ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, January 11, 1997 TAG: 9701130089
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
All creatures deserve compassion
I WAS disappointed to read another letter to the editor opposing the expression of empathy and concern for nonhuman animals. The illogical suggestion was that compassion directed toward other creatures somehow diminishes or dilutes compassion toward people.
Casey Hash (Dec. 24 letter, ``Human suffering takes priority'') suggests that those who oppose the inhumane treatment of livestock misdirect their concerns ``when there is so much human suffering and starvation in the world today.''
That position implies that compassion for humans and compassion for nonhumans are mutually exclusive. In fact, these are far from separate issues. I believe compassion and empathy are most fully expressed when they are expressed broadly.
How can humans ever hope for an end to ``man's inhumanity to man'' when many of us believe that empathy is best expressed only toward those who share our own characteristics?
Where do we draw the line? Between various human racial or ethnic groups? Between religious groups or socioeconomic groups? Between sexes?
Perhaps this ambiguity over where the line should be drawn helps explain why so much of man's inhumanity toward man has existed throughout history.
Compassion is compassion, and the more generously we express it, the more likely we are to have it returned to us.
I'm not suggesting that Hash adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, although I believe that widespread vegetarianism would - in addition to reducing animal suffering - significantly reduce world (environmental) suffering and the potential for human starvation.
However, I suggest Hash reconsider his (apparent) position that compassion for nonhumans and compassion for humans are separate and competitive.
Widespread human suffering can end only if humans, the species in power, seek to increase our respect for, and appreciation of, all the sentient beings with whom we coexist.
Perhaps we can't ever completely erase suffering from this world, but shouldn't we at least try, wherever possible, to choose compassion and respect over indifference? In the end, it's a choice that can benefit us all.
KARIN WARNER
CHRISTIANSBURG
What's the problem with the plates?
IN RESPONSE to your Jan. 3 Associated Press news article, ``Sons of Confederate fall in battle over license plates'':
I am outraged that black leaders would go to that extreme to get what they want. When will it end? I am certain that Maryland meant no harm by the plate, or the state wouldn't have put it out to begin with.
If the black leaders and other black people do not care for it, then that would be fewer people placing orders that the Department of Motor Vehicles would have to worry about. I say let it be. White people have rights, too!
LESLIE CREGAR
ROANOKE
Plain talk aboutpoliticalese
REGARDING your Jan. 4 Briefly Put editorial, ``The dialects of Ebonics, politicalese'':
Thank you for pointing out in a timely fashion Del. Preston Bryant's rush to attempt to create another division in the community. You stated that this isn't California and that state standards are in place here in regards to teaching English in our schools.
On Bryant's part, this is less than a poorly disguised attempt to invent an issue and find new fuel for his run for re-election to the House of Delegates.
You were also right on target regarding getting standard English into state laws so the laws might be easily understood by those who are affected by them - the citizens.
CURTIS STEPHENS
BEDFORD
Alcoholics must seek treatment
IN RESPONSE to Kat McClinton's Jan. 2 letter to the editor, ``Alcoholics do not suffer by choice'':
I would like to thank her for writing an informative letter about alcoholism. She believes that people do not choose to become alcoholics. I agree. My doctor informed me that I was born that way and didn't have a choice.
Yes, I inherited the genes of an alcoholic parent. I didn't have a choice, as Jo Ann Walthall discusses in her Dec. 20 letter (``Alcoholism is not a disease'').
Luckily for me, alcohol is recognized by the medical community as a disease and covered by some insurance policies.
I didn't choose to become an alcoholic. I did choose, though, to seek treatment for my disease. I am happy to report that I have led an alcohol-free life for more than three years.
I sure hope Walthall isn't a doctor. I would hate to think she would deny treatment for a dangerous disease to someone in need. I also hope that she is never faced with such a disease. But if she is, I only hope her attitude doesn't stand in the way of a possible treatment.
JAMES M. ARMSTRONG
ROANOKE
Israel's critics risk God's wrath
IT IS too bad that the U.S. Supreme Court doesn't have the wisdom to allow Bible reading in our public schools.
Otherwise, Robert A. Hay (Jan. 3 letter to the editor, ``Time to get tough with Israel'') might know that Israel and its forefathers have been God's chosen people for thousands of years, and that God says ``I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.''
ROBERT S. McCORMICK JR.
LEXINGTON
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