DATE: Wednesday, September 10, 1997         TAG: 9709100007

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B10  EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letter 

                                            LENGTH:  137 lines

LETTERS TO EDITOR -- THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT

ANIMAL RIGHTS

Let's put value

on human life

PETA and common sense? I should think not. I eat meat and am proud of it. I thank God that, unlike many vegetarians, I am not anemic. Some great leaders were vegetarians - Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot, in fact.

If the man upstairs did not want us to exploit animals, he would not have made their meat fit for human consumption or their furs warm enough to comfort our ancestors during the winter (even PETA members' ancestors).

I am just thankful that I live in a country where I can eat as much meat, or even vegetables, as I want to. Liberal groups such as PETA take away the individual's personal freedom through their lobbying.

William White

Portsmouth, Sept. 1, 1997

Finally, a voice

for ``common sense''

I was happy to read (news, Aug. 25) that someone is finally speaking out with common sense for the people who enjoy the clean and wholesome activities of hunting and fishing and the necessary raising of cattle, hogs, chickens, turkeys, etc., for food.

God gave man the ability and desire to ease the suffering of mankind by searching for ways to alleviate and cure their disabilities and diseases. I truly believe that it is necessary to use animals in this research and that it should be done in the most humane way possible.

The trendy lifestyle of our modern day has never interested me. I would much rather see my loved ones enjoying hunting and fishing and the great healthy out of doors.

Hurrah for David Narr and Common Sense for Virginia.

Bertie T. Jones

Norfolk, Aug. 27, 1997

PETA should wage

its fight in courts

In response to Susan Perna's Aug. 10 letter in defense of PETA:

First, Michelle Rokke did indeed sign a confidentiality agreement with Huntingdon Life Sciences laboratory.

Second, she not only defied that good-faith agreement, she now openly boasts of the fact.

Yes, Susan, many people do ``really believe . . . that PETA sent Rokke into the laboratory to steal trade secrets.''

Lighten up, PETA fanatics; fight your battles with the laws and through the courts and be content that your opponents do not use your own twisted methods against you.

Robert McEwen

Wakefield, Sept. 1, 1997

BAY BRIDGE-TUNNEL

Take my toll money

and paint a yellow line

Our former ``Suicide Highway'' was Route 58 between Suffolk and Emporia. It has been replaced by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (not forgetting the portion of U.S. Route 17 in Chesapeake). There are plenty of dedicated police patrols, but they are powerless to prevent these crashes; they can only view the tragic results.

Please buy some yellow paint with some of the more than $200 that I spend each year on the crossing. Fill in those areas where the lines now permit passing and save lives. There is absolutely no need to allow passing on that crossing. We have lost too many lives already. Let's do everything possible to prevent the loss of more.

John Dalla Mura

Norfolk, Sept. 2, 1997

VIRGINIA BEACH

Keep tax, use

surplus for schools

Governor Allen has said another surplus may be used for personal property tax relief. I believe surplus money should be used for education. Virginia Beach is now in a dilemma about repair and technology for schools. Our children are our future.

Even though I dislike personal property taxes, I realize it is my choice, not a necessity, to have a vehicle or vehicles as my personal property. City taxes must come from somewhere.

Jo Ryan

Virginia Beach, Sept. 2, 1997

HEALTH

Community Hospital

a valuable resource

I was delighted to see the Sept. 4 article spotlighting Norfolk Community Hospital and the contribution this institution makes to our area. As the clinical coordinator of the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health unit, I have seen many changes within the hospitals as we continue the task of providing urgently needed services to our community while striving to remain fiscally sound.

As staff writer Marie Joyce's article points out, there are many difficulties facing the few independent, African-American and community hospitals left; however, we at Norfolk Community Hospital have been able to turn many of these limitations into strengths. Our behavioral health units are considered by many to be the finest in the Hampton Roads area. We provide more indigent care than any other hospital in the area; we don't discharge a patient when his insurance runs out.

But I believe that our greatest strength is our staff. The psychiatric, nursing and clinical staffs go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the finest care and help patients' transition back to the community. I am proud to work with these professionals.

David Douglas

Norfolk Community Hospital

Norfolk, Sept. 5, 1997

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Tanya Tucker late,

concert disappointing

According to the press, all went great for Tanya Tucker's concert at the 4th Annual American Music Festival held at the Beach Aug. 31. To tell the truth, I was very disappointed. She was 50 minutes late coming on stage. No apology or explanation was offered. It is very unfair for the fans to have to wait that long sitting in the sun. Besides, she did not put on a great concert.

The people who hire the entertainers need to have more control so that the concerts start at the announced time. I will think twice before attending another concert at the Beach, even if it is free.

Nancy A. Wahl

Virginia Beach, Sept. 1, 1997

NAVY

ID here, ID there

- but not at the base

To enter Sam's Club, I need a membership card. To enter a high school football game, I'm frisked by a metal detector. To cash a $5 check, nine out of 10 times I need to show some identification. To make a purchase at the Naval Exchange, I need to show my ID card.

However, any person from any place can drive onto the largest naval base in the world, even in a rented U-Haul, no ID required, no base sticker required, no questions asked.

Go figure. And remember Oklahoma City.

R. A. Benzel

Norfolk, Sept. 1, 1997

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