
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, November 5, 1995                   TAG: 9511060014
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

PUPILS NEEDED GUN WARNING

I am quite certain that the young boy who carried a BB gun to school in his book bag did not realize the trouble it would cause. At the beginning of the school year, the principal should have instructed the pupils about the new law and the severity of bringing such items to school. It definitely should have been discussed more than one time. This must be very hurtful for the boy to be made an example of and to be expelled for the remainder of the school year.

The most ridiculous punishment went to the boy who pushed the gun away and down into the book bag. He was suspended for 10 days for pushing the gun away and reporting it to the principal.

Bottom line: Do you really think students in the Montgomery County school system will report a weapon on school property? I think not.

Kay Huff

A concerned grandma,

Elliston

Reporter should hold the sarcasm

I always enjoy reading the newspaper, but I want to take exception to an article on the front page of the Oct. 26 New River Current. This article, "Surprise, surprise: GOP sweeps" by Brian Kelley, would have been more appropriately placed on an editorial page. He was obviously sarcastic and derogatory in his reporting of the event and it also struck me as being somewhat immature.

It's always been my understanding that the purpose of a news article was to relay information in an unbiased, straightforward manner. Unfortunately, Kelley seems to have lost sight of this goal. I appreciate humor and wit as much as anyone, but expect a certain degree of neutrality in reporting, unless the item is on an editorial page. I am disappointed that this was allowed to happen, and really expected more of a large newspaper like yours.

Renee P. Houghton

Radford

School board race needs your attention

I would like to know who is concerned. I went to the School Board Forum at Blacksburg High School and was very disappointed. Where were all the people who were so concerned last year when there was so much hoopla about "elected" school boards? Everyone talks about getting involved in the schools, but there aren't many people who are willing to do that. I'm afraid this School Board election is going to be a popularity contest. People will not vote on the issues because they have not heard the candidates' views. If we, the voting public, don't hear what they have to say, how will we know who has our children's best interest in mind? I urge everyone to talk to the School Board candidates in their district and make an educated vote in November.

Susan Dickerson

Blacksburg

Commissioner has served ably

I am currently serving as president of our state association and have known and worked with Commissioner of the Revenue Robertine Jordan for more than a decade. You have been very fortunate to have this most capable and knowledgeable lady serve as your commissioner for the past 45 years. When I was first elected commissioner in Wythe County, I was told to seek the advice of Jordan - she was a great help! I have continued to call on her expert advice through my years in office.

Montgomery County can be proud of the representation by Jordan. She has served as president of our state organization, president of our district, chairman of many committees and has received the ''Outstanding Lady in Virginia Government" award. I wish her many happy years of retirement.

Mary N. "Sis" Cassell

President, Commissioners of the Revenue Association

Wytheville

Jesus is not a superstar

I am writing concerning what they are having Saturday at Burruss Auditorium at Virginia Tech. I got so upset when I saw it in the Sunday Current. Jesus is not a superstar - he is the one that died for our sins so that we won't go to hell. Our blessed Lord is not a superstar. It is by his love and mercy that we are here. I think people should be looking for him to come back and see we are living in the last days. No wonder the college kids act the way they do.

Ruth Lawson

Radford

United Nations deserves support

Last month marked the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. It came into being with 51 members. Today there are 184 member states. The idea and commitment to a new world organization grew out of the fervent desire of these nations to "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war."

The U.N. has played a pivotal role in bringing about independence in 80 of its member countries. It has enacted more than 300 international treaties, decreased child mortality rates, distributed more than two million tons of food each year and assisted more than 60 percent of adults in developing countries to read and write. And that is only a small list of its achievements!

Despite the successes and the expectations created by the end of the Cold War, much remains to be done. The last five years have seen more peacekeeping action than in all the United Nations' previous history. Current legislation has reduced U.S. contributions. We urge citizens to reaffirm their commitment to the United Nations and to join in strengthening it for the 21st century. Let your senator and congressman hear from you!

Mary Swiger

President, League of Women Voters of Montgomery County,

Blacksburg

by CNB