ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 17, 1996 TAG: 9602190001
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
YOUR FEB. 6 editorial, ``The 32-cent solution?,'' makes the implicit assumption that higher voter participation is inherently beneficial, and suggests that voting by mail might be part of the solution. Would having 90 percent of the voting-age population filling out ballots and mailing them guarantee better elections than, say, 45 percent of registered voters going to the polls? Higher voter turnout is only beneficial if those who make time to vote also take time to remain abreast of issues and candidates. If apathy keeps uninformed citizens from voting, why should we complain?
A more serious problem with voting by mail is the very real potential for special interests and extremists to attempt to buy or coerce voters. As a nation, we can't protect our citizens from unscrupulous telemarketers and generally escalating levels of violent crime. Can we shield them from the deluge of calls, visits, threats and hollow promises that are almost inevitable if voting by mail becomes the norm?
Think how we'd react if Serbia announced free elections by mail. There are safeguards associated with private voting booths located in neutral public places. Voting by mail can't provide that environment.
DWIGHT R. LUEDTKE
SALEM
Speaking out for moral principles
REGARDING your Jan. 27 editorial, "Signs of hate mar the community'':
First, a billboard in Roanoke; then one in Christiansburg. Now editors of The Roanoke Times want to convince us that we should embrace the open practice of homosexuality because it will enhance our community.
You characterized those opposing the billboards as exhibiting "potent prejudice" and "hatefulness." You defended the billboard's message by emphasizing that no one is required to agree with it, and that it's no danger to our impressionable youth. You also implied that those opposing homosexuality are doing so in an attempt to use the issue as a scapegoat for other family problems in our society. This shows prejudice and a lack of understanding of community values by your staff.
Yes, you can call these "moralists" prejudiced, if prejudice is believing that homosexuality is morally wrong and socially unacceptable, and contributes to the destruction of the moral and social fabric of the community. I suppose they can be called hateful also, if being hateful means speaking out to oppose open promotion of homosexuality in the community. Are they really prejudiced and hateful, or are they concerned citizens trying to protect and preserve long-held principles of moral living?
I agree that homosexuals probably enhance the community every day - but not through their homosexuality. Should we accept morally wrong and socially unacceptable acts just because the person committing the act contributes to the community? Would you also have us celebrate, embrace and welcome into the community pedophiles simply because they enhance our community? I don't believe contribution to the community is reason to overlook the degradation to the community these lifestyles impose.
RUSSELL R. BLEVINS
ROANOKE
Cranwell was caught red-handed
REGARDING Paul T. Hatam's Jan. 30 letter to the editor, ``Cranwell's ethics are commendable'':
It's easy to say that House Majority Leader Richard Cranwell's resignation as Trigon's attorney was timely and honorable, considering he was caught red-handed in a clear conflict of interest. I wouldn't call his action honorable or ethical, but cunning and devious.
He accepted nearly $179,000 in 1994, 17 times more than the maximum allowed by conflict-of-interest reporting rules in a one-year period. Cranwell knew what the law was when he accepted that money, and he knows what it is now. If he wants to put his money where his mouth is, he should give the money back.
Had he not gotten caught, he would still be deceiving the public. Such is the political career of Cranwell.
PHILIP ASHWELL
ROANOKE
City crews went the extra mile
MANY THANKS to the city crews that worked long, hard hours to clean our streets during the past two snow storms.
Both storms were unusual circumstances - more than 2 feet of snow in the first storm and subzero temperatures in the second.
I witnessed two city workers help a motorist whose car was blocking a street. After moving the car, the workers were able to continue their clearing efforts.
Thanks for going the extra mile!
ANNE DIXON
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 89 linesby CNB