ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 23, 1997 TAG: 9701230009
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A10 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
Battling drugs begins with awareness
REGARDING Chad Blosser's Jan. 17 letter to the editor (``Crack `recipe' was uncalled for'') in which he was complaining about staff writer Jan Vertefeuille's Jan. 11 news article, ``Crack's double edge'':
Unlike Blosser, I applaud Vertefeuille for doing so much research and applying so much time and energy to make the community aware of what it is that we see every day.
I live near the neighborhood that she wrote about, and I see the effects of this deadly addiction to crack. I constantly see drug dealers making their daily income, and users getting a quick fix in the alley beside my home. Many people in other parts of town are not aware of what goes on, or maybe some may just see it and turn their heads.
I do not think Vertefeuille's purpose was to show young people how to make crack or to tell them where crack houses are. I am also sure that it wasn't an effort to increase declining circulation. I believe she was attempting to cure one of the biggest problems that the community has regarding drugs - a lack of knowledge.
Some people do not realize what signs to look for to know whether their own child is using, selling or making drugs. The article gave an in-depth look at the addicts' lifestyle. It also let the community know that the people who are making the drugs aren't as stupid as we make them out to be.
The article should have been a wake-up call to the community.
SHANNON STARKEY
ROANOKE
He cannot tell a lie
REGARDING your Jan. 7 news article (``Judge's foe accused of `vendetta''') about Jack Mills:
He is accused of publishing untruths in his newsletters, etc.
I am 80 years old. I have known Mills for 12 years, and I know that he is not capable of doing this. In my opinion, Mills cannot tell a lie.
It's ironic that a lawyer would accuse anyone of lying and publishing half-truths.
Mills always seems to be helping others. I've been with him on some of his work in helping the elderly.
RAYMOND D. PAGE
ROANOKE
Jerusalem itself is at risk
IN ROBERT McCormick's Jan. 11 letter to the editor, ``Israel's critics risk God's wrath,'' he tells us we shouldn't criticize Israel by quoting the Bible passage "I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem." Although he doesn't cite chapter and verse, I assume this is from the Old Testament.
As long as we are quoting the Bible out of context, may I remind him that it also says throughout that in the end times Jerusalem itself would be destroyed for its wickedness by the hand of God?
DANNY ADAMS
VINTON
LENGTH: Medium: 62 linesby CNB