THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, November 7, 1995 TAG: 9511070004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
It is mind-boggling to me that Smithfield Foods Inc. continues to pollute Virginia's waterways in this age of environmental awareness.
Virginia's own public-school system teaches my children to exercise enviromental responsibility by recycling, limiting the use of pesticides around the home and appreciating the consequences of what happens when a stray balloon or the plastic from a six-pack gets in the waterways.
In fact, my children have become so aware of our environmental responsibilities that they react with disgust when they see someone cast litter through his car window and gladly pick up trash found on the beach after an outing.
So, it truly is beyond my comprehension and theirs why a local company, one we have always supported by buying its products (both for our own consumption and as gifts) would show such disregard for Virginia's environment.
Our obvious response will be to not buy Smithfield Foods' products until the company takes responsibility for disposing of its wastes in the appropriate manner.
If this is an expensive undertaking for Smithfield Foods, I suggest that it cut back on its campaign donations.
Better yet, I'd like to see Governor Allen return the $125,000 as a statement of his concern for Virginia's environment. It would be a nice start toward clean-up.
However, Governor Allen has already let us know that he has no intention of returning this money. The only conclusion that I can reach is that Governor Allen cares as little about the environment as does Smithfield Foods. So, while I boycott Smithfield products, I'll have to include its supporters, such as the Allen camp.
KATE JOHNSON
Virginia Beach, Nov. 3, 1995 by CNB