ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, July 16, 1996 TAG: 9607160026
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
REGARDING your July 11 Associated Press article, ``Ashe monument unveiled despite protests'':
I want to thank the protesters at the dedication of the Ashe Memorial in Richmond for clearing up my confusion concerning the uses and meaning of the Confederate flag. I've read of recent debate concerning symbolism of this flag. Some claim it represents a harmless element of Southern boosterism. Some also say the flag isn't a racist symbol of slavery, Jim Crow or the oppression of African-American people.
At the dedication, protesters displayed the Confederate flag in conjunction with their claim that since Arthur Ashe wasn't a Confederate leader, his memorial has no place on Monument Avenue. They argued that placement of this memorial there affronted the cultural heritage of the Old South. Once more, the flag became enmeshed with African-Americans' exclusion.
This flag represented the South's defense of the violent, dehumanizing barbarism of slavery our nation endured during its first century. It represented this region's brutal oppression of nonwhite people during the nation's second century. Now, when I see the flag, I'll clearly understand it as the premier symbol for excluding minorities - particularly African-American people - from the culture of the South. Now, despite Old South apologists, I know this flag symbolizes particularly virulent racism, and its display intends to recall with nostalgia the brutal violence of some of our nation's darkest days.
With any luck, a new New South may come to reflect Ashe's values, and will overcome the elements of a heritage based in the blood and pain of a race of people. With any luck, one day we'll be able to put our Confederate flags away, once and for all.
JAMES P. ARMSTRONG
ROANOKE
Equal means equal in rat line, too
REGARDING S.D. Smith's July 5 letter to the editor, ``A new day for VMI - and women'':
You want equal, but not the rat line. Take off the ``concrete shoes'' and give it a try.
I am not a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute.
JOHN MORASKI
GALAX
People caused the cat problem
YOUR JUNE 9 article (``It's feast or famine for feral cats'') described a small, feral cat population near several restaurant dumpsters in Roanoke city. The article related reactions from citizens, property owners, veterinarians and animal-control officials in regard to this problem.
It seems those interviewed can't agree how to handle this situation. One official recommended trapping the cats and having them euthanized. While this offers a temporary fix, it isn't a viable long-term solution. Another individual said she would keep caring for the cats and hope for the best.
The bottom line is this: Animal-control officers, property owners, concerned citizens and the police should work together to catch the real criminals who dump cats and dogs.
It would also be nice if some of the veterinarians interviewed would donate their time to spay or neuter some of these cats to keep the colony manageable. The citizens involved seem to have gone to great lengths to care for these cats, but do not have the money to spay the mother cats who continue to have litters. A feral cat colony can be managed so that it isn't a nuisance or an eyesore. It takes time, a small amount of money and a few people who really care.
Unfortunately, feral cats are only a small part of the picture. It's up to individuals who work with animals or care about animal welfare to educate their communities on responsible pet care. After all, I don't think a cat would choose living out of a trash dump over living with a human companion that it can trust.
Humans caused this problem. The animals are suffering as a result.
JULIE LIGON
BLACKSBURG
Government does it best. Yeah. Right.
THE U.S. POSTAL Service is running a television ad that strives to aid and abet socialism. What hogwash! What ignorance! What stupidity!
This ad shows a Federal Express agent, a United Parcel agent, and a U.S. Postal Service office clerk. Each one quotes the price of mailing a package. One company charges $12, the other company's bill is $6, and, lo and behold, the post office charges just $3. Some gullible, naive voters actually believe that the government can give us a ``better deal.'' This is called socialism, which is identical to being a Democrat.
Nothing could be further from the truth. This is one of the many reasons the United States has a $5 trillion debt. Most of the time, the post office can't even break even. In fact, the last time the post office ran in the black, Benjamin Franklin was head honcho. How do you like those apples?
The two commercial companies both make a profit. Also, they pay millions of dollars in taxes to a bankrupt nation headed by a mendacious and cowardly so-called president. The post office is subsidized. Private enterprise is not.
R. KEITH WHITLEY
BEDFORD
LENGTH: Medium: 98 linesby CNB