www.roanoke.com

Mental health law changes might cause clinicians confusion

Regarding "Panels OK mental health reforms," a Jan. 29 news story:

I feel the mental health bills recently passed in the Virginia legislature in response to the Virginia Tech shootings could create a problem for mental health clinicians.

While there appear to be no changes to HIPAA regarding medical privacy, this could create confusion for mental health clinicians about what information they should disclose to law enforcement officials or the courts.

While I understand the focus on this issue in the wake of the events at Virginia Tech, these sorts of bills could significantly damage the therapeutic relationship between clients and mental health workers.

People are less likely to disclose what is on their mind if they know what they say will be aired in court. It is much harder to successfully treat a person when they are distrustful or unwilling.

Do what benefactor's family wants to do

I have been following the debate on whether the Roanoke Valley will benefit from the construction of a new restaurant on Mill Mountain. In my opinion, the major factor in making this decision is the vision of the generous gentleman who left us this jewel, and who knows better than his family what that vision is?

I am inclined to support their views, whatever they may be.

In following this issue, I have seen many references to the need to attract young professionals to Roanoke. I have no idea how a restaurant will significantly contribute to this. What will contribute are vibrant, progressive educational systems, medical facilities, prosperous businesses, diverse and safe neighborhoods, cultural pursuits and a diverse religious community.

A restaurant is a restaurant -- nothing more, nothing less.

I want Roanoke to know that I and many other young professionals look forward to practicing our professions in our hometown -- not because of restaurants but because we love Roanoke and are aware of the opportunities that are available for growth. I believe that the young professionals attracted to this area will find that great things are offered here and that Roanoke is destined to become even better.

Business people owe their businesses to vets

Employers need to get their priorities straight: Veterans are the ones who won those employers the freedom to open their own businesses and the right to continue to run them.

Nonveterans have as many mental health problems as veterans. As much mayhem as is reported in the paper now, most, it seems, is by disgruntled so-called mentally capable employees.

It is absolutely not right to ignore veterans, pay them lower wages and worry about their skills and mental health. Besides, veterans are usually so thankful for a job, they work harder to improve their skills. And being employed improves their outlook.

Get it straight: Employers are free to open businesses because of the veterans.

Race won't be a factor in voting for president

Regarding "Governor says race may dictate how some vote" (national Election Notebook brief, Feb. 13):

Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, -- like the liberal media in this country, of which The Roanoke Times is a part -- fails to recognize that the only meaningful achievement of the Bush administration has been the destruction of the myth of white supremacy in this country.

The fact that now only the unlearned fail to see President Bush has blundered beyond belief in the handling of the Iraq war and Katrina and that his advocating a borrow-and-spend economic ideology with no thought given to paying back what one has borrowed has led to a serious credit crisis in this country.

On Feb. 12, Virginians clearly showed that the vast majority of Americans will vote on the issues a candidate advocates rather than on skin color, for they recognize that skin color in no way reflects a person's ability or intelligence, as readily can be seen in the case of George W. Bush.

Anti-Bush rant was just same-old, same-old

In response to the commentary "Bush's legacy is the end of law"(by Michael Abraham, Feb. 11):

While I disagree with many of the opinions expressed by Abraham, I must comment on two supposed quotes he bases much of his article on.

First, he presents as fact a quote attributed to the president regarding a "goddamned piece of paper." This has been kicking around the Internet for some time now, originated on a well-known anti-administration Web site, is based on "sources" who have never been identified, and has generally been discredited.

Second, a rather benign quote by Vice President Dick Cheney regarding his position on the powers of the presidency is cited. While this quote may be accurate, Abraham twists it in a bizarre fashion to translate that the president is above the law of the land, through some idea he calls unitary executive, ending on what I take as an attempt at sarcasm, "All hail King George the W!"

While I don't expect any charity toward the administration from the editorial pages of The Roanoke Times, let alone any respect, a bit more accuracy and less irrational ranting from the left wing would be refreshing.

Smoking ban works in Vermont

Almost two years ago, I moved from Vermont to Virginia to attend graduate school. I was excited about moving for the obvious differences between the two states: the warmer summer and shorter winter. However, I was shocked by one major difference that had not entered my mind.

The night I arrived in Southwest Virginia, I went to dinner at a restaurant. The hostess asked whether I would like to be seated in the smoking or nonsmoking section.

Vermont banned smoking in restaurants many years ago, and in bars in 2004. I have heard many arguments both for and against smoking in public places, many of which focus around personal rights. I fully back Gov. Tim Kaine in his proposed smoking ban.

Coming from a state that already has similar bans, I want to say that people do get used to it and are able to smoke outside the bars and restaurants. The topic has not been discussed since right after the ban went into effect, and residents do not seem concerned with where they can and cannot smoke.

Please think about the health of those who choose not to smoke -- adults and children -- when deciding your stance on this subject.

Joggers should be more safety-conscious

Joggers need to accept more responsibility for their behavior and their safety.

After years of watching them as a walker and cyclist, I have concluded that no matter how smart you are, once you start jogging, intelligence goes out the door.

How else can you account for joggers who run with traffic? How else do you account for joggers who run four and five abreast and refuse to budge for oncoming traffic? How else do you account for joggers who run in heavy traffic areas like Virginia 419?

And most inexplicable, how do you account for joggers who run in traffic when they have a greenway beside them -- an act I have seen innumerable times in Wasena and Smith parks and the River's Edge.

There are plenty of low-traffic volume areas for joggers to run, yet you rarely see them on side streets and back roads. It seems almost as if they want to be seen suffering.

Courtesy and caution is mandatory for drivers and bicyclists, and it needs to be for joggers. The street is for vehicles, not runners, and they need to stop behaving as if they have carte blanche to be there.