THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 4, 1995 TAG: 9506020255
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
Is distrust of government paranoia? Or is it a fundamental American precept?
Ever since the O.J. Simpson trial started, vain-minded opportunists have increasingly sought an opportunity to look down their noses at anyone thoughtful enough to withhold judgment until presented with the evidence. ``Conspiracy-minded paranoids,'' these opportunists accuse and imply.
``It is impossible to believe that many people in our government could be part of a conspiracy,'' they self-righteously pontificate. It is almost as if these individuals have a how-dare-anyone-make-such-a-foolish-statement attitude.
To them I say, ``How about Watergate?'' Or if you prefer, ``How about Iran-Contra?''
Within just the last year, this paper reported that a police officer on the bomb squad on the Peninsula first planted bombs, then ``discovered'' them to further his career. And when caught, he admitted to planting a gun in another investigation. How short and selective some of our memories can be!
Perhaps it is these people who have the real psychosis. Perhaps they need to trust blindly. To look too closely would frighten them, so they'd rather just keep their heads in the sand. That way, they can hear no evil, see no evil.
In fact, distrust of government is a fundamental American precept. It is laced throughout our Constitution. The separation of powers into the three branches of government - legislative, executive and judicial - was made the law of the land because, as Madison wrote, ``Men are no angels,'' and cannot be trusted with unchecked government power.
Perhaps these omniscient trusting sorts (or gullible, naive types if you prefer) would just as soon do away with the paranoia-laced Fifth and Sixth amendments? After all, there's no need for them since a conspiracy to compel a person to incriminate himself or herself is no longer possible in their world view. And, Lord knows, the government would never indict an innocent man, so do away with the Sixth Amendments right to counsel, too. There's no need for it, right?
It was that paranoid, I-think-I-see-a-conspiracy-behind-every-bush George Washington who warned in his farewell address of self-centered ``ambitious men'' who would ``usurp'' the ``reins of government'' to propel themselves to unjust power, and then destroy the ``very engine of government'' they used to get there.
Maybe O.J. Simpson did kill his wife and her friend. Maybe some paramilitary types did the dastardly act in Oklahoma City. And maybe the Indians really did orchestrate the Boston Tea Party.
Kevin Cargill
Mill Lake Quarter Dissatisfied customer
I moved to Chesapeake from Norfolk eight months ago to my dismay.
The store clerks here do not know their jobs. They are rude and have a bad attitude.
At one local department store, the sales personnel talk on the phone for extended periods of time and ignore customers. You can't get a price or any help.
At a local supermarket, the personnel from the manager on down are very rude, impersonal and unhelpful. The store is poorly lit, crowded and not as clean and tidy as stories in other cities.
Look first in Chesapeake? I think not.
Sandra Harkin
Bethel Road Audit council, too
I applaud and approve Councilman Alan P. Krasnoff's suggestion calling for an audit of taxpayers' money spent by the School Board.
May I suggest tit for tat - an audit of our taxes spent by the City Council itself? And, while we're at it, let's include a line-item report on the present secret accounts of the Council, including the city clerk's budget, where the council hid $20,000 to pay for a pool tournament.
How much does it cost to feed and entertain council members? How much did the council spend for trips to China, New York, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and other gala events?
A reminder: Telling the taxpayers where their money is spent was one of the sacred promises of the Republican Party!
Carl Burns
Whitehurst Road by CNB