THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, November 21, 1994 TAG: 9411180022
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
Recent news articles about the Rev. Ian Paisley during his visit to Norfolk were even-handed, but there are other things I feel should be mentioned.
Although you mentioned that there were five death threats against him, you failed to say that the Virginia Beach police and the FBI were advised of the threats. According to public statements by Pastor Rod Bell, the only response was for local police to offer an extra patrol car in the vicinity. One wonders what degree of security would have been provided had Ted Kennedy been speaking and received such threats.
It is strange that a member of the British Parliament and the European Parliament can receive such threats in an American city and be offered less security than a group of rock singers routinely receives on a concert tour.
It is also strange that Gerry Adams received almost red-carpet treatment while traveling this country seeking to drum up support for his agenda for Ulster. He officially represents no one but a gang of terrorists. His views on Northern Ireland are his business, but they have nothing whatever to do with the will of the people of that province. Their views are clearly voiced by their overwhelmingly elected representative, Ian Paisley.
Our government leaves itself with very little reliability when it courts international terrorists such as Gerry Adams, while ignoring respected international statesmen like Ian Paisley.
The same holds true for the British government. As soon as its members sit down at the bargaining table with terrorists, they have forsaken their responsibility to stand against lawbreakers. The British government and our government need to make it clear that lawbreakers, regardless of their political affiliation or agenda, will be equally punished.
CHARLES L. PARKER, pastor
Foundation Baptist Church
Norfolk, Nov. 5, 1994 by CNB