www.roanoke.com

Suit seems to be an effort to stop good citizenship

Regarding the May 6 front-page news story "Christiansburg developer files suit over blog":

I am troubled about the actions of the developer. Why is Roger Woody bringing a $10 million lawsuit against women interested in improving their town and who appear to have asked legitimate questions about hazards and eyesores in their neighborhoods?

Look at their Web site; it is about improving Christiansburg. The Roanoke Times also has taken notice of citizens' concerns. On April 19, the paper posted an article online with pictures entitled "Mountain of dirt irritates neighbors" (April 19 Current section).

With this suit, I see an attempt to chill free speech. Montgomery County commissioner of revenue's real estate office records show that Woody owned approximately $46 million in county real estate as of September 2007. This is not the first time a large corporation has tried to tie up in court and silence individuals or small groups who do not have the resources to defend themselves against someone rich and powerful.

The downturn in the housing market and overbuilding in Christiansburg probably have the most to do with homes not selling. How could one small Web site cost Woody the millions he is demanding?

Nonprofits have reason to avoid scrutiny

Thanks to The Roanoke Times for telling us peasants how well off we are to have the nonprofits among us ("Nonprofits are economic engines," April 21 editorial). They are also often drones.

You even insult us more deeply by the mention of Carilion as a nonprofit. Its CEO was, as I understand, paid several million dollars for a recent year.

I am not at all surprised that only 120 responded of the 650 nonprofits that were queried about their income. Why let the cat out of the bag? It would embarrass many to have the truth known about many that pay zero property tax.

Where is the integrity? Shame, shame. Slowly, people are becoming aware of such.

VINTON

It's about God reaching man, not vice versa

In response to Don Clements' letter "View of Christianity is too narrow" (May 6 letter):

He accuses Leonard Pitts of expressing a view that shows "bias or lack of knowledge," painting all of modern Christianity "with the broad stroke of the Southern Baptist brand of fundamentalism." Clements feels that the answer lies in the teachings (and writings) of his Presbyterian denomination.

It's not about religion. It's about a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Billy Graham once said, "Religion is man's attempt to reach God, but Christianity is God reaching man through Jesus Christ." It is my sincere prayer that all who read this will find that true relationship with Jesus Christ by receiving him into their hearts today.

If the intermodal shoe doesn't fit ...

According to Norfolk Southern and the Virginia Department of Transportation, the intermodal terminal doesn't fit anywhere in this area except for the picturesque valley between Dixie Caverns and Shawsville.

Well, it doesn't fit there either. No more than a size 12 foot fits into a size 6 shoe.

Should the state spend 50 million taxpayer dollars developing a profit center for NS?

Shouldn't VDOT straighten out a transportation mess like Troutville before destroying another beautiful valley?

Can we deal with more trucks and wrecks on local highways, including our stretch of Interstate 81?

Is 65 acres of pavement (and crud) on the headwaters of our Roanoke River wise?

Should our valley become an inland port rather than a high-tech corridor?

Are the obvious disadvantages worth some low-paying warehouse/storeroom/truck stop jobs?

Will tourists enjoy seeing rusty cargo containers as they view the majestic Poor Mountain?

Will the increase in pollution offset some of the valley's "green" efforts?

Is NS's eminent domain power fair with state funds involved?

Does Montgomery County deserve the right to self-determination?

Hopefully, Gov. Kaine realizes that this shoe really doesn't fit.

Don't surrender to OPEC

I remember my mother saving our cooking oil and grease during World War II. We have had an oil crisis since the Yom Kippur War of 1973, almost 35 years. Neither the Democrats nor Republicans have done anything to ease the crisis.

We have become passive as there is no anger or leadership. OPEC has the power to destroy us.

The United States needs to declare war on the oil cartel OPEC and convert to coal, solar, wind and hydro as soon as possible. We can begin by saving and recycling our oils and cooking grease.