the dead cattle
I HEARD, in very graphic detail, on the local news recently and then read in The Roanoke Times (June 21 article, ``Holding pen death trap for cattle'') about how more than 50 head of livestock on a Daleville-area farm died of heat and thirst because the operator of the farm had ``no idea'' they were there.
Come on, people. I could somewhat relate to this fairy tale if this had occurred on the King Ranch in Texas with its vast land area and thousands of head of cattle, but on a 422-acre farm that's almost in the Roanoke city limits?
I would assume that the operators of this farming venture would encounter extreme difficulties in the day-to-day operation of other complicated things, such as can openers, door knobs, nail clippers, light switches, etc.
However, I'm sure everything will be A-OK as I noticed at the end of the article that ``no charges have been filed.'' Apparently, all parties are up to snuff and prepaid on their fair share of local political support. R. JACKSON CHAFIN WOODLAWN
Name the names of brutal teens
A DISTURBING article I read (June 19, ``Girls convicted of murder try at Coyner Springs'') was about three girls who brutally attacked a 48-year-old woman. Unmercifully, one girl ``wrapped a sheet around her neck, choking her'' while the other two girls ``pulled the woman to the ground, and one girl sprayed deodorant in her mouth.''
This part of the article wasn't enough for the victim, whose name and age were published. It also said: ``The girls, aged 17, 15 and 13, whose names are not being released because of their ages ... ''
This is insane - that a person under the age of 18, who has the knowledge and criminal state of mind to attempt murder, shouldn't have his or her name in the newspaper because of the person's age!
While the law overlooks justice and rights of the victim, which indicates victimization a second time, the names of a crime's under-18 perpetrators are not released.
All the facts about a crime should be made known. If these three girls are capable of attempted murder, I surely want to know who they are. DONNA MARIE CARVENTE BLUE RIDGE
A shameful jab at Dole's handicap
SHAME ON you for printing the so-called cartoon on your June 16 editorial page. It's difficult to understand how anyone could print such a cartoon while knowing how much this honorable man gave to his country and, yes, to ensure your freedom also. I think all of us should carry a pen in our left hand in honor of this great and noble American, Bob Dole!
But then I suppose it's too much to expect from a newspaper that feels we should pay more taxes and one that also calls an increase a ``cut.'' I refer to your ludicrous and misguided May 19 editorial titled ``Don't cut the gas tax; double it.'' Wake up! MEARLINE B. MELSON VINTON
Prayer in school would help kids
I WAS saddened when I saw on ``60 Minutes'' on June 16 where a mother didn't want her children involved in prayer in school. She didn't want her children to pray or hear the daily morning prayer over the school's public-address system.
I believe all people should start their day with prayer, thanking God for another day and for their many blessings. Students shouldn't be excluded - they're the very ones who need it most. They should pray about peer pressure, substance abuse, sexual permissiveness - and the list goes on.
When we parents, students and teachers give in to banning prayer in school, aren't our rights being violated, too? TRACEY L. BRATTON FINCASTLE
LENGTH: Medium: 94 linesby CNB