DATE: Friday, June 6, 1997                  TAG: 9706060019

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  105 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR -THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

``FUNNIES''

``Fox Trot'' gives

OK to shoplifting

The June 3 comic strip ``Fox Trot''' is an example of why many of our citizens have lost the meaning of words such as honesty, honor and integrity. When I was 6 or 7 years old (1935-36), my parents encouraged me to read the comics as a way of improving my reading skill. I cannot remember reading anything that caused my young mind to rationalize that it was all right to steal.

If we could wipe out shoplifting, the public could save money on all of our purchases. However, with comic strips like ``Fox Trot,'' I can see no relief in sight from having to pay higher and higher prices for consumer goods.

Daniel W. Richardson

Norfolk, June 3, 1997

I was appalled at the June 3 ``Fox Trot'' comic. Bill Amend used poor judgment making light of shoplifting. Usually the comics poke fun at our ``normal'' daily lives and on occasion even address moral issues.

Rather than giving readers a reason to justify shoplifting, he should be giving them a reason why they shouldn't even consider it. I also hope that shoplifting is not so prevalent that it has become a part of our daily lives. Marysue Blankenship

Virginia Beach, June 4, 1997

CONFEDERACY

Words, deeds don't

gibe in flag issue

I read with interest the front-page article May 30 about the meeting between the Coalition for Equality and the Sons of the Confederacy. I also read with interest the article from several weeks back about a cross burning in New Kent county during a Sons of the Confederacy meeting.

Cross burning and white supremacist groups reflect the hate of society that can never be accepted. I believe reconciliation was the focus of your article in dealing with the Confederate flag; unfortunately, the words of the Sons of the Confederacy do not reconcile with their actions.

Sincere dialogue on the issues that divide us will find root in a common ground of understanding only when words match deeds. The heritage of this region belongs to all of us.

Having an appreciation for the heritage and rejecting the hate is the key.

Jullian C. Bishop

Chesapeake, May 30, 1997

NORFOLK

Waterside - a port

without an anchor

Look at each of the many successful malls in the area and you will find a theater, at least two large department stores and free parking. Yet still Waterside management's solution to sagging revenues would be more tenants like the Fudgery and Erin's Treasures, and (of course) more city money.

Without large anchors, not even these small boutique businesses are inclined to open there, at least not without some kind of ``Hooters sweetheart deal.'' Consequently, Waterside doesn't have, and won't have, enough commercial traffic to pay for its physical upkeep.

With MacArthur Center mall on the way, Waterside can no longer be excused as some kind of mere showpiece. What it needs are a permanant, entertaining, family-oriented draw and free parking. The tax revenue from a successful marketplace could offset the lost parking fees and ensure repayment of city-backed loans.

Otherwise taxpayers like myself will continue their flight into neighboring cities to keep from having to absorb Waterside, Nauticus and other good ideas turned into white elephants by unaccountable management.

Joseph W. Boulden

Chesapeake, June 2, 1997

MILLENIUM

You'll have to wait a

year for the next century

Would someone down there make a cogent effort to dispel all of the craziness about the year 2000 since the next century doesn't start until Jan. 1, 2001?

Yes, it is still 3 1/2 years away. I believe it goes like this: 1 through 100, not 0 through 99; i.e., the 21st century starts at 1, not zero.

Granted, the computer mess is associated with the 00 problem, but the next century will begin at 2001.

Walter L. Gordon

Chesapeake, June 4, 1997

ABORTION

Tough decision

is based on love

A day seldom goes by that I don't read an article concerning late-term abortion and genetic testing. But there is something that is never mentioned, and that is the emotional aspect. Because, believe it or not, this is a decision based on love.

Do these senators and moral leaders really believe that we, as women, continue a pregnancy to ``late term'' only to end it lightly? If you are a caring parent, ask yourself this question: ``What kind of life do I want for my child?'' Many of us are faced with prenatal diagnosis of a fetal anomaly and the grim reality that our babies will die at birth, have chronic illness or a lifetime of pain.

The fact is these babies are loved, wanted and planned for. The decision to end a pregnancy is a heartbreaking one that is reached only through an ocean of tears. God bless EVMS and the Jones Institute for providing us with hope. We must move forward with technology and acceptance. If we don't, we may as well return to public stoning.

L. A. Everett

Manteo, N.C., May 24, 1997

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