THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 14, 1995 TAG: 9505130080
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
In the wake of the Oklahoma City tragedy, most Americans have expressed contempt and disgust towards the perpetrators of this heinous act as well as their radical, white-supremacist, anti-government, militant supporters. This monstrous act of terrorism has seemingly raised awareness of the extremists among us and the hatred they harbor.
These ugly sentiments have been brought to light against the backdrop of America's heartland, our ``national backyard'' of sorts, as a result of the senseless and cowardly massacre of innocents.
Sadly, few Americans have begun to see themselves as accomplices in this crime.
The ultimate tragedy resulting from the attack on the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, perhaps greater in the long term than even the loss of so very many precious lives, is the failure of individuals to examine themselves - their own words, deeds and actions - and discover that, though this crime may have taken place in our own back yard, its roots can be found in many of our own homes.
Every man, woman and even child in this country is responsible for his or her part in the creation of a national climate in which such an act could take place.
Unfortunately, too many people have viewed the news from Oklahoma City with disgust, only to follow the news broadcast with a racist, anti-Semitic or homophobic story over the dinner table.
Those who explain away all their misfortunes by casting them off on faceless enemies fuel the fires of hatred within themselves and others listening. It is that type of fire that set off that bomb in Oklahoma City.
God's message in any language is not hate. Let us challenge ourselves to raise our children in an positive environment and in respect and appreciation of others. Many people may not believe their children could ever become radical violent extremists as a result of a ``couple of racist remarks.'' I am certain Tim McVeigh's mother never thought so either.
Let us honor the souls of those who lost their lives in Oklahoma City by ushering in a new era of peace, beginning in our own homes. We must see ourselves as we are and stop making excuses. If change is not to be for ourselves, it must happen for the love of our children.
Felicia M. Flores
Meadows Landing Greed and water
After 13 years' waiting for approval to tap Lake Gaston water, the end seems near. The ostensible reason for the delay has always been environmental concerns. Now it seems that for 35 million gallons of water a day and other inducements, North Carolina will stop its objection to the Lake Gaston pipeline.
No wonder the youth of today are so cynical of authority. When greed is the motivating factor instead of integrity, what else can they be?
No, the Lake Gaston water will not taste so sweet.
William F. Hay Sr.
Virginia Beach by CNB