Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 2, 1994 TAG: 9407040086
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Ultimately, time doesn't improve education; it's motivation. Were you a teen, would you try harder the first 150 days of the school year if another 50 days were hanging in the balance?
Only a grinch would suggest denying summer freedom to preteens. For teen-age students, I suggest four quarters of 50 school days each, 71/2 hours each day (six 60-minute class periods, one 30-minute lunch period and six 10-minute breaks).
Fall, winter and spring quarters would still be required. Summer quarter would be required only of those failing to meet at least one of four tests: participation in a summer science program or something comparable; a prearranged summer job; a prearranged summer trip of educational proportions, such as six weeks in Europe or the Rockies; scores above a certain predetermined level on progress tests in core subjects.
The desire to pass spring tests to avoid summer quarter might motivate average students to perform at above-average levels. Only a program motivating average students to study will produce the educational results Riley seeks.
MIKE MARLOWE BLACKSBURG
Perversions creep from the left
CAL Thomas' June 15 column (``Cry of zealotry from pagan left reveals bigotry'') was right on target, and the responding letter of June 21 by Robert F. Shipp (``Resisting `creeping perversion''') was way off base. Shipp has obviously never experienced vicious attacks and perversions of justice that many conservative Americans have experienced at the hands of the ``I know what's best for you'' liberals.
He used the typical liberal line that Thomas' facts were fabricated. But he couldn't refute one of them, because they are all true and well-documented in history (if any liberal would bother to honestly research the facts). He attacked Christianity based on events of more than 300 years ago, and upon Bosnian genocide, which is no more a religious war than the feud between the Hatfields and McCoys. He even tried to blame Hitler's atrocities on Christians when, in fact, many died opposing this madman.
I challenge all liberals and conservatives to read the writings of our founding fathers and rediscover the real reasons why this country was founded, why we fought for independence from England, and how we formed a constitutional form of government that has lasted essentially unchanged far longer than any other form of government in this fast-changing world.
LEX LaMOTTE ROANOKE
Rewriting history to produce a hero
IN GEORGE Orwell's book ``1984,'' history is systematically rewritten to accommodate those in power. Apparently, Harold Dodson (June 21 letter to the editor, ``Warner often sides with Democrats'') also subscribes to this practice.
Dodson remembers North becoming a ``hero by his conduct and testimony during the long grilling. North emerged with a clean record.'' Really? He fails to mention North's subsequent criminal convictions for misleading Congress and diverting funds to personal use. His criminal convictions were overturned when it was ruled that his congressional testimony (which North provided only after receiving immunity) was so publicly broadcast that it was possible that the jury in his criminal trial was aware of it. Only this flimsiest of legal loopholes allowed North to avoid all responsibility for his illegal actions.
There's a difference between a hero and a liar. One is an inspiration, the other is a disgrace. North is a disgrace. How sad that Dodson and others of his ilk are unable to tell the difference. How embarrassing for the GOP.
MIKE SHAPEERO BLACKSBURG
\ News media weren't the villains
I RISE in defense of the news media pertaining to the horrible incident involving O.J. Simpson, who is said to have killed his ex-wife and her male friend.
I support freedom of the press, and blaming the press for everything is wrong. Those who get into trouble, regardless of fame, wealth or power, blame everything or everyone but themselves. Within the past few years, we've read, seen and heard about entertainers, politicians or others pulling the wool over someone's eyes. But thanks to the news media's hard work, their hard-nosed and pit-bull ways, the truth comes out and those doing wrong are exposed.
The Simpson case is one where being a superstar and football hero didn't cut it when a vicious, violent act of murder had occurred. From the beginning, the news media were fed lies, distortions, were used by those defending Simpson, and by law-enforcement authorities.
Can Simpson get a fair trial? No. Why did his ex-wife put up with past abuse incidents? Reports of money, alcohol, drugs and the Hollywood scene where most stars hang out give some clues. Who cares about the children? They're left at home to see and hear the aftereffects of a wild party. As to who's a fit or unfit father or mother, both faltered and lied to each other. Money overshadowed love, and jealously brought both down. One lives; the other died.
God rest Ronald Goldman's soul, as he's the least known and spoken about. Trying to be a friend, it cost him his life. There are no heroes, only tears, shock and pain to last a lifetime.
MITCHELL ROBINSON GALAX
by CNB