Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 24, 1995 TAG: 9507240126
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
How many Jews were slaughtered before we came to the aid of these men, women and precious little children? Can we ever forget the terrible concentration camps and the inhuman torture these people suffered?
Can we - as free, God-blessed, charitable people - turn our heads once again as we did in World War II? God forgive us if we let this awful tragedy happen again.
BOB GREGORY
ROANOKE
Enthusiasm grows for games festival
THE ROANOKE Valley has once again rallied to the call for community support of the Commonwealth Games. In the games' sixth year, some might have expected enthusiasm for them to have died. Instead, it continues to grow. More than 1,500 valley residents endured extreme heat during those two weeks to entertain and support the thousands of visitors from across Virginia who participated in this Olympic-style festival that's recognized by the United States Olympic Committee.
It's a tribute to the volunteers and the fine medical support, coordinated by the Lewis-Gale Medical Foundation, that we experienced not one serious health-related medical problem. Given the number of athletes participating at the various venues, particularly in gymnasiums where there was little if any air movement, it's amazing they were able to compete without any major incidents.
The tremendous volunteer support that continues for the games is a prime reason Virginia Amateur Sports decided not to move the games two years ago. When the games are held in the valley next year, we hope that more members of the community participate as athletes and spectators.
This year's opening ceremonies in Victory Stadium drew more than 8,000 people. This is a singular event that can be enjoyed by everyone, not just the games' participants - an estimated 9,000 individuals in 44 sports. These people come from all across Virginia and are from every age group.
Next year, we anticipate that new sports will be added, and the games are likely to continue to grow. Beyond the enjoyment of those participating, it brings a substantial economic benefit to the area and a sense of community pride.
PETER R. LAMPMAN
President, Virginia Amateur Sports, Inc.
W. DAVID PAXTON
Chairman of the Board of Directors
ROANOKE
The feds' overkill on marijuana
WHEN AMERICANS ponder the idea of political persecution and human-rights violations, they seldom assume that such injustices might be taking place within the perceived ``safety'' of their country. So it may come as a surprise to many to realize that one key subject addressed at a recent three-day human-rights conference in London, England, was the American government's continued war on marijuana consumers.
The federal government's war on cannabis users constitutes a serious, human-rights violation worthy of international condemnation. For example, on April 28, 29-year-old Scott Bryant was shot dead by police as they charged through the door of his trailer home. Bryant offered no resistance, and a search of the scene uncovered less than three grams of marijuana. In August 1992, Gary Sheperd was shot and killed by police as he and his family stood on their home's front porch. Sheperd had been engaged in a day-long standoff with law-enforcement officials after refusing to let police cut down marijuana growing on his property. In fact, thousands of injustices have taken place under the guise of making America a marijuana-free society.
Let us only hope that the international community stands up and takes notice. Someone has to.
RICKY FRIDLEY
LEXINGTON
Birthplace can also be resting place
REGARDING the July 10 article ``Past is also future for home'':
In 1894 in Lynchburg, Gen. Jubal Anderson Early passed into the glorious history of this grand nation. His remains now lie in that city.
Recently, a successful deal was consummated between Marguarite Kelley of Red Valley in Franklin County and a historic-preservation trust group to purchase the Early birthplace. Thanks to this group, the Early home will soon be returned to its pre-Civil War splendor.
In my opinion, when the restoration of this project is completed, the illustrious general should be returned home. I feel that as long as Early continues to rest in Lynchburg, the project will remain incomplete. Without question, he should rest on the grounds of his birthplace. I urge Vinton's Tad Darnall, who is an Early descendant and historic architect, and all other interested parties involved in this important project to see to it that the general is returned home.
C. RON VIRTS
ROANOKE
by CNB