ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 15, 1997 TAG: 9702170070
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
Dissenting voices can enlighten
MARY ELLEN Stigliano (Feb. 6 letter to the editor, ``Letters spread ignorance, bigotry'') suggests suppression of opinion to ``reduce the spread of ignorance and bigotry.'' Doing so would accomplish exactly what she seeks to avoid.
I work with a lady with whom I agree on almost nothing politically, except that we have the right - the civic responsibility - to express our opinions.
The First Amendment guarantees the right, and the Constitution as a whole asks that we, as citizens, take part in our nation's future by being active in the formulation of policy and values.
My colleague and I have had a number of respectful disputes, but I believe we have understood each other. I know we respect each other because we talk, we listen and we care about future generations of this planet's citizens. We want their lives to be better. And although our approaches would be different, we know that each of us will have some impact on what follows us.
The Roanoke Times is acting responsibly in airing as many viewpoints as possible. I want to read opinions that differ from mine and to understand how the writers arrive at those opinions. Information of that sort goes toward shaping or confirming my beliefs.
Stigliano's letter was published - one that flies in the face of the Constitution - as it should have been. She might ponder that for a while before she ask that others' words be excised from public discussion.
DAN SMITH
ROANOKE
Fathers often get a raw deal
IN RESPONSE to Anne DeFoe's Jan. 13 letter to the editor, ``Joint custody is not good for kids'':
I cannot imagine anyone just wiping out the father. Who has the right to say the father has been all wrong? There are two sides to every relationship. Men get a raw deal. There are men who love their children and are willing to do what is right. It's really sad that our court system is so messed up that the father always gets the blame.
The woman can have her affairs and walk out to be with her lover, but the man has to pay her and the children because she screams abuse. I believe if a father is willing to pay child support, he has a right to joint custody.
The letter writer speaks of the man having multiple affairs or marriages, and suggests that he isn't a good role model. Well, doesn't the same apply to mothers? Right. Not all fathers are bad. Maybe men should use tears on the witness stand.
My son has been there. He loves his little girl, and he shouldn't have to suffer for what his wife is doing.
PATRICIA WORRELL
ROANOKE
Don't light up Mill Mountain
THANK you for your editorials (Jan. 26, ``Mill Mountain's purpose'' and Feb. 5, ``Who speaks for the mountain?''), and thanks also to Joe Kennedy for his sensitive column (Jan. 22, ``Let's not tarnish our shining star: Mill Mountain'') about Mill Mountain.
We should all be grateful to Betty Field for putting her mouth where her heart is!
Sometime native Roanokers and long-time residents of the valley take the beauty of our surroundings for granted. We are accustomed to looking about and not seeing what is really there.
Try looking at Mill Mountain in the early evening; see and feel the dark, sedate attitude it has. Now, cover your eyes and imagine it with lights and various things running up and down and all around. I don't believe you will like what you see.
Please, let's not do anymore development on our No. 2 asset. Our No. 1 asset in the Roanoke Valley is the people!
MOLLIE LOU BOHON
ROANOKE
Events highlighted a spirit of unity
THE SECOND annual African-American Roanoke Thousand Man March was declared a success by all who participated; likewise, the Pioneers Day program that followed (Feb. 2 news article, ``United, inspired, committed to act'').
These two events, designed as Black History Month celebrations, underscored a spirit of unity, brotherhood/sisterhood, pride and self-esteem that exists within Roanoke Valley's African-American community. This was echoed many times by participants and observers of the events. Many stated that their intent was to reach out to help others.
I appreciate each marcher, the media, the program participants, school and community agencies, private citizens and all who offered encouragement and support.
Although this was primarily an African-American experience, the Roanoke community is to be commended for its spirit of cooperation.
HAROLD V. CANNADAY II
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 96 linesby CNB