ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, December 26, 1996            TAG: 9612260036
SECTION: EDITORIAL                PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO 
                                             TYPE: LETTERS 

CAN WE FIND JURORS SO PURE?

AS AN ardent equal-rights advocate for more than 55 years, I couldn't agree more with the views expressed by Edward Ayers of the University of Virginia, Harold McDougall of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Linda Bird-Harden of the NAACP in your Dec. 14 Associated Press article, ``Want Your Career to Disappear? Just say the `N-word.'''

Racial and ethnic slurs need to be stamped out by any means and at whatever cost. As Ms. Bird-Harden is quoted: `` if you disrespect a person because of their race, sex or gender, you must be punished."

There must, of course, be no exception. No one, no matter what their racial, ethnic, social, or economic background, should be excused for using nigger, honky, Oreo, Jew, kike, Uncle Tom, coon, Aye-rab, gimp, stupid or any other demeaning term about anyone.

There may be a slight problem with enforcement. A lawyer defending an accused "perp" may insist on a jury composed of people who have never used any of these terms. But if folks like Ayers, McDougall and Bird-Harden are consulted, they will know lots of folks who never tolerate insulting terminology of any kind from anyone.

As I reconsider, finding enough people that pure might be too difficult. We better settle for people with a probable history of not using such terms in, say, the past 10 years - provided it can also be shown that they never fail to correct their acquaintances, friends and family if any of them should slip. They should, at least, sever relations with any whose conduct they can't correct. That allows for continued opportunities to reset their children's attitudes.

Mr. Ayers, Mr. McDougall and Ms. Bird-Harden, I salute you and call you to arms. Let's go get those Oh dear. What's an acceptable term? Choose something that won't violate a potential defendant's rights.

ROBERT S. TERRY

BEDFORD

Constant digs are an embarrassment

I NOTED with interest Ann Weinstein's letter to the editor (Dec. 11, ``Who was Victoria Bond?'') regarding your comments about Victoria Bond and her contributions to the Roanoke Valley. The letter was both accurate and straightforward.

Beginning some years ago, with the purchase of your newspaper by a major newspaper-and-TV media company, the citizens of Southwest Virginia have been subjected to much negative reporting and many poorly conceived editorials.

Regrettably, we are all embarrassed by your constant carping. Moreover, you constantly try to "make news," but fail to report the real news, particularly on the local scene. Because of these professional journalistic shortcomings, you consistently bring a negative tone and little depth to your stories, as Mrs. Weinstein so accurately commented.

In your case, Pogo was absolutely right: "We have found the enemy, and it is us."

J. GRANGER MACFARLANE

ROANOKE

Show more support for rescue squads

IN RESPONSE to Tina B. Reynold's Dec. 15 letter to the editor, ``Who gave rescue squads the right?'':

The citizens of Botetourt County have given the rescue squads the authority to make important decisions everyday. The county supported the rescue squads ever since their respective organizations began. I think it is time for the citizens of Botetourt to stand behind their rescue squads. Remember, they stand behind you.

The rescue system does work as well as the rescue captains claim. The public only seems to criticize and make accusations concerning a few isolated incidents that have occurred. The community does not always show its appreciation to all the volunteers that cover calls day and night. These are incidents that should stand out and be appreciated.

Furthermore, this is Botetourt County, not Roanoke County. Maybe you should check into the problems concerning that county. I thank God for all emergency-medical workers. It's self-centered to thank only a couple of groups.

The rescue squads are given an allotted amount of funds each year. However, those funds run short of meeting each squad's needs. The squads reach out for support, just as the community reaches out for the rescue squads' support.

Also, the high-horse theory can first be linked to a minute group of citizens that continues to be critical. Open your eyes. Do not rely on hearsay - go with the facts.

Botetourt County is about neighbors helping neighbors. Let's hope that is never forgotten in Botetourt County.

MARTHA RIDDLEBERGER

TROUTVILLE

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