ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, March 27, 1997 TAG: 9703270007
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
About ``Reading, 'riting and arrests,'' March 22:
From SYLVIA SINK, Roanoke
I have a grandson in local schools and he has experienced unbelievable acts of violence. The staff and the teachers seem to turn their backs to it. If the perpetrator happens to be one of their high-profile sports participants, then [the perpetrator] is given preferential treatment.
From BETTY DARNELL, Roanoke
About police in the schools: It's an excellent idea. Personally, I feel they should have metal detectors in all schools. It's sad it's come to this, but it has.
About ``Belt the kids to save their lives,'' March 23:
From ROBERTA REYMORE, Christiansburg:
It just makes me sick to drive along and see all the children that are in cars and are not belted.
About ``Confessions of a cigarette maker,'' March 24:
From MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM, Radford
I really think something needs to be done about the marketing and promulgation of cigarettes to all facets of society. I'm glad we're beginning to see some headway against tobacco manufacturers - at least nationally. I hope Virginia politicians will see the folly of supporting the tobacco industry.
About ``Hoops, not guns, on the basketball court,'' March 24:
From WILLIAM HACKETT, Troutville
If someone is going to get mad, go to the car, get a gun and come back and shoot someone, that person isn't going to be intimidated by a law that says don't take a gun to the basketball court. A person who has that mentality if probably going to take a gun wherever he goes. [A ban] sounds good, but I don't think it's going to work.
From WILLIAM VEST, Roanoke
It seems our illustrious governor is going to be running for the Senate, and he's going to be needing some money, so I look to see him get in bed with the arms dealers - a.k.a., the NRA. He's bound to veto that thing.
Editors note: Gov. Allen vetoed the bill that would ban guns in Fairfax County recreation centers.
About ``Putting county bucks in school buildings,'' March 25
From KEN REYNOLDS, Roanoke
It appears once again that lack of planning has caused us to fall way behind on our children's education. We must pay the price now and start working on it immediately. Everybody, all across the county, is going to have to participate in this program.
LENGTH: Medium: 64 linesby CNB