Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 22, 1994 TAG: 9403220161
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
They've decided that Virginia cannot risk its tourism income by opening schools before Labor Day, since a large part of this tourism income is from people coming to visit historical sites in areas that employ school children. Our historical sites are one of our big selling points. We advertise that on television. Apparently our historical past is good enough to make money for us, but not good enough to be kept accurately recorded.
That's the message some legislators sent out when they voted to repeal our state song. It was written by a black minstrel, and it should be a great honor to recognize him by keeping the state song. This song isn't offensive, but conveys the love of one human being for a place he longs to return to - a place where I'm proud to live in and call home.
General Assembly members who voted to ban this song need to make up their minds whether they want to celebrate our rich history or not. As far as I'm concerned, those who don't have 49 other states in which they can choose to live.
VIRGINIA L. ROBINSON
NEW CASTLE
Roanoke doesn't need more pollution
ROANOKE had no interstates when I grew up. It was considered a blessing when they came. But that's before people realized the amount of pollution spewed out by one truck, let alone thousands, and pollution's subsequent effect on this valley's beauty and our residents' health.
Do we want another road with a possible doubling of this airborne toxicity? I hope not because I'd have to move. This valley, with its mountainous ring container, would concentrate this pollution to a very dangerous level for everything living here.
If we really want to get on the map, which is what this is all about, it would be great if Norfolk Southern would build a train to ferry people from Roanoke to Blacksburg at 200 mph, possibly circling Explore on the turnaround. (A train ride to the proposed Disney theme park wouldn't be a bad idea either, because Disney visitors would pay for motels here rather than in Front Royal.) These trains wouldn't further pollute this valley and could serve to be exactly the kind of real attraction everybody's looking for!
WOODROW M. RILEY
ROANOKE
East is East, and West is wiser
THANKS to brilliant General Assembly members, like Sen. Richard Saslaw, D-Springfield, we now know why other countries' children are better educated than Virginia's children. In Virginia, it's much more important that children be available to work at theme parks than get a quality education.
According to Saslaw, ``If Roanoke is exempted [from having to open schools after Labor Day], then many other localities may also start seeking exemptions.''
As my students so often say: Well, duh, Sen. Saslaw! Could it be these other localities want their students to have a quality education that prepares them for something other than minimum-wage employment? Minimum-wage jobs might be acceptable for children in Eastern Virginia, but evidently Western Virginia has higher standards for its children. Perhaps citizens of Western Virginia should consider boycotting theme parks of Eastern Virginia this coming Labor Day.
By the way Sen. Saslaw, I know the law says we can't open before Labor Day, but does it say we have to be sure we're closed by Labor Day?
PEGGY FLEMING
ROANOKE
Give Clinton credit for being right
FROM TIME to time, letters are published from people who call President Clinton various names, including a draft dodger. While it's true that he didn't wish to fight in a war he thought was wrong, time has proved that he was right! Right?
As for other transgressions for which he's been criticized, as Jesus said, ``Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.''
For a plus, look at the improvement in the economy since he took office.
BOB GOODLETT
SALEM
Take advantage of Parrott's talents
HAVING known Jack Parrott all my life, I'm moved to endorse him for City Council.
His love for Roanoke is best exemplified by his staying in his hometown since finishing college. His engineering background has enhanced his meticulous attention to detail and exactness in his work. What valuable potential assets for the running of our city!
Let his talents and genuine love for Roanoke not be wasted.
WILLIAM W. FIELD JR.
ROANOKE
by CNB