ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, July 4, 1996 TAG: 9607050005
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: HOLIDAY
TYPE: LETTERS
REGARDING your June 30 article, ``Some girls see a future in VMI ruling'':
One young lady stated that she had started working out in hopes of attending the Virginia Military Institute, and that she didn't want anyone to think she got a free ride. I hate to disillusion all these gung-ho high-school girls, but they will get a free ride. They will not be held to the same standards as their male counterparts. If allowed in, the rules will be changed for them, and the rich heritage of VMI will be lost forever.
I don't believe anyone should be discriminated against. But we should try to save some of our history and tradition as this will keep us connected with our roots and give continuity to our lives.
WILLIAM L. PAXTON JR.
COVINGTON
Street people need sympathetic help
IN RESPONSE to Sylvia Tuck's June 25 letter to the editor on downtown Roanoke (``Roanoke's downtown: a bummer?''):
What shall we do with our local ``vagrants''? Should we shell out more cash to our local government to house these people in drunk tanks every night? I don't believe very many Roanoke taxpayers would go for that.
Instead, let's come together as the caring community that we are, and find solutions for these human beings who have been forgotten by society.
As far as Tuck and her co-workers' safety is concerned, I've worked as a bartender in a downtown restaurant for three years. I leave my job at 3 a.m., and have never encountered any threats or anything otherwise. I feel that downtown Roanoke is not only very clean but one of the safest cities where I've ever lived.
LISE MARTIN
ROANOKE
Flag welcomes zoo's visitors
IN REFERENCE to Gerald and Alice Flynn's June 26 letter to the editor, ``Let's see Old Glory flying high,'' regarding the American flag:
The American flag is flying high at Mill Mountain Zoo thanks to Eagle Scout Eric Warren. He and his industrious Scout co-workers installed the pole and raised the flag on Flag Day on June 14. Visitors to Mill Mountain can see the flag flying through the zoo's arch at the entrance.
We're proud to see the American flag flying on the mountain and of the work Warren and the other Scouts have done at the zoo. We're saddened by the fact that already we've had to fly the flag at half-mast.
LAURIE SPANGLER
Conservation Coordinator
Mill Mountain Zoo
ROANOKE
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