THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 6, 1996 TAG: 9610040222
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 71 lines
I am a 20-year-old college student, and Monday through Friday I drive Rosemont Road on my way to school. Four out of those five days I see people standing on the median begging for money. The same two people frequent that median, and today I actually saw them change, as if they do it in shifts.
Am I the only person who finds it strange that the same people are always there? If they are in such need of help, why aren't they spending their day looking for a job?
I am a good, Catholic girl and am just as compassionate as anyone else, but I also work hard and honestly. I might give these people an extra dollar here and there if I truly believed that they'd use it for something worthy. I do, however, refuse to give my money (that I sweated for) to these people when I have seen them in the neighborhood store at 10 a.m. buying beer and cigarettes. I do refuse to give my money to a man with a ``homeless'' sign who I know lives in a house two blocks away.
Some of these people may really not have jobs. Unfortunately, most of them don't want jobs. A few years ago my old boss (at a local McDonald's) offered one of these ``Need help - lost all'' people a job. We were all shocked to hear that the man could make more money on the streets than at McDonald's.
I'm not saying that everyone with a sign is a manipulative person scheming for money. I'm saying, however, that next time you reach into your pocket to give your money away, ask yourself if you are indeed, really helping them.
Heather L. Dominesey
Sept. 30 Bible-carrying visitor was out of line to deride
At around 6:40 p.m. on Oct. 1, the doorbell rang. Being the only one home, I decided to go ahead and answer it. There was a well-dressed young man standing there holding a Bible. I opened the screen door and he handed me a slip of paper and began with his testimony.
He didn't bother to ask if anyone older was home (many people think I am much younger than I really am, for all he knew I could have been 16). He began to talk about the information and went on to say that I ``could die any day.'' He explained that I needed to realize my place with God.
When I explained to him my personal beliefs, which just happen to clash with his own, he began to laugh at me and explained that when I die I had ``better know heaven and hell and God.''
I am sorry, but I have studied the three main religions and understand what I need to know. I also believe that if you are judging me upon my religious beliefs, then you yourself are taking upon the title of God. This gentleman obviously doesn't understand the one right we all have . . . freedom of religion. If he, or anyone else expects me to respect their beliefs, they must also respect mine.
John Stofka
Oct. 2
No matter the heritage,
call yourself an American
A hundred years ago, hundreds of thousands of Italians, Hebrews, French, German, British, etc., emigrated to the freest country in the world - America!
They called themselves by their native lands. But, their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren call themselves Americans.
Two hundred years ago, thousands of African natives were brought to America. They called themselves Africans. But their descendants have 100 years longer status as Americans than do those descendants of the various other nationalities mentioned above.
Born in America, the great-grandson of Scottish emigrants, I call myself American - not Scottish-American. I am an American.
My friends, acquaintances, neighbors, whose ancestors were born in Africa and who call themselves African-Americans are denying to themselves the proudest title in the world! That you are Americans.
Harry Luman by CNB