THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 12, 1996 TAG: 9604110137
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
My family and I applaud the letter by Mrs. Cox (Feb. 16 Beacon) in regard to the Amway Corp. We too have had a disagreeable experience with Amway representatives.
We attended a meeting for ``prospects'' and picked up an information package to review. When we decided that we were not interested, we asked that the representative come and retrieve the package. Preferring to avoid any further contact, we arranged for the package to be picked up off our front porch. The Amway representative did as requested, but left a handwritten note in our mailbox ``blasting'' us for not embracing the Amway philosophy.
In that note, he promised to boycott my husband's business and to ensure that his Amway associates would do the same. He also criticized my decision to remain in teaching, which I have been in for over 20 years. Along that same line, he could not believe I was not willing to be a stay-at-home mother, selling Amway products and taking care of our 17-year-old daughter (who takes care of herself).
I'm sure, like us, that most people choose not to become involved in Amway because of the harassment that must be endured while ``they'' try to persuade us to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Elizabeth Dixon
Virginia Beach Beware of pet thieves
How many of us let our dogs and cats roam outside unattended, or give up pets through ``free to a good home'' ads in our local newspaper? With only the best intentions, we become easy prey for pet thieves who sell over 1 million stolen pets each year into a vast black market.
Pets are stolen from our neighborhoods and yards, our homes and automobiles or obtained through ``free to a good home'' ads by thieves who may sell them to ``dog dealers'' licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They may be sold to ``puppy mill'' breeders, and dog fight rings, or become the victims of satanic cults and research laboratories.
Right now, U.S. Representative Jon Fox of Pennsylvania is drafting anti-pet theft legislation to address this problem. To ensure the success of this vital legislation, Rep. Fox needs the support of other representatives and senators. I urge you, your family and friends to write or call your legislative representatives and ask that they contact Rep. Fox's office and co-sponsor this important bill. Rep. Fox can be reached at: 510 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515-3813, or (202) 225-6111.
For further information about this legislation, or for free information on preventing pet theft or searching for a missing or stolen pet, please write In Defense of Animals, Stolen Pet Program, 131 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941 or call (415) 388-9641, Ext. 29, or 1-800-STOLEN PET.
Sunday Abbott
Virginia Beach Don't allow new prison
Twin Star Enterprises is proposing to establish and operate a correctional facility for pre-release and work-release prison inmates at the City Municipal Center in Virginia Beach. This facility intends to place inmates with 6 to 12 months left on their sentences in housing with questionable security to get rehabilitated or trained.
As a resident who has lived in this area for 43 years, I am appalled that I had to learn about this project by accident and find that our representative for the Princess Anne borough is not only for, but is promoting this project. The taxpayers of Virginia Beach have spent millions of dollars promoting our town as a tourist attraction and a safe/secure haven to bring family and friends. I do not feel it is in our best interest to promote this type of facility or warrant it's arrival in our community.
Judy Christian
Virginia Beach by CNB