ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, July 3, 1996 TAG: 9607030011
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
IN A RECENT weekly radio address, President Clinton criticized Bob Dole for a remark he made regarding cigarettes. Clinton voiced his concern about the message it was sending to our children.
I am much more concerned about the message we as adults will be sending to America's youth if we re-elect Bill Clinton as our leader. We will, in essence, be saying that honesty, trustworthiness and morality are no longer important traits.
If, however, Dole's remark should influence some young person to start smoking, we can always hope he or she won't inhale.
LOUISE BOSWELL FIRESTONE
ROANOKE
Ritalin's purpose isn't to sedate kids
I TAKE exception to Anne Lester's answer (Talking It Over feature, June 20 Opinion page, ``Too many kids are being doped'') regarding the ``overprescribing'' of Ritalin for ``fidgety children.''
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder isn't a case of ``fidgety children.'' It's a serious medical disorder that affects people in many ways. Scientific studies have shown that only about 20 percent of people with ADHD have the H (hyperactivity) component. The medications used to control ADHD - Ritalin, Cylert and Dexecline, to name the most common - are central-nervous-system stimulants. A person with ADHD who takes such a stimulant may seem less ``fidgety'' because they're better able to focus on one activity such as learning or enjoying an activity and making better choices. Central-nervous-system stimulants have no sedating effect.
A physician must prescribe Ritalin every month. It's a controlled substance and not prescribed lightly by any qualified physician. Ritalin isn't a cure. ADHD is a condition these children will live with for the rest of their lives and, thankfully, there's a medication to help in the total management of the disorder. Medication isn't the only way we treat ADHD. The decision to start a child on any medication with all its possible adverse effects isn't an easy one made by a parent or pediatrician.
I wonder if Lester would consider ``building a track'' to ``cure'' children with a chronic disease such as asthma or diabetes instead of ``doping'' them up with Ventalin or insulin? ADHD is a disorder that affects every aspect of a person's life. It shouldn't be taken lightly or go untreated because of the negative attitudes of uninformed people.
ANN COSTA
Registered nurse
ROANOKE
Not all lawbreakers are in prison
WHERE ARE we headed? As a country, it appears we're in for more violence and heartbreak. Somewhere along the way, mankind has turned to an attitude of not caring.
Not everyone has been lost in the haze of confusion that hangs thicker and thicker over society. When disasters strike, those who still care make themselves known. They contribute time, effort and money to help the victims.
But there's still that gray pall that hangs in the air. The feeling is that laws are being broken or at least bent until there's very little effectiveness in the justice system. Many indications show that we're on the brink of anarchy. Look around you. Is everyone driving the posted speed limit? Do people yield to others in a polite manner? Are roadways clean and beautiful with no trash scattered about?
How severely are criminals punished? Do they really lose their societal rights while incarcerated? How many trivial lawsuits are in process? Who accepts responsibility for their own actions? And on and on I could go. Cracks in the foundation!
Our laws were established to help us live together in a civilized manner. They were based on 10 laws given to man long ago. We need to re-evaluate these structures of our laws, and teach all of society how to live by them day by day. Until we again obey good moral laws, we're going to continue down the broad highway to destruction. We must turn back to God's moral laws, for therein lies our hope for the future.
BERNARD D. STEVENSON
WIRTZ
Southern Baptists show intolerance
I FOR one would like to thank Walt Disney for taking a stand (June 13 article, ``Baptists rebuke Disney'') against the Southern Baptist Convention that was recently held in, of all places, the Big Easy.
What's the deal with these people? Is it really right not to allow couples the right to health-care benefits just because they're gay? Maybe Southern Baptists believe it's OK for fellow human beings to suffer pain and financial hardships. If that's an example of family values, then I don't need or want them.
I only hope other corporations follow Disney's lead in realizing that religion and sexual orientation have nothing to do with one another.
As far as Southern Baptists boycotting Disney and Disney products, well, that's perfectly OK with me. After all, no one wants to do business or go on vacation with a bunch of bigots.
ROGER D. LEWIS
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 96 linesby CNB