ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, August 10, 1996 TAG: 9608120002
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
THE JULY 24 editorial, ``Truth in political packaging,'' suggests there is ``no good reason not to have'' ballot ID. In contrast, one of the most significant problems with American politics could be the two-party system.
``Good reasons'' for not identifying candidates by party:
* The tendency of some voters to vote the party line, quashing hopeful nonparty candidates who might serve better.
* The party system is one of efficiency, not effectiveness. We need effectiveness.
* Candidate conformity to party platforms confines voters to dichotomous choices between ideologies instead of choices among possibly progressive alternatives.
* Candidates aren't obligated to demonstrate genius and leadership. Instead, they conform to party ideology.
* The two best candidates may be in one party, thus unable to compete for the final vote.
``Truth in political packaging'' is a fitting title in that if affiliations are identified on ballots, constituents will probably vote more along party lines as opposed to the actual substance of a candidate's policy agenda. It's an ironic title, however, in that under such a system candidates may be enabled toward habitually avoiding specific policy issues, discussions and commitments, thus remaining virtually unaccountable.
WILLIAM T. BEVERLY
RICHMOND
NRA endorsement isn't appreciated
AS A MEMBER of the National Rifle Association, I am angered and confused over the organization's decision to enter an endorsement in the race between Patrick Muldoon and Congressman Rick Boucher. I don't want my NRA dues to be wasted in an election that features two candidates who support our Second Amendment rights.
With many contested congressional races currently under way that pit gun-rights supporters against gun-control advocates, I fail to understand the interest the NRA has in the 9th District race. With the outcome certain to yield a gun-rights congressman either way, this endorsement smells.
I do not provide the NRA with my annual dues so it can influence my choice between two gun-rights candidates.
TIMOTHY P. SOLAK
PEMBROKE
Falwell testified for the FEC lawsuit
A FEDERAL Election Commission lawsuit against Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition charges that it illegally endorses candidates. The coalition's defense is that it advocates issues, not candidates.
Now comes the Rev. Jerry Falwell, a vociferous and active supporter of Robertson. In an interview expressing his own views as a private citizen (Aug. 1 article, ``Falwell denounces FEC suit''), Falwell is quoted as saying: ``The lawsuit against the Christian Coalition is a purely political strategy designed to scare pastors and churches across the country into crawling back into their caves and not voting this fall against President Clinton.''
Although some would cynically say he is both, I ask: Is President Clinton an issue or a candidate? Case closed. The merits of the lawsuit are proved even before opening arguments.
EMERY A. WHITE
SALEM
Baptists don't sit on God's throne
IN RESPONSE to David Rakestraw's July 25 letter to the editor, ``Baptists stood up for their beliefs'':
If homosexuality is a sin, then why not forgive? What exactly are Southern Baptists trying to accomplish? If their goal is to persecute a segment of our community and display their arrogance, then they are succeeding.
I stand up for what is right in God's eyes, and I care greatly about America's future and family values. Since the Bible speaks of compassion, trust, love, honesty, benevolence and forgiveness, this has become my model for personal behavior.
Not being God, I try my best to not judge or condemn people. If you wish to believe that homosexuality is a sin, then it's your duty to God not to be a homosexual. It isn't, however, your place to seat yourself on God's throne and cast judgment upon others. We as men haven't the authority to define sin.
As for Roger D. Lewis (July 3 letter, ``Southern Baptists show intolerance'') using the word "bigot" to describe Southern Baptists, I must agree. There are many examples of sinful behavior clearly spelled out in the Bible that no one seems to have the desire to address. Yet the issue of homosexuality, which isn't clearly spelled out in the original Hebrew but only in English translations, has been attacked over and over again as being some clear moral affront to goodness. I just wonder why.
KEITH MARTIN
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 91 linesby CNB