ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, April 19, 1997 TAG: 9704210091
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
Meting out punishment for truth-telling
HAVE I missed something? Your front-page article (April 10, ``Judge rejects appeal, sends player to jail'') reported that Judge Ray W. Grubbs ``increased Walter Ford's sentence from 20 to 30 days in jail and from a $300 to a $500 fine'' after Ford told the truth, switching his plea from ``not guilty'' to ``guilty.''
What's the message here? Lie and get a lighter penalty, or tell the truth and receive greater punishment. I can't believe a judge would be so narrow-minded and shortsighted in levying a penalty.
Owning up to our mistakes is a sign of integrity and courage. People need to be supported (not punished) for behavior that reflects honesty. Ford deserves commendation for telling the truth.
I hope the report that a judge actually punished this behavior was a misprint. If not, like Marie Ford, I presume the judgment was ``biased against black men and football players.''
It is to be hoped the Virginia Tech football team will recognize Ford positively for showing the courage to admit his mistake in the face of an unfair judicial decision. Judge Grubbs needs to look beyond personal power in his courtroom and take a broader perspective when imposing consequences.
E. SCOTT GELLER
NEWPORT
Parental-notice laws work in other states
IN YOUR March 23 news article (``Parental notification bill signed''), a lobbyist for the National Abortion Rights Action League claimed that many girls would be harmed by angry parents because of Virginia's new parental-notification law in regards to abortions for minor girls.
Even overzealous parents have a way of calming down in a sad event of this sort.
Also, it has been noted that in other states where a good parental-notice law is in force, the pregnancy rate among minor girls has gone down and the abortion rate has been reduced.
Perhaps having to let mom and dad know may force the minor girl to stop before she becomes overly involved physically with her boyfriend.
MARGARET C. HALEY
ROANOKE
`Miss Rosa' had a loving family
THE NEWSPAPER did an excellent job portraying the life of Lake Erie Downing (March 14 news article, ```Miss Rosa' was loved, will be missed''), despite James Ratcliffe's views (March 28 letter to the editor, ```Miss Rosa' was no role model'').
Rosa wasn't perfect, but are any of us? Before we pass judgment on someone, let's evaluate our own lives.
Rosa had a heart. Unfortunately, few people would give him the opportunity to work or better himself. Was it his fault he resorted to prostitution? I don't think so.
For many years, he was beat up, picked on, made fun of, and chased by dogs. I blame Roanoke Valley citizens. Is this the way we raise our children? No child should be raised to be narrow-thinking and have to make fun of someone to make himself or herself feel good or look better.
There are many gays and lesbians in the valley. They may be your neighbors, mechanics, preachers, co-workers, best friends or family member. It's time we stop judging and hating others before we get to know them.
Lake Erie Downing, Miss Rosa, will be missed by his biological family, friends and family in the gay community.
MARK D. MARTIN
ROANOKE
Gov. Allen deserves praise, not criticism
I CONGRATULATE Gov. George Allen for proclaiming April Confederate History and Heritage Month.
Like most Virginians, I am proud of our history and evolution - including the Confederacy. This is in no way racist or a detriment to any part of our society. There are those who try to make racism a part of every issue.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People called for Allen to resign (April 11 news article, ``NAACP says Allen should go'') because of this proclamation honoring our heritage. Personally, I think he should get a medal.
Why do blacks have the right to celebrate Black History Month, yet we don't have the right to celebrate our history? I will fight to the end for their right to celebrate their heritage, and I will also fight to the end for my right to celebrate mine.
STUART G. BOBLETT
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 88 linesby CNB