THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 11, 1996 TAG: 9602090225
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
The recent National Issues Convention gathered together some 459 citizens chosen at random from across the nation in Austin, Texas, to discuss, among themselves and with presidential candidates, questions on foreign policy, the economy and family values. From all reports, it was a great success. But I found one thing about it troubling.
It is hard to believe that what was billed as a demographic cross section of our society did not mention, in any of the discussions about family values, one word about faith in God, family worship in God, teachings of the Bible, prayer, or the part religion plays in the lives of some families.
There was mention of traditional values and some definitions were offered, such as the work ethic and helping the poor. It was all quite generic and non-specific. We are, or at least have been, a nation whose historical, traditional underpinnings included trust in God and the Judeo-Christian principles found in the Bible.
The constitutional amendment guaranteeing freedom of religion is intended to protect people from being forced to worship God in any particular way, or to worship God at all, if that is their choice. It is not intended to prevent, in any way, the worship of God. It was intended to protect religion from interference by the state; not to protect the state from religious influence.
Had I been present at Austin and asked the question: ``What can the government do to strengthen family values?'' I would have said: ``Permit no laws or actions which discourage, or make difficult, pursuit of faith in the Lord, knowledge of the Lord, prayers to the Lord, or trying to obey the Lord.''
Without families doing these things some important pieces are missing from our society.
Sheldon L. Corner
Virginia Beach Sand haul violates rights
I am writing concerning property that I own along the Chesapeake Bay at Chesapeake Park Beach.
I believe the proposed sand dredging in front of Chesapeake Beach constitutes a serious deprivation of the rights of property owners along the beach.
The sand proposed to be removed from the area is sand eroded from Chesapeake Beach, and should be returned to Chesapeake Beach. This sand removal, if not returned to the beach, is in effect a taking of property of the owners of the beach, and will clearly result in future erosion of the present beach.
The beach is best served by the return of the sand to the place from whence it came, where future generations can enjoy the beach as we once knew it, before various past storms and operations of the government have resulted in its erosion.
Treva A. Matzen-Hufford
Virginia Beach No dogs in truck beds
In the Jan. 28 Beacon, Mary Reid Barrow wrote about one of my greatest concerns pertaining to dogs. It was about the dog that had been dragged under a truck after apparently being thrown from the back of the truck. The dog was still tied to a rope and was running and desperately trying to keep up with the truck. He finally pulled out of his collar and ran to the side of the road. The driver of the truck drove on. Fortunately for the dog, some kind people rescued it.
It is against the law in Virginia Beach to carry dogs in the back of an open truck. Why is this law not enforced?
It is cruel. Dogs are transported this way in all kinds of weather and are often terrified. It is extremely dangerous. If a dog jumps, cars will slam on brakes to avoid hitting it. This can cause a pile-up and a serious accident. Also the dog will probably be killed.
Dog owners must be forced to transport their pets in the cabin of their truck.
Edith A. Drake
Sandfiddler Road by CNB