Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 29, 1994 TAG: 9406290102
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
But perhaps there are fewer abortions because they are less accessible than they were during the '80s. During the past 12 years, the number of abortion providers has dropped 18 percent. Harassment and violence have been used throughout the country to intimidate physicians from providing abortion services. New state laws have also made abortions more difficult to obtain, especially for poor women and minors.
It is to be hoped that there are fewer abortions simply due to fewer unwanted pregnancies. But if more women are giving birth to unwanted children because they're unable to get an abortion, then this is no blessing at all.
LEIGH A. FAULCONER
BLACKSBURG
The Republicans' smear campaigns
DO YOU wonder as I do what our country is coming to, when there are intelligent people who will vote for a convicted felon? That's what Oliver North was labeled by our government. We know there are some in Congress who have committed offenses, and are still doing so. They need to be weeded out, and certainly not added to with someone like North, who lied and diverted funds for his own use.
There's no comparison between North and Charles Robb, who's been a most able senator and governor working for all Virginians.
As for Robb being at parties where drugs were used and being a womanizer, who brought those charges? Billy Franklin, a Republican, and others like him were out to get Robb any way they could, to oust him so a Republican could get that Senate seat. Don't let them accomplish that. They use dirty tactics, and we don't want that kind in Washington.
Look at Bob Dole and special counsel Robert Fiske. They're working overtime to smear the Clintons. They should show respect for the office of the presidency. The Clintons are two of the most noteworthy people, outside of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, ever to be at the head of our great country.
FRANCES H. JOHNSON
SELMA
Some 'real fathers' lead kids to worship
MAY I add a word that, from my perspective, was lacking in the otherwise fine Father's Day tribute entitled ``Try flag-waving to honor real heroes'' by Wade F. Horn on the June 16 Commentary page?
My husband and I often remark that our culture seems to have just about lost Sunday as the day of rest and worship that we remember from the past. So, when I read the author's description of what ``real fathers'' would be doing with their children on Father's Day (fishing, playing basketball, etc.), I looked in vain for ``going to their house of worship.''
Perhaps the author didn't wish to offend the millions of readers who don't make church-going a part of their lives. I wasn't offended by the omission, but saddened at this further sign of our lost Sundays.
I'm thankful for my father, part of whose heroic stature in my eyes came from his being the family leader in our regular church attendance; for my husband, for being the same kind of role model for our children; and for my son, being that for my grandchildren.
HELEN McMULLEN
VINTON
The pitiful saga of O.J. Simpson
REGARDING the O.J. Simpson case:
What a sickening portrayal of an alleged murderer of two innocents as a totally virtuous individual. A Baptist pastor told the news media: ``You don't put him too many notches down below Jesus. He's a man of that stature'' (June 18 Sports article from the Associated Press, `It's like you lost a best friend').
Is that above or below Peter, Paul or John? And where is the sympathy for the victims and their survivors? Since this ordeal began, I wonder how many, if any, hero-worshippers can call the name of the deceased male? You need to think?
From records of repeated wife abuse, and apparent overwhelming circumstantial evidence in this heinous crime, it certainly appears that Simpson is facing his toughest run. And for him to find an opening through which to escape his fate will be a miracle, indeed.
From a most humble beginning to stardom, riches, and thence to oblivion? What a pitiful saga it seems to this football fan who loved to watch him run.
GENE EVANS
ROANOKE
Turn out Clinton's pals in the 5th
Robb supports the most liberal administration in my lifetime. He cast the deciding vote in the Senate for the largest tax increase in history, supported lifting the ban on gays in the military, and supports many other issues that put him at odds with 5th District and Virginia voters. Robb isn't a ``new'' or conservative Democrat like Goode. He's more at ease raising taxes and supporting social programs than respecting his constituents' wishes.
If Republican Oliver North is elected, you can be sure President Clinton won't be able to count on his vote. As senator, he'll be a strong, conservative voice, and there won't be any doubt as to where he stands on any issue. He won't back down on issues that the 5th District is concerned about. North and Goode are closer on issues concerning our district than are Robb and Goode.
In the House, Congressman L.F. Payne has one of the most liberal voting records. With the deciding vote he cast for the largest tax increase in history, he went against our district's wishes. His support of the Clinton agenda is evident; he has voted 90 percent of the time with the president. Do 5th District voters agree with the president on issues that often? No way!
George Landrith will be a true conservative who'll vote the way 5th District voters want him to. President Clinton definitely won't be able to count on his vote.
R. DONIVAN EDWARDS
Chairman, 5th District
Republican Party of Virginia
MARTINSVILLE
Old Southeast not enjoying the stink
AS A resident of Southeast Roanoke for 26 years, it's hard to believe politicians and other citizens think we're properly represented! I'm glad the regional-landfill traffic and years of large speeding trucks hogging Riverland Road are gone. Thanks to Roanoke city for locating the new landfill away from this area - the usual recipient of the region's trash.
When will something be done about the Roanoke Industrial Center's highly toxic leftovers from the old Viscose Plant? In the summer, the sewage-treatment plant stinks very badly every day. Now, because of city work on Riverland Road and Piedmont and Walnut avenues, these roads are in very sad shape and need re-paving. Main Street Southwest is very nice since it's been re-paved. I venture to guess that if the Tour DuPont had come down Riverland Road, it would be paved fresh, and Main Street would be torn up like Riverland Road is now.
Maybe Roanoke should set priorities for its citizens, rather than for special-interest groups who now dominate local governments.
PHILIP COLLINS FERGUSON
ROANOKE
Regular folks aren't treated so delicately
AS I WATCHED the O.J. Simpson saga unfold, one thought occurred to me: Only certain privileged people are exempt from this country's laws.
I'm amazed that the Los Angeles Police Department and others involved have treated him so delicately. Had he been just a regular person with a ``slight'' case of psychosis and charged with murder, I seriously doubt we would have seen a 50-mile police ``escort'' or leniency in the face of accusations of a heinous crime.
For a fleeting moment, I felt sympathy for him. But my thoughts reflected to the victims, and my sympathy disappeared.
SHERRI GOODMAN
SALEM
by CNB