ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, September 16, 1996 TAG: 9609160080
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
IN RESPONSE to Mark Martin's Sept. 5 letter to the editor, ``Repeal archaic sodomy laws'':
He has a right to his opinion. As for myself, and probably the majority of Virginians, I think the law should not only stand but should be updated and become more effective in dealing with open cases of sodomy. I also believe the law governing common-law marriages should be prosecuted to the fullest, even though it would be tough on my own family members. After all, Virginia is in the Bible belt. Just look at the number of churches in Roanoke alone.
To those who don't believe in, cannot accept or choose to live by Virginia's laws, perhaps they should leave!
As to what goes on in a heterosexual married couple's bedroom, well, that's the privilege of the marriage bed. And frankly, I don't know of many heterosexual married couples who publicly discuss their preferences. That seems to be a practice of those in a different lifestyle from the heterosexual married couple's, those who apparently are looking for acceptance.
Anyway you look at it, the practice of sodomy is against the law and should be punished, just as murder is against the law and should be punished. When we start taking laws off the books to please those who wish to break the law, we open ourselves up to what will soon become complete chaos.
Changing these laws would be a big mistake. I would resist to the end any action to remove these ``archaic laws'' from the books in this state.
ELAINE P. TURNER
ROANOKE
Political rhetoric seems hypocritical
SEN. CHUCK Robb defended his vote against the Defense of Marriage Bill by saying that it was to him much like the social injustice of segregation. If that is true, then laws that establish smoking and nonsmoking sections in public places are also like the social injustice of segregation.
To many who smoke, no-smoking signs could, using Robb's reasoning, seem a lot like those signs that regulated where some of us sat on a bus, that told who could drink at which water fountain, and seem like public policies that determined who could go to what school, what neighborhoods we could live in and where we could or could not work.
Democrats like Robb say they believe in family values. I don't think they really do; it just sounds so good to say it. At what price? Hypocrisy?
MARSHALL R. TACKETT
BUCHANAN
Review didn't do the cafe justice
I READ the Aug. 28 review of Angler's restaurant (``Angler's specials are casual, affordable and delicious meals''). Being an avid fan of the cafe, I was disappointed Dolores Kostelni chose this restaurant for students to review.
As a former teacher, I recognize the importance of putting students in the mainstream in terms of their reviewing, but I felt their comments gave an unfair view of the restaurant. The food at Angler's wouldn't appeal to many teens. The hummus and tabouli received a generally good review. But the final comment from a student, ``tasted like potpourri smells,'' diminished the favorable comments. Perhaps a separate article describing the students and their project would have been more appropriate. Or a restaurant more suitable to teen-agers' taste buds.
I understand how critical students can be when given the opportunity to point out faults. I am sure this comes from years of being scrutinized by adults. But their remarks regarding the atmosphere and flooring gave an unfair illusion of Angler's. The ``cluttered'' appearance is perhaps better described as eclectic.
The Van Metres have done a wonderful job creating an ambiance that's unlike any other restaurant's in Roanoke. There is a charm there that allows one to savor one's meal in a peaceful atmosphere, unhurried (at least for dinner). I have eaten at Angler's on the average of once or twice a month since it first opened, and have never felt the floor or tables were dirty.
Perhaps the students' critical review is The Roanoke Times' way of securing one of the newspaper staff's favorite lunch spots from the public.
BECKY C. ARRINGTON
ROANOKE
Nation's economy is too debt-ridden
THERE IS a minor error in Robert S. Terry's letter to the editor (Aug. 26, ``The economics of tax-slavery''). It claimed that each person's share of the debt is $4,000. This was true in 1982 when our national debt was $1 trillion. Now that our national debt has risen to $5 trillion, it's more than $19,000 "per every soul in the country.''
The question that should be asked is whether this trend of rapid debt growth, if unchecked or reversed, will result in the destruction of our economy and our way of life. Unless taken care of quickly, I believe the rising debt and other national problems not being addressed by our current political leaders will result in the downfall of our present bountiful economic system.
This is why I support the principles of reform endorsed by the Reform Party, and why the Reform Party will be running an information campaign this fall rather than a competitive race with the Republicans and Democrats. The solution to these problems is not with which party controls Congress and the White House, but with an informed electorate.
TOM ROBERTS
BLACKSBURG
LENGTH: Medium: 99 linesby CNB