ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, December 16, 1996 TAG: 9612160104
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
I READ your Business article (Dec. 6, ``Coalition offers real estate closing bill'') concerning the proposal by the Virginia State Bar to make it mandatory for real estate closings to be handled by lawyers. I object to such a proposal.
Over the years, I've bought and sold some property in different states - sometimes with an attorney, sometimes without. All were satisfactory. I think most of us know when to seek help and when it isn't necessary.
The reason given is that the public needs to be protected. Let's face it, the real motivation isn't concern for the public; it's more likely dismay at seeing all those fees that could be collected evaporating.
What is it with our society that makes some feel that someone else has to look out for us, whether we want them to or not? We have enough of that already.
This isn't meant as a slap at the legal profession - we have some representatives in our family - but to imply strongly that we need to be protected, for a fee, is almost like the old Mafia protection message. Let's face it, we read quite often that those who have been charged with "protecting" our interest have, in fact, been the ones we needed to be protected from.
If this proposal is successfully implemented, where would it stop? How much protection would be need? Would we need it to buy a car, a washing machine, membership in a health club? All of these and more may require legal help, but for heaven's sake, give us the right to decide where that help is needed.
From what I've read in your newspaper, a group of lawyers got together and decided this, and are asking the state Supreme Court whether it's legal. Your article went on to say that if the answer is positive, then it will become law. I had the silly idea that the General Assembly passed laws and, at times, the Supreme Court had to rule on them. Obviously, something is missing from your article, I hope.
JAMES B. WAY
ROANOKE
All veterans need to be remembered
VETERANS of this area are pleased and proud that a memorial to commemorate the invasion of Normandy - the National D-Day Memorial - is to be built in Bedford. This memorial is a fitting and a long overdue tribute to those who participated in the D-Day invasion. However, we cannot let this worthwhile project totally overshadow the many sacrifices of other area veterans and their families.
Bedford County is steeped in military sacrifices. During wars and conflicts of this century, many families have been impacted by the ravages of war - 39 military men lost their lives in World War 1, 159 in World War II, three were killed during the Korean "police action" and 19 killed in Vietnam. These numbers only tell part of the story. I cannot begin to list the other casualties that occurred as a result of these events. There are countless numbers who even now suffer from physical, mental and emotional disabilities, and many families have been torn apart because of their losses.
At this moment, people from our community are serving in units on land, in the air and on the sea throughout the world. They are defending the freedoms we now enjoy and are to be commended for their actions.
When ceremonies on holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, etc., are conducted, we veterans hope the media and citizens of this great nation remember that we too have paid a great price.
We respect the intentions of the National D-Day Memorial and support its construction, but we request that the public remember all veterans. We ask the media to report the ceremonies that occur on various holidays and to not overshadow these events by coverage of the National D-Day Memorial.
PETER M. SNELLING
6th District commander
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
BEDFORD
Salem residents defended
IN RESPONSE to your Dec. 3 news article, ``Car salesman file Salem suit'':
It's refreshing to read an article where elected officials in the government not only listen to their constituents, but will back them up in court.
Salem City Council is to be commended fiscally - for having a history of spending our tax dollars wisely and adhering to a budget, therefore having the option of saying no to $345,521 worth of asphalt; and appreciatively - for not being too proud to honor the citizens' wishes to keep Oakey Field green and full of people playing sports.
The Duncans appear to be money-driven, slightly greedy and sore losers.
GIBSON BROWN
SALEM
LENGTH: Medium: 87 linesby CNB