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'True religion' depends on one's beliefs

I read with interest the commentary by Daniel Esau, "Religion has accomplished much good" (Oct. 30), on his defense of religion. I certainly wouldn't argue with his list of good deeds done in the name of Christianity, though good-hearted people with or without religion contribute to the same causes. But I take exception to his use of the words "true religion" and "false religion." When it comes to spiritual beliefs, truth is a matter of opinion.

Muslims believe theirs is the true religion. That some have chosen the path of terror does not negate its peaceful side any more than our criminals define all Americans. And we all know that within the Christian religion there are many deviations of what each considers the truth.

Major violence throughout history began when one religion decided to spread its beliefs to the entire world by force, a concept that Jesus never taught. History has shown that Christianity and Islam are the two main culprits of this phenomenon.

Many historians believe that the seeds of Islamic terror began with the first Crusade in 1095 when Christians invaded Jerusalem and massacred the entire Muslim population.

People tend to remember things like that.

The NRA needs its own party

I am truly confused with the election for governor. Were we supposed to be voting for Bob McDonnell or the National Rifle Association? I have always supported our Second Amendment rights, the same as the Democratic Party does (all the way up to the president).

Did the NRA think that informed and educated voters would fall for its same old line? Maybe some voters did, but I think the time has come for the NRA to start its own political party. That way we can really see what it is up to. Who knows? Maybe they can straighten out the economy.

Make the effort to thank a veteran

Last year I wrote to thank our veterans after Veterans Day. I noted that Roanoke Mayor David Bowers never made a public statement to thank veterans. This year I challenge him and his staff to thank veterans and maybe call on our local TV and radio stations to cover it. Our veterans deserve the coverage.

Also, let this be a reminder that Victory Stadium has been torn down, and there is still no monument to our veterans.

To all people: Thank a veteran. Go to the VA Medical Center. They are always there. Go to the long-term care facility on the hill off Shenandoah Avenue, walk in and talk to a few; they will appreciate it. Or look for the ladies and gentleman wearing the caps that say they are veterans, and thank them.

Our local leadership did not take the lead in this last year; I hope this year they will. I, as a veteran, would like to thank all of my brothers and sisters for their service and sacrifices. I would also like to thank the families of our fallen warriors. Your loss is great, and we give you our support. Thank you.

Editor's note: Roanoke City Council honored area veterans on Monday and passed a proclamation recognizing Nov. 11 as Veterans Day.

Wayne's heroic persona was made in Hollywood

I read with great interest Charlie Self's commentary "John Wayne was not a hero" (Oct. 29). Self is completely correct in his analysis of Wayne avoiding the draft of World War II. His studio did everything in its power to have Wayne classified 4F, even going to high-ranking politicians.

I served my country behind the Iron Curtain for four years in the early '60s, so I feel I have a right to my opinion. If all our Americans plus the Hollywood stars at that time had been like Wayne, we would be talking German or Japanese at this time.

I wonder what the stars like Clark Gable, who flew missions overseas; Tyrone Power, who helped to fly wounded soldiers off Japanese-held beaches; Jim Arness, who got wounded in the leg by machine fire (he did not get that limp from having a rock in his boot while making "Gunsmoke"); and Gen. James Stewart really thought of this Hollywood-made hero? I know what I think of him.

Public option would keep costs at bay

The public option is essential. We've seen the way the health insurance and related industries have responded this summer, spending untold dollars to spread distortions against efforts at reform. I can take that only as an abiding example of what their response will continue to be without the public option.

A for-profit system in health care works for the corporation's stockholders, not the health of the people. The proof is there in the rising costs we've seen and felt.

My family spends one-fifth to one-quarter of our pay simply to cover our premiums, and as a cancer survivor, I worry about being bumped if I become a burden -- that is, if it's no longer profitable to provide me with coverage. For my cancer treatment, I went to the University of Maryland at Baltimore -- out of Virginia -- and saved Blue Cross a bundle. The Roanoke area continues to be one of the most expensive areas for treatment because Carilion has little competition (and great aspirations).

Again, a public option would work to help keep costs from rising. May clarity, justice and good order guide us all.

Benefit payees don't have collective amnesia

Re: "Voices of the Valleys" Oct. 25 commentary, Duane Howard's answer to the question regarding stimulus money being given to Social Security payees and disability payees in lieu of raises for the 2010 recipients:

Howard is correct in stating that the announcement was made months ago that we would not get raises in 2010-12. I also heard this months ago. Now the government comes up with this cockamamie story that it has just now decided that we would not get a raise in 2010, but a one-time payment because of the country's flat growth pattern.

Does President Obama think we are so stupid that we forgot what was said earlier? Oh, me.

One more question, please. Are the members of Congress voting themselves raises for 2010?

Critics of supplement don't understand

Re: two articles, "Voices of the Valleys" (commentary) and "This is a $250 moment" (column) in the Oct. 25 paper about the $250 supplement for seniors:

I am sure Tyler Bowersock and Ellen Goodman make more than just over $1,000 a month, and I am sure they have good health insurance and each has a car. Unless they are seniors, how can they write on something they know nothing about?

I live on just over $1,000 a month and pay rent, bills and insurance and, with what is left, I try to buy a little food. I take the bus because there is no money left to own a car. Thank heavens that President Obama is trying to help us who really need it.

Give readers a sample of accessible housing

Louise Lione's letter, "Virginia is behind on accessible housing" (Oct. 19), about the scarcity of universal design in dwellings in our area deserves an award as Best of the Year. It was fresh and informative and called attention to serious problems in accessibility.

I urge The Roanoke Times to find owners of houses and apartments in the two valleys that have been built or modified with UD principles and give us a tour.