DATE: Friday, July 4, 1997                  TAG: 9707020001

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  107 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - VIRGINIAN-PILOT

Perhaps Larry Maddry has found a new version of the original U.S. Constitution. For in his June 18 column, ``Flag descration amendment destroys old glory's symbol,'' he dwells on an intent of the founding fathers that differs from that in the Constitution of 1787.

The founding fathers never mentioned ``freedom of expression'' in writing the Constitution. The First Amendment does, however, cite freedom of speech. There is a big difference in speech and expression. Maddry's position that flag desecration was tolerated by the framers of the Constitution shows a lack of research. James Madison, as secretary of state, wrote May 11, 1802, to Pennsylvania Governor McKean: ``The tearing down in Philadelphia in 1802 of the flag . . . with the most aggravating insults, was considered actionable in the Pennsylvania courts as a violation of the law. . . .''

The current effort by We the People to regain the right to protect the American Flag from physical desecration is needed only because five members of the U.S. Supreme Court in 1989 made a bad decision. That decision invalidated federal law and laws in 48 states that had been in effect for more than 100 years. Virginia had such laws. Are your readers to believe that by that court ruling we've been freed from the shackles that bound free speech? Nonsense.

It is time for the lawmakers of America to allow this measure to pass the U.S. Senate and be sent to the states for ratification. That is how the founding fathers envisioned our government working.

Marty Justis

Executive director

Citizens Flag Alliance

Indianapolis, Ind., June 25, 1997 ANCESTORS Saying ``I'm sorry,'' 113 years later . . .

I understand that some members of Congress have now called for an apology to all African Americans whose ancestors may or may not have been held as slaves.

I want an apology from all the current members of Congress and governors representing the 13 states that comprised the Confederacy. As I see it, my great-great-great grandfather, Reuben Hendrickson, was killed in action in Resaca, Ga., on May 15, 1864, while trying to preserve the Union and free the slaves. If the South hadn't seceded, Hendrickson wouldn't have been killed and I know my life would be different today.

I want to make an apology to the people of Georgia. Hendrickson's unit, the 27th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was with General Sherman on his march to Atlanta. So if Reuben Hendrickson burned any barns down in Georgia, I apologize.

Doesn't this sound really ridiculous? No one can change anything that happened over 100 years ago. As Americans we all need to work on how we treat others today and in the future.

William J. Young II

Virginia Beach, June 24, 1997 HOWARD STERN Fan blames station

Regarding ``WKOC gets Stern response'' (Daily Break, June 26): I will miss listening to Howard Stern every weekday morning while I'm at work because it made the morning pass quickly with laughter.

I believe that Howard only got sixth in the Hampton Roads market because promotion of the show was almost nonexistent. How are people supposed to know he is on the air?

I am boycotting the Coast because there is no show that can measure up to Howard Stern. I and many others used to spend four to five hours listening to the Coast, and now we spend none.

Christine K. Gajdek

Norfolk, June 25, 1997 JUSTICE Tobacco settlement? ``It ain't no deal!''

The Virginian-Pilot reported June 20 that the nefarious tobacco companies had reached agreement with Mississippi Attorney General Michael Moore and the majority of the states in a historic settlement.

The agreement AIN'T NO DEAL.

The judicious manipulation of the giant tobacco industry's income stream for profit is not exactly ``just compensation'' for the millions of folks who have buried their loved ones because of cancer. It does not speak to the real question of right and wrong.

The issue before America today is this: Should any large company or corporation, operating under the laws of the land, be allowed to consistently poison a people to death for profit?

If a jury of 12 men and women had the good sense to convict Tim McVeigh for the murder of 119 people, why should we have a problem dispensing justice to an industry that has killed millions of Americans?

The ``Get Out of Jail Free'' card that the tobacco industry wants ratified will be paid by the poor addicts who buy cigarettes and cigars, and since the $368 billion is being paid out over 25 years, the annual payments will be funded by profits from the increased price of cigarettes.

The poison peddlers will still be in business. People will still be dying, and the tobacco companies will simply raise the price.

Robert D. Ruffin

Virginia Beach, June 21, 1997 VIRGINIA BEACH Let city tax non-homeowners, too

Can anyone please explain to me why the city of Virginia Beach always looks to homeowners for additional revenue for any new project (``Beach gets 6 options to improve its libraries,'' June 25)?

All residents, not just homeowners, should pay any additional taxes that are needed to fund future projects. Non-homeowners use Virginia Beach services just like homeowners.

T. A. McClain

Virginia Beach, June 25, 1997

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