Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 27, 1994 TAG: 9403280135
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: D2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Why? Some must have thought that there was no reason to vote, or said "I'm not a Democrat and can't vote," or it doesn't matter. They're all wrong! Democrats, Republicans or independents could vote. Virginia laws don't require one to register by party in a primary or a general election.
Why should we vote? It's a privilege that could be taken away from us if we don't exercise our right. By not voting, we're possibly indicating we don't care.
Our city and country could be led by those who don't have the best interest of our valley or country at heart. Everyone says to let the government take care of it. Who do you think the government is? You!
If you haven't registered, you have the opportunity to. Remember, we'll have our City Council election in May, so register now.
We averaged seven people per hour. Where were you?
GENEVA K. JENKINS ROANOKE
Editor's note: This letter was signed by three other poll workers.
Natural Bridge Zoo is a gem
I WAS disappointed to read the overly negative articles about the Natural Bridge Zoo and Karl Mogensen. I formerly worked there as a zoo keeper, cleaning pens and cages, and feeding and watering the birds and animals. Upon my first visit for the job interview, I was impressed by the cleanliness and overall good health of the animals. I thought to myself that I'd be proud to work as part of that zoo-keeping team.
During the period I worked there, I never saw negligence or inhumane treatment of the animals. Housing and cages were always clean, and there was always proper food and fresh water available. Mogensen was a fair man to work for, and he seemed sensitive and knowledgeable as to the needs of his animals.
As to complaints mentioned in the March 14 news article (``A spring without zoo animals?'' by staff writer Cathryn McCue) by various visitors: I wonder if these well-meaning people have any real idea about care and management of exotic and large animals. These animal novices live solely in a Hollywood-devised Wild Kingdom, safely protected from animal realities by picture books and TV screens. Some, professing to love animals, are disgusted and appalled by the sights, sounds and smells that go along naturally with animals of any sort.
I see the Roanoke Times & World-News, and various excitable and overzealous do-gooders, giving the zoo and Mogensen a bad rap. How many of these quick-to-point-fingers people realize the educational and entertainment loss if the zoo were to be closed? This area needs a good zoo that offers the public the opportunity to view wild, rare and exotic animals in a pleasant surrounding. The Natural Bridge Zoo is a special gem in this Blue Ridge Valley, with the well-meaning but hardly comparable Mill Mountain Zoo running second.
SUE ROY NAUMAN FINCASTLE
Some won't tolerate any intolerance
OF ALL letters to the editor I've composed in my mind, I'm aghast that this is the one I'm putting on paper. I actually applaud your Feb. 27 editorial, ``Imposing morals on others.''
It does seem that the religious right is the one group left in America that it's OK to openly bash and generally hold in disdain. I've noticed the term ``radical'' has been tacked on only recently. Makes them sound more sinister, I suppose. Nevertheless, I appreciate your efforts to spotlight one of the double standards that exists today. The indignant intolerance of those who insist on tolerance of all lifestyle choices is sadly comical, isn't it?
Though I'm still quizzically scratching my head, bravo, editor, bravo! Dare I hope this isn't a passing revelation on your part?
MARTHA M. BORTHEN ROANOKE
North's motives are unfairly attacked
I SUGGEST the Roanoke Times & World-News stop printing falsehoods about Oliver North. The March 5 letter to the editor by Donald R. Fessler (``North's were not trivial lies'') provides some recent examples of these fabrications.
Fessler stated, ``North had no hesitancy'' in telling lies ``before government agencies.'' The record shows the allegation that North repeatedly lied to various government agencies is false. He only misled some members of a congressional committee in one informal meeting in the White House.
Fessler's accusation that North told lies ``when it was in his advantage to do so'' is another patent falsehood. North misled a few members of Congress as he attempted to obey orders from the president to protect highly classified information and, thus, protect American lives. He didn't try to help himself.
North was obviously a Marine who obeyed orders from his superiors. Criticism of the operation in which he was involved may be fair; false accusations about his motives are very unfair.
CHARLIE L. LINKOUS RADFORD
Keep the children off the streets
RESPONDING to Eleanor B. Goodale's Feb. 26 letter to the editor (``Keep children off the streets'') about children selling candy for their school:
My 7-year-old grandson also sold candy for his school. A letter was sent home to parents asking that the children not go door to door for this fund-raiser, but to sell to family, friends and those they knew.
It's not the fault of the school that the child approached Ms. Goodale or anyone on the street. I agree: Parents should make sure their children don't go door to door or to the streets, and use every possible measure to be safe when trying to help their school.
BETTY S. JANNEY ROANOKE
Whitewater 'issue' is a diverting tactic
I'M VERY tired of the Whitewater non-issue. There's an investigation; let it continue in peace.
The reason it's become an issue at all is that President Clinton is challenging the status quo. He wants every American to have health care. This is frightening to corporations that may lose some control and money.
Why is it that Americans are so worried about big government and aren't at all concerned about big business? Might it have something to do with the fact that most information we receive comes from major TV networks, major newspapers and wire services that are owned by large corporations?
Don't jump to conclusions! Why might large corporations want the Clinton administration to get sidetracked by Whitewater and not work on reforming health care?
RONDA FENN FLOYD
More of a difference than the bark
MY HOLLINS representative, Bob Johnson, is a cat hater. I'm an animal lover and definitely oppose an ordinance that would mean the destruction of thousands of lovable animals and would also cost the county deeply: additional equipment, estimated cost $100,000 to $200,000 a year; and two additional officers, $207,000 in salary and start-up expenses.
Cats are the cleanest of animals, and I'm glad the other supervisors delayed action on this issue. Anyone who'd say the only difference between a cat and a dog is that ``one barks'' isn't smart enough to be my Hollins representative.
ROBERT McCLUER ROANOKE
Creature comforts aren't deserved
RELEASE all death-row prisoners into the general population. The system isn't fair. Why should they await death when their crimes aren't as heinous as what William Layne did to a child? Why, jury, did you pity him?
All death-row inmates should enjoy life as Layne will - waking up to breakfast, lounging around, watching TV, talking to friends, reading letters, playing sports, smoking - whatever creature comforts prisoners enjoy. Phadra won't enjoy growing up, falling in love, having children. He took this from her. Having a cell to live in is a lot better than what she has.
I hope there's a heaven and hell. It would be comforting to know she's enjoying heaven while someday Layne will be in hell where he should be now.
RONALD WINDEL SR. ROANOKE
by CNB