THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 17, 1995 TAG: 9508160194
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Long : 109 lines
What irony! The veterans of 1941-1945 again are called to fight, this time to relay the truth (distorted by press, TV and textbooks) of World War II.
``Political correctness'' has been misused on this. And how many other issues?
Ann Ballard
Maryland Avenue
Suffolk
Thank God for President Truman! Isn't it amazing how all the 50th anniversary arm-chair quarterbacks want to second guess his decision to use the atomic bomb? I would like to think that there was never any doubt as to the need to use this weapon against the Japanese homeland. And if Germany had not capitulated earlier, she too, I trust, would have been treated to this weapon.
When one considers the casualties estimated to have been incurred in an invasion of Japan's home islands, there is a distinct possibility that any number of the fathers of today's arm-chair second guessers would not have survived, and that they would not have been conceived. Many of them owe a debt of gratitude to President Truman for the strength of his convictions that saved their fathers' lives through his use of the atomic bomb and thereby assuring their presence today.
We could have used any number of presidents of Mr. Truman's mettle over these last four decades and as we look to the 21st Century. Countries like Iran, Iraq, Libya and North Korea would be given vastly different treatment when threatening the world with nuclear weapons were ``Give 'em Hell, Harry'' president today. The people of these United States of America will always be in his debt.
Present-day leaders can learn from his example, else we repeat the lessons of history because we did not learn them in the first place!
Herb DeGroft
Mill Swamp Road
Smithfield Stores should donate usable discards to charity
Recently, while shopping, I saw a sales associate cutting straps on bras and other items. The products were being destroyed and discarded due to sanitary laws that prevent their resale.
The companies could be donating them to charities! There are homeless and battered women being denied bras and panties because companies would rather destroy what they cannot make financial profit from. Actually, donations are tax deductible!
I am interested in starting programs in which companies donate unsellable items to charities. I want to expose companies that are behaving in the manner mentioned above rather than taking a compassionate and responsible action.
Consumers need to write letters to customer service, store presidents - as simple as ``Donate your discards.'' That letter and mailing would not take more than five minutes.
I am 20 years old and realize change starts with action. Solutions come one at a time, and it is time. Let's offer a suggestive stand.
Julie M. Maschino
Aspinock Street
Chesapeake Money not the problem
In response to David R. Lyons' letter (The Sun, Aug. 6) condemning the Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors for not funding the sheriff's budget: He doesn't know the facts.
Not only do the supervisors fully fund the sheriff's budget, but they supplement it by about $100,000 annually. This supplement is for five extra deputy positions above what the state supplies.
Even with this additional aid by the supervisors, the sheriff still charged the county $10,000 in overtime deputy pay for the county fair last year. Good budget management would have allowed these five extra deputies, which are totally paid for by county funds, to have worked the county fair.
I commend our supervisors for going the extra mile in keeping our county safe. The problem is not the lack of funds, but their inefficient management.
Shelton A. Spivey Jr.
Candidate for Sheriff
Isle of Wight County Heavy-hearted goodbye
For everyone who cares about/for their children:
I just wrote my last check, with a heavy heart, to Main Street Day Care. I will truly miss everyone there. My two children went there, and I can say that all the caregivers are wonderful and loving, with lots of hugs.
As a flight attendant, I am gone about three days a week. Main Street Day Care, with ``Miss Barbara'' and staff, has been a Godsend for us for the past 7 1/2 years. Thanks to all. We'll miss them.
Marilyn Stulb
General Pickett Drive
Suffolk Keep the clean air
Hampton Roads eluded a federal smog violation during the recent heat wave.
One day of air pollution violations, under the Clean Air Act, could cost the region $130 million a year, or about $240 per family.
Question: If the Suffolk race track were up and running, with no emission control on cars, how good would my air be?
Russell Dixon
Dayle Acres Road
Suffolk by CNB