DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 1997             TAG: 9710140008

SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  140 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

WELFARE REFORM

Such cruelty, making

the able-bodied work

Reading the Oct. 1 front page, I was appalled to find that for welfare recipients ``the search for work begins today.'' I just can't believe that we have become so cruel and mean-spirited that we now actually expect able-bodied citizens to look for work. Or even worse, to actually work!

What's next, requiring that grease be slick or demanding that boats actually be able to float? Where are our sensitivity and our compassion?

Christopher A. Hooper

Virginia Beach, Oct. 2, 1997

MILITARY

Noisy jet overhead?

Don't get teed off

In his Oct. 4 letter, ``Quiet golf, noisy Navy jets don't mix,'' John Kerr states that the transfer of additional aircraft to Oceana ``just doesn't mix well with the quiet game of golf.'' He then goes on to warn City Council that golf tourists may pass on to other sites due to the distraction.

While I am sorry that Mr. Kerr has to sacrifice his quiet game, I think it pales in comparison to the sacrifices that the men and women of our armed forces make. These people are often separated from their families, work countless hours of overtime (for which they are not paid) and all too often give the ultimate sacrifice - their lives.

Mr. Kerr, without these distractions there would be no game of golf. The next time you are on the green and a Navy jet flies over, I suggest you look to the sky not with contempt but with gratitude.

Kelle Ryan

Virginia Beach, Oct. 4, 1997

VIRGINIA BEACH

Have a tax cut-off

for the elderly

I wish our council members would take a break from spending millions on an inn that will turn out to be a rubbish pile, and millions on a soccer stadium and golf course, under the theory that this will lower taxes. I have yet to find one old man whose real estate taxes are lower today than they were when paying off his mortgage.

It would be nice if these members would visit our hospitals, nursing homes and rehab centers. These old people who own real estate are being billed every six months for well over $700. Some have Alzheimer's disease, strokes, paralysis or heart disease.

Upon leaving this earth, the beneficiaries will pick up the tax tab. So just how much money can the city lose by having a tax cut-off date?

Lester Prather

Virginia Beach, Sept. 30, 1997

FUND-RAISERS

This mom will pass

on selling gummy worms

Well, it is that time of year again when the schools are sending out their fund-raisers. I have two on my kitchen table with another anticipated any day. Why? Are my taxes not high enough that the school and the PTA can't get enough money for the kids?

We don't go door-to-door at my house and I DO NOT take mine to work, as suggested on the package, because it's embarrassing to sell a plastic cup of gummy worms for $8. Besides, my boss doesn't pay me to sell gummy worms and the like on company time. Ask me for a donation or go up on the PTA dues, but cut this out.

And now, a little boy in New Jersey was murdered doing a school fund-raiser (news, Oct. 2). Is this what it will take to make this stop?

Carol Mallory

Chesapeake, Oct. 2, 1997

VIRGINIA BEACH

Veterans deserve

help from the city

A Sept. 21 Daily Break story described the plight of Vetshouse in Virginia Beach. It seems its HUD lease expires this month. The veterans' house could get an extension if City Council would include it in a grant proposal for homeless service. But so far, the council hasn't seen fit to do that.

Yet the city justifies granting loans to wealthy individuals to have a retirement complex built for them; schools are being built or moved because of a miscalculation; the city is being sued because Rudee Inlet wasn't dredged and expensive boats were damaged; and businesses were given extensions after 7 1/2 years for safety violations.

I think City Council has its priorities mixed up. We need to help our vets so they can get back into society as productive human beings (and taxpayers). Giving them a hand would only enhance our community. The city might wish to remember that a large segment of this community is military and retirees.

P. G. Badonsky

Virginia Beach, Sept. 29, 1997

PAT ROBERTSON

Pulpit, politics

a poor mix

On Sept. 30, The Pilot reported that Pat Robertson, CEO of Christian Broadcasting, is the second largest contributor to James Gilmore's gubernatorial campaign. One can only wonder why various governmental entities, including the city of Virginia Beach, grant tax concessions to Mr. Robertson's religious ``business'' operations.

This nation was built on the premise of separation of church and state, so one can only be amazed to watch how Mr. Robertson manipulates these tax considerations while attempting to influence governmental policy.

Let's fairly tax all of Mr. Robertson's empire, which is not an actual church sanctuary, and encourage him to lead his church rather than the policy of the nation.

David F. Shirk

Norfolk, Oct. 1, 1997

CAMPAIGN '97

What about politicking

by black pastors?

Based on your Oct. 8 editorial, ``Crossing the line,'' one could surmise that only conservative Christians engage in politicking from the pulpit. According to a report on WNIS, black pastors are miffed at Doug Wilder's lack of endorsement of Don Beyer.

While I do not agree with the politicizing of the church, and find too many in a position of leadership seeking a political messiah, I am confounded that your paper chooses only to attack conservatives. Is it a matter of racial or political preference? Are Virginia's black pastors excused by virtue of their choice of candidate or the color of their skin?

Steven J. Windon

Virginia Beach, Oct. 8, 1997

PROMISE KEEPERS

NOW critics don't

know about ``real men''

The negative press generated by NOW concerning Promise Keepers is truly astounding.

I know that Promise Keepers members, along with their wives, are the men who take vacation time to volunteer with church and community youth, build the Habitat for Humanity houses, cook and serve at the soup kitchens, organize the gleaning teams, etc.

What NOW can't seem to understand is that we women can work with our men in an attitude of understanding and cooperation. Apparently far too many of them have never had the experience of a ``real man'' - the nurturer, giver, friend and lover. In their desire to be the one in control, they have lost the ability to meaningfully interact.

Donna H. Miller

Chesapeake, Oct. 8, 1997

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