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What if a U.S. student demanded same from Tech as Saudis did?

Regarding your news article concerning the Saudi government sending male and female students to a local college (Aug. 5, "Classes for Saudis separated"):

This was done on the condition that males and females be separated, and the university acquiesced.

I've waited for your liberal newspaper to blast this program as being too discriminatory to be tolerated. I can understand trying to get along with other nations, but on this point, I strongly disagree.

Isn't one of our basic rights that of equality for all? If they had requested that students be separated by skin color or age, would that be acceptable also? When it comes to our basic beliefs, I don't think this is in order.

I wonder what the response would have been if a U.S. citizen had demanded that her daughter attend all-female classes?

Dar Plymale

Roanoke

For lessons on war, visit a VA hospital

I so appreciate Leslie Tarbutton's Aug. 8 commentary, "Real war on terror." I wonder if the liberals of today would know a real war.

I haven't written a letter to The Roanoke Times since last fall, when I was taken to task by Arthur R. Poskocil, an educator from Blue Ridge.

Poskocil apparently didn't want Bush to have a chance to fight this war on terror. I had stayed on the sidelines until I read Tarbutton's commentary on the real war.

After watching the media recently on the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, it appears they think we have a valuable lesson to learn.

What the liberal media forget is the reason for bombing Hiroshima was the attack on Pearl Harbor and the beginning of a long bloody war of terror that our World War II soldiers had to end.

My 90-year-old dad is in the Salem Veterans Affairs Hospital with a broken hip, and has been for more than a month. Walk through this hospital and talk with some of those veterans about lessons on several wars.

Thank you, Mr. Tarbutton, for your commentary.

cindy downs

buchanan

Husbands would do well to pick up a dish towel

I, too, enjoy the luxury of having a husband who washes dishes, just as Karen Beasley does. Beth Macy wrote about Karen and Dan in her "Front Burner" column (Aug. 10 Extra section).

Twenty-two years ago when we married, my darling husband, George, thought it would be good if I cooked and he did the dishes. No complaint from me on that declaration.

I must admit that George doesn't get to enjoy gourmet meals nightly, but he does get his share of fresh sourdough bread, homegrown veggies (which he grows), hot fruit cobblers and plenty of sweet tea. And I don't have to wash dishes. Yippee. It's a fair trade.

Thanks, Beth, for creating a fun and enjoyable "Front Burner" column. It's a great addition to the Extra section. I look forward to it each Wednesday.

Helen Keck

Ceres

City attractions could move to Explore Park

Since I moved to this area, I've been aware that the opinions of "outsiders" are not welcome.

Now, it seems possible that Explore Park is being given to an outsider, who lives halfway across the country looking for development property (July 21 news article, "Consultants give Explore Park thorough scrutiny").

Explore Park, with its vast acreage, easy access and majestic grandeur, is an unbelievable local asset and should be utilized as such.

The art museum is a world-class building that needs a proper setting. With surrounding gardens and plenty of parking, it could well rival the location of California's Getty Museum.

Explore Park is a likely location for Victory Stadium. Again, plenty of parking and easy access are the pluses.

Time and time again, I hear that neither facility can be built outside the city of Roanoke. To which I say, think big and exercise your right of eminent domain.

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision should make it easier. I seem to remember that a government has the right to commandeer property for public use.

Roanoke's fantastic mountains should be better utilized for the good of all. Demand will supply the rest.

Dorothy C. Davis

Salem

Jennings simplified complicated stories

If I was ever confused about the facts of an important news story, I would turn to Peter Jennings at ABC. His skill and knowledge could turn a complicated story into one everyone could understand.

When I was confused about the unfolding of 9/11 in 2001, Jennings brought me up to speed.

After watching him for 22 years, it's hard to believe he's gone. It will seem as if he's just on vacation or on assignment.

Jennings' cool and easygoing demeanor was his trademark. No situation appeared too tough or overwhelming for him to talk about or explain.

From the United States to places around the world, if there was news, Jennings would get it. This was his purpose as a news anchor and correspondent.

His colleagues liked him because he was thorough without being snobby or mean. To his subordinates, he was a great mentor and teacher, who demanded a lot, but was never overbearing or condescending.

Many students consider him a role model.

When further journalism textbooks are written, Jennings will be a definite standout among journalistic giants. A journalism school may someday be named for him.

matthew thomas jr.

lynchburg

Add another institution to list of Roanoke assets

In response to J. Keith Bohon Sr.'s Aug. 8 letter to the editor, "Abundance of assets found in Roanoke":

While all the lovely things he said about the Roanoke Valley are right on the money, I do hope his omission of Roanoke College was an unintentional oversight. National ratings show it to be one of the best small liberal arts colleges in the country.

It's also extremely well-run financially, having operated in the black for the past 50-some years.

Its president, administrative officials, faculty and staff are some of those good people Bohon cites as one of the pleasures of living here.

helen barranger

Roanoke College graduate and trustee emerita

roanoke

Bad form to mix 'buzz' word with beer

I was appalled by the choice of words used to describe the Microfestivus on the cover article of your Aug. 11 "Inside/Out" section of The Roanoke Times.

It's one thing to acknowledge drinking a beer or even comparing the differences between several different types/origins, etc. But the editors of this newspaper saw no problem in actually using the phrase "Get your buzz on"? The use of the word buzz in this setting, on the cover, implies that drinking to excess is acceptable.

Common sense dictates that a festival honoring an alcoholic beverage will lead to inebriation. But this particular use may encourage those who do not drink much or who are not yet eligible to drink to consider having more than they would or should.

Other words would have successfully conveyed the same meaning without the implication of encouraging drinking to excess.

I enjoy reading this paper a great deal. And I do relax and enjoy myself with friends by imbibing, responsibly. But shouldn't the paper contemplate the words used to gain the attention of their readers? Shouldn't you encourage responsible actions rather than reprehensible abandonment in the beer garden?

Dionne Nichols

Roanoke

Body type here.