Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 17, 1994 TAG: 9407130001
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
It shouldn't cost the state's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries too much money to establish a safe place on a private pond or on a river that would be easy for the handicapped to get to. Brushy and rocky places aren't safe.
We could really enjoy life a little more if we were considered in this sport. We've been on a waiting list much too long. We can pay a fair price, too. Sitting around is hard to do when there is a pleasure outside that we could enjoy. We love life, and life for us would be much better if we were considered.
Don't turn your back on us - we're human and need a lift in spirit. This could be a better world for us handicapped who have been waiting for so long.
MARY A. SIMMONS ROANOKE
Telling only half of the story
I'VE READ with interest the numerous articles on the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach. Western Virginians can take special pride in the service of the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division in that operation.
However, I take exception to your hype of the anniversary, and particularly the bias toward the European perspective. Most Americans today don't realize that,in the Southwest and Central Pacific, American soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, in a life-and-death struggle, battled against the Japanese empire. In 1941 and 1942, they fought against oppressive odds to stem the tide of the Japanese advance and began winning back the Pacific theater. Until the Philippines landing in 1944, no landing in the Pacific approached Normandy's size and complexity. But from 1942 on, Americans routinely conducted assault landings - assaulting beaches far more fortified than at Normandy, and they faced a more determined enemy.
In your coverage, which exclusively focused on the European operation, you treated badly veterans of America's forgotten theaters of war - the Pacific, China-Burma-India, Middle East and Mediterranean. You owe them an apology, and you owe your readers stories about what they faced, endured and accomplished. World War II was a world war, and you should provide readers a complete picture, not one which is Eurocentric.
HENRY J. FORESMAN JR. Major, Virginia Army National Guard 29th Infantry Division Headquarters LEXINGTON
A business sets a good example
WITH ALL the emphasis on D-Day, I say hats off to people like Charles Robertson at Magic City Ford for closing their businesses on Memorial Day.
I liked what he said in his closing advertisement, and I quote: ``Magic City Ford will be closed to show respect to the memory of all those men and women who made the supreme sacrifice by giving of their lives so that we might enjoy today the freedom we take so much for granted.'' I think other businesses should follow his lead in showing respect and admiration for those who served.
And while I'm at it, I don't think dealerships need to do business on Sundays. Can't they sell enough cars in six days? And no, my husband doesn't work for a dealership.
Businesses like Magic City Ford set a good example that I wish others would follow.
DONNA DUNBAR FINCASTLE
No way to remember Alamo
I USUALLY enjoy reading Gary Larson's ``The Far Side,'' but I found the one on June 3 to be offensive.
William Travis, Davy Crockett, James Bowie and the 184 men who fought with them at the Alamo gave their lives in an attempt to keep San Antonio from falling to the tyrant Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
Soon after the Alamo battle, Santa Anna was defeated at San Jacinto. Texas remained independent for nine years, and was admitted to the United States in 1845.
Davy Crockett should be remembered with respect. The comic was in poor taste.
RICHARD SARVER JR. ELLISTON
Truck drivers don't need to speed
OVER THE past several months, I've seen letters in this newspaper trying to convince people that it's a must for trucks to be operated in the manner in which they're now being operated on our highways. Some think they're supposed to drive a truck as fast as it will go from one coffee stop to the other.
I drove a truck for 32 years without a traffic ticket, and I know they can be driven within the posted speed limits. Other highway users should know that truck drivers are being required to operate at they do. Also, blame part of this on the police.
RALPH JOHNSON WYTHEVILLE
North owes GOP straight answers
I WAS distressed and embarrassed over the recent actions of Virginia's Republican Party. After months of questioning President Clinton on issues of character and expressing frustration over his excuses, evasiveness, and his blaming Republicans and the press, the party nominated a candidate whose character is in question. Oliver North answers his accusers with excuses, evasiveness, and by blaming Washington insiders and the press.
A Reader's Digest article, which North labels as the work of Washington insiders, gives sources supporting allegations against him. If the allegations are false, why doesn't he give sources to refute them? If Ronald Reagan was misinformed about things North said, why doesn't North contact Reagan and correct the misinformation? Since Reagan wrote a letter denouncing North, Reagan might want to correct this misunderstanding if there is a mistake.
During the campaign, Jim Miller asked North to release certain records. As I understood the purpose, the release would show whether North had lied on certain applications. Why doesn't he do this, so that the question can be settled?
North has admitted lying, although he denies lying under oath. According to him, he had a good reason and he did the honorable thing. Wouldn't the truly honorable thing have been to refuse to answer questions, and to accept personal consequences rather than to lie?
Many Republicans are troubled about North's nomination due to the character issue. If the support of Republicans is valued, then we deserve answers. It isn't fair for the Republican Party to call for party unity while dismissing such serious concerns.
DEBORAH KELLER BLACKBURN CLIFTON FORGE
The many talents of a priest
THE MEDIA come in for lots of criticism, frequently deserved, by the front-page highlighting of terror, mayhem and negative events. But on the front of the June 12 Extra section, ``God gives us all a song,'' Fred Kirsch of Landmark News Service did society a favor. He reported seeing a bright light casting out darkness at the Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
The Rev. Lloyd Stephenson, former pastor of St. Gerard Catholic Church, practices redemptive medicine that breathes new life into the walking brain-dead. The powerful medicine he calls spirituality is an enigma, being both priceless, yet free. At 6 feet 7 inches, he comes across as a giant priest who, by his size alone, must have eyes that see beyond the horizon of most average people. The group of singing patients - The New Horizon Choir - is once again the confirmation of the redemptive power of unconditional love, especially when he provides means to give something back in thanksgiving.
I remember Stephenson's dance performance in the first ``Henry Street'' production about five years ago. I was in awe of his graceful and powerful stage presence and dance. When I heard he was a priest, I thought: That much talent can't be hidden under a priestly robe, especially not for a lifetime. I was right. He's become a star actor in the Lord's Company. Yes, God gives us all a song. Thanks, Stephenson, for the reminder.
ROBERT F. ROTH SALEM
Go forth with the D-Day memorial
THE ROANOKE Times & World-News is to be commended on its coverage of the recent commemoration of D-Day 50 years ago.
It's my hope that the work of Robert Slaughter will not fail, and that Roanoke will erect a memorial to the D-Day veterans.
RUBY P. SHIELDS BEDFORD
Memo: ***CORRECTION***