Monday, October 29, 2007
Even with direct access to intelligence, author blows the story
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Even with direct access to intelligence, author blows the story
Re: "Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA," by Tim Weiner, which was reviewed by Michael L. Ramsey ("An agency of clandestine activities," Oct. 21):
Weiner is an author who began with preconceived notions and did whatever it took to prove his points. Even with direct access to intelligence documents, his book lacks credibility because he does not have the depth of knowledge to critique such a broad array of events.
Specifically, he indicates that the Berlin tunnel operation was "blown" because "the person responsible for the tunnel was a double agent working for the Soviet Bloc." I was directly associated with this operation and Weiner's assertion is 100 percent incorrect.
The operation was not compromised by a CIA officer. It was exposed by British Intelligence Officer George Blake, a longtime KGB penetration of MI-6. George Blake was unaware of the tunnel but was alerted by the sudden influx of Welsh coal miners. The KGB assumed that coal miners in the British Zone were not there to dig for coal.
While this is only one example of Weiner's misperceptions, one can only wonder about the quality of the rest of his book. His publisher could strike a blow for the public good by shipping all copies directly to recycling.
Change the course of river project
Roanoke County and Salem opted out of the Roanoke River flood reduction project. With good reason? No one really knows.
But one thing is certain: When the Army Corps of Engineers comes to town, it employs a combination of techniques, including replacing or removing bridges, bypass channels, detention facilities, construction of flood walls and bench cuts.
The project has evolved to where Roanoke does not want to remove the two low-water bridges in Smith Park. Yet the bridges act as dams, collecting sediment and debris. Isn't this counter to flood reduction?
Let's revisit the plan: Modify the bench cut in Wasena to preserve more mature trees and remove the two low-water bridges. Close Wiley Drive permanently. Then at some future date, construct two above-water bridges to allow for greenway access.
In Blue Ridge, better choices exist
It was surprising to find The Roanoke Times endorsing a developer, Pete McKnight ("McKnight in Botetourt," editorial, Oct. 22), especially since there are many articles regarding problems resulting from developments in our valley.
There are three folks running for the soon-to-be-vacated board of supervisors position in Blue Ridge. One has been on the planning commission for years; one is retired from the position of postmaster and is a certified mediator; and one is a developer. For The Roanoke Times to endorse the developer is troublesome.
McKnight may have good intentions in trying to put the Blue Ridge District first, but how? He is currently involved in developing three subdivisions, two in the Blue Ridge District and one along the U.S. 220 corridor. He would have to recuse himself from voting on any issues that come before the board of supervisors relative to building, especially within Blue Ridge. All supposed "benefit(s) from his expertise" are for naught if he can't even vote.
Further, McKnight is making promises that equate to an increase in our taxes. People can promise anything, but it is the taxpayer who ultimately pays if promises become reality.
Do we really need a developer representing us?
Send Boothe to Richmond
The people of the 9th District have a unique opportunity to send a representative to Richmond who really works for the people.
Jerry Boothe is a successful small businessman and farmer who knows how hard it is for the ordinary guy to make and keep a buck and that government is a significant taker of bucks.
In his more than nine years of service as a supervisor in Floyd County, Boothe has been ever mindful of these two facts.
Boothe is the guy who consistently asks the following question about his and others' requests for government action: Is it necessary or just nice? Is it worthwhile? What are the alternatives? Who benefits? Who pays (how, how much, when, for how long)? What if we do nothing?
As a legislator, Boothe will ask these questions in Richmond so that state initiatives are less likely to become local burdens.
The 9th District needs Boothe in Richmond. Virginia needs Boothe in Richmond. Help send Boothe to Richmond by voting for him for delegate on Nov. 6.
McNeil won the debate
The Oct. 18 Clearbrook debate between Rodney McNeil and Charlotte Moore reinforced what I already knew: McNeil is the more qualified candidate for the Cave Spring seat on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors.
It was obvious from his clear and specific answers that McNeil's experience in business and in various county government positions has prepared him well for this undertaking.
He is already well-acquainted with key issues in the Cave Spring District and, as a retiree, he has the time to give county business his full attention.
I will happily cast my vote for McNeil on Nov. 6. He is obviously an ethical man of substance and reason, and I'll feel better if he is my voice on the board of supervisors.
Republican values found superior
There are times when two candidates for public office seem to be running on the same platform. We have that situation here in Franklin County.
What must be borne in mind at times like these is that party affiliation counts in a major way. This is because in spite of what the candidates may say to the local folks, when that person achieves state or national office he or she will be subject to intense pressure from the party leadership to toe the party line. Failure to do so will result in ostracism by one's colleagues, loss of committee assignments and loss of support in future elections.
To be perfectly honest, we are not enthusiastic about either major political party. However, we believe that the Republican Party stands well above the northern liberal-dominated Democratic Party when it comes to the key issues of morality, family values, taxation, the economy and patriotism.
Thus, the candidates for us are Charles Poindexter and Ewell Hunt because we want results, not rhetoric.
Can't defend Salem's trip to a W.Va. resort
As a lifelong resident of Salem, I have always supported our elected officials, defending their decisions when at times I may have disagreed. They always had Salem's best interests in mind.
The recent disclosure that our city council suspended and extended its regular monthly meeting, only to resume several days later at a West Virginia resort, cannot be defended.
The motion to reconvene at the resort was made late in the meeting after most citizens had left. The motion was in compliance with the law, although somewhat inappropriate. This explains why some council members came forward and offered to pay for their spouses after the reconvened meeting was made public.
Our elected officials have shown total disrespect and arrogance in circumventing the law. They made a decision that cost the taxpayers of Salem more than $9,100.
This is one decision by our city council that I cannot support.
