ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 2, 1996 TAG: 9611040003
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
MEMO: ***CORRECTION***
Published correction ran on November 5, 1996.
In Sharon Eves' Nov. 2 letter to the editor, "Kids must be warned
about drugs," the sentence should have read, "I find it unconscionable
that in 1996 - with all we have learned about alcohol and drugs - we
have no substance-abuse counselors/educators in our elementary and
middle schools, and only one student-assisatnce provider who covers out
two high schools."
I HOPE your Oct. 4 editorial (``Drug foes can do more than say no'') is indicative of a new ground swell to refocus our priorities. I find it unconscionable that in 1994 - with all we have learned about alcohol and drugs - we have no substance-abuse counselors/educators in our elementary and middle schools, and only one student-assistance provider who covers our two high schools.
As the only substance-abuse counselor assigned to Roanoke's Juvenile Court, I am overwhelmed by a caseload where the average age of beginning use is 12. Interestingly, most of my clients began smoking cigarettes (also a drug) first, often at the ages of 7, 8 or 10. By the time they reach me, I feel as if I have been given a Band-Aid to stop arterial bleeding.
Parents are often relieved to learn that ``it's only marijuana.'' Wake up, folks! The pot your kids are smoking isn't the stuff we saw in the 1960s. The THC content is at least 500 times higher, and there are serious health and developmental risks.
Many kids are using designer drugs with cocaine and methamphetamine as their main ingredients. We have a new wave of 11 and 12 year olds who are huffing, and no one has taught them the dangers. Kids with family histories of alcoholism aren't being given the basics of what it could mean for them if they choose to drink.
I agree that in addition to substance-abuse prevention measures we need safe, supervised recreation and locus-of-control/assertion training in schools. A DARE class once in 12 years isn't enough; kids need to be educated and empowered early and consistently. Maybe then it will be the breweries and drug dealers who have a problem.
SHARON EVES
Substance-abuse counselor
Roanoke Juvenile Court
ROANOKE
Voters can direct positive changes
DO YOU know what is the biggest threat to our democracy and free society? It's not Bill Clinton's big government, Bob Dole's corporate elitism or even the United Nation's one-world government. No, the biggest threat is you, apathetic citizen.
Those of you who choose not to participate in the election of our local, state and national leaders accelerate the decline of our freedoms. So you think that ``it will never change'' or ``one vote won't matter.'' True change begins with one person. There are enough of us who need a change. We can make a difference.
On Nov. 5, there are four alternatives to the double-sided coin called Republicans and Democrats. Pick the alternative that appeals to you. Vote for the party ideology that most closely matches your beliefs. If enough of us do this, there will never be a wasted vote.
LINDA GREENE
INDIAN VALLEY
Airport issue was sensationalized
WHAT A disservice to the people of Rockbridge County you have done in covering the referendum regarding a local air facility to be voted on Nov. 5. Your Oct. 28 article (``Rockbridge airport plan fogged in by controversy'') was of absolutely no help to our citizens in making a determination about this important question regarding the community's future. There were few facts outlined, and no mention of the numerous local businesses and essentially all public institutions that endorse the air strip.
The article fell short of providing any public service. Instead, reporter Matt Chittum wrote as a junior Bob Woodward (every reporter's dream) to create a spin on the story that hinted of scandal regarding the local Chamber of Commerce and Aviation in Rockbridge where no scandal exists. The subheadline tantalizes with alleged ``dirty and underhanded tactics'' supporters are accused of using. Also, the facts in the opening sentence were wrong. Voters in Lexington and Buena Vista will not vote on the issue, only those in Rockbridge County.
What a shame that one more time The Roanoke Times tries to sensationalize controversy and not provide a service to its readers with a factually correct and balanced report to assist them in weighing issues that are important to them.
HARRY H. WARNER
Chairman, Aviation in Rockbridge
LEXINGTON
Airport opponents were not heard
MY BIGGEST reason for opposing a general aviation airport in Rockbridge County is the process the airport proponents have used attempting to force this unwanted facility on the public. When airport proponents first brought this issue to the Board of Supervisors, they did so as aviation enthusiasts who thought it would be nice to have a local facility they could use. It wasn't until the airport opponents began pointing out the financial cost that the airport advocates began to actively try to persuade the public that this airport was going to be an economic boom for the county.
Now, the airport proponents - including the Chamber of Commerce, the Rockbridge Area Economic Development Commission and other groups - are endorsing this airport. They encourage others to get all the facts and then vote yes. It's interesting they would encourage others to get the facts when not one of these organizations invited the Concerned Citizens Coalition to address them with their concerns. However, these groups were heavily influenced by the airport proponents. I guess the only facts these groups felt were needed before making a decision were those of airport proponents.
DARRELL LEE CROSON
Chairman, Concerned Citizens Coalition
NATURAL BRIDGE
LENGTH: Long : 112 linesby CNB