ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, March 30, 1997 TAG: 9704010001
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
Flies, owls have been put before people
REGARDING the March 20 news article, ``High court says landowners can sue:''
It's about time the Supreme Court did something. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has zealously, but unintelligently, pursued its narrow interpretation of the Endangered Species Act since day one.
The Delhi fly is an insect in Southern California. The Fish and Wildlife Service, using ESA as its legal authority, demanded that the speed limit on a 30-mile stretch of Interstate 10 - the main highway into Los Angeles from the east - be reduced to 15 mph to prevent these flies from being traffic fatalities. (Can the fly do at least 16 mph?)
Another time, San Bernardino County was required to relocate its medical center 250 feet north to protect as few as eight flies. Thus far, ``fly guidelines'' have cost those taxpayers more than $3.5 million.
Remember the spotted owl that brought the lumber industry to its knees in the northwestern part of the United States several years ago? More than 20,000 lumber and related workers were put out of work almost overnight. That area still suffers economically.
Ironically, many experts now feel the owls didn't need those particular forests to breed, but had adapted to nearby re-growth forests. Had forest landowners been able to sue, many lumber workers there would still have jobs. Lumber would be less expensive, and lumber products imported from Canada would be much lower than at present.
Government agencies must now use the best available scientific and commercial data, and give property owners consideration - or face having to prove their case in court. Unintelligent zealousness usually doesn't survive the close scrutiny of the courtroom.
BILL CORBITT
CHAMBLISSBURG
Law reflects a double standard
JIM SHULER exhibited a lot of courage and understanding in his recent vote against the parental-notification law (Monroe Hendrick's Feb. 25 letter, ``Shuler's irrational, irresponsible votes''). He understands that it will drastically affect young girls who, for whatever reasons, feel they cannot inform their parents about an unintended pregnancy.
The fact is that most young people do not consult their parents before becoming sexually active. This legislation won't change that. It will force many young girls faced with an unwanted, unplanned pregnancy to seek solutions without advice from professionally trained counselors and physicians. This may jeopardize their future reproductive health or their lives.
A major flaw is that it's a classic case of sexual discrimination. Girls do not become pregnant by themselves. Nowhere in this legislation is the boy's responsibility addressed. This law punishes girls who may act irresponsibly, but lets boys go scot-free for the same behavior.
Even a normal pregnancy isn't without risks. It places incredible stresses on every organ and system of a female's body, and can be fatal. So thanks to legislators like Shuler who understand that young women need access to professionals who can help them make informed decisions about life-threatening and life-changing events.
NANCY ALEXANDER
BLACKSBURG
We must deal with the homeless issue
I AM VERY bothered when I pass a homeless person. Just think: You could be one of them. You could lose your job and your house. Then, you would be out in the street.
We need to stop wasting money and start to make a difference.
LINDSEY RICHARDSON
GLADE HILL
The Stilsons are truly heroes
WHILE VISITING my hometown recently, I couldn't help but notice your March 2 Extra section article on Tod and Jane Stilson (``When the prognosis calls for prayer''). In an age of perhaps unrivaled cynicism and complaining (often justified) about negativism in our public life and in the media, your article was like a breath of fresh air. I commend you and your reporter for your treatment of this inspirational and compelling story of faith and courage.
As many folks here in Ohio recover from the devastation of the worst flooding in 30 years, some losing nearly all their possessions, I couldn't help but think that it's people like the Stilsons who are America's true heroes. I have little doubt that as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ, their integrity in the face of adversity and your newspaper's willingness to share their story, many folks will be encouraged, inspired and blessed. Thank you for helping to make that possible.
JACK ETHERIDGE
COLUMBUS, OHIO
Voters received fair warning
LAST October I wrote a letter to the editor warning voters that if they remained closed-minded, gullible and economically undereducated enough to re-elect Bill Clinton as president, they would deserve what they got.
For all those voters who helped re-elect our fine president, I wonder how comfortable they feel now with their choice?
PHIL T. PAFFORD
ROANOKE
Mill Mountain can be shared by all
REGARDING possible commercial development of Mill Mountain:
It's safe to assume that investors are interested in high-dollar enterprises - exclusive dining or accommodations - that capitalize on the exotic nature of the location. Otherwise, why take on the expense and risk?
The concepts of ``public'' and ``exclusive'' are incompatible when dealing with community assets like parks, which are for everyone.
The absence of commercialization not only allows for a relaxed, often inspiring natural experience, but also frees us from class-related pressures. We can feel more ``at one'' with others who share the space and moment because it doesn't matter whether you arrived on foot, in a limo, on a bicycle or in an old, beat-up Volkswagen.
This feeling of community, of shared experience, is what makes the Roanoke City Market so important and successful. People need to experience the rich texture of class-less mingling, of common ground. There are increasing problems ahead for a society that allows itself to become more and more stratified. The further we stray from the basic human truth that we're all one, the more strife, confusion and pain we will feel and inflict.
All of our parks and public places are priceless community assets. The profit derived from diminishing our most exotic park through commercialization will pale in comparison to the loss to the community. Our community needs to embrace and defend the concept, for it alone will sustain us through thick and thin.
DAN CRAWFORD
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Long : 125 linesby CNB