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It's time for needed changes in government

I hope we all take to heart the true assertions of Leonard Pitt's column, "A plague on both their houses" in the Oct. 29 edition. His quote, "Politicians from both sides seem to rank party above country and themselves above both" is right on target. Harpers Magazine recently reported that the average amount spent lobbying Congress in 2007 each day it was in session was more than $16 million. So regardless of who wins election, our government will be the best that money can buy.

Abraham Lincoln said in his first inaugural address in March 1861, "This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it." Isn't it past time that we take Lincoln's advice?

The two-party system is a dismal failure. All they do in each election is just pass the privilege of rule back and forth to each other. The people of this country must rise up and force a change to this business as usual system.

Endorsements show Times out of touch

During the past few weeks, I became increasingly optimistic each day when I would read your endorsements of the races, almost unanimously endorsing the Democratic candidate in each race. How's that working for you?

I am so proud to be an American and a conservative in this wonderful country, and I believe in my heart that this is just the beginning of the unseating of the Democratic majority in Virginia and the country.

The Democrats should pay attention to what we are saying about the issues -- because we conservatives really are well read in what is going on in and around Virginia and the nation.

Thank you, Roanoke Times, for endorsing so many losers. You do it every year. This just demonstrates how out of touch The Roanoke Times is, not only with its readers, but the valley in general.

Send money to the right charities

Thank you for publishing the article "Franklin Graham gives up one of his salaries after questions arise" on Oct. 11.

To anyone who is taking part in this project: congratulations. If you or your church is participating in Samaritan's Purse, the $7 you are sending for each shoe box is helping pay Graham's $535,000 salary.

You really should send more to make up the other half million he is temporarily giving up from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association until the economy bounces back.

Isn't it odd that if his "calling to the ministry was never about compensation," his conscience never bothered him about his salary until questions were raised by the investigative reporter?

Did you ever wonder if Samaritan's Purse has their own planes (I checked; they do), why do they need $7 for each box to get them to their destination? Just wondering.

If you want to help a child for Christmas this year, call the Salvation Army for kids in our own area who would love for you to give them a shoebox.

Let's do our part to control litter problems

Thanks to Kate Robey for her "Smokers' litter raising questions" (Oct. 27 letter). She is right on target, highlighting this terrible problem. It is so upsetting to see all the litter on our streets from irresponsible smokers (and others) who feel free to leave disgusting trash behind. There is just no excuse for it.

I ask that smokers please think of others and change this habit, using their auto's ashtray and disposing of trash more responsibly.

To Mark Hodge, who reminded us in his Nov. 3 letter that "Litter isn't only from smokers," glad to hear that there is at least one smoker in Roanoke who does not leave litter behind. Let's keep Roanoke and the rest of the world clean by picking up after ourselves.

Walker is stepping up to move Roanoke ahead

A wonderful opportunity to create a high usage project out of the Patrick Henry Hotel -- an amazing historical and architectural landmark in downtown -- has presented itself. Roanoke is lucky to have the Ed Walkers of the world to participate in and step up to the challenge of modernizing the property.

The purchase of the hotel should be applauded, supported and embraced by local business groups, local governments and the local citizenry. What better endeavor to get behind?

The building is full of many wonderful memories for long-time citizens and visitors to Roanoke. Weddings, civic group meetings, school dances and local political events are a few memorable functions that I have attended at the Patrick Henry.

For the enthusiastic support by the community of Roanoke, Walker should look to the plethora of competent and qualified local general contractors and sub-trades. Avis Construction, Branch, Martin Brothers, JM Turner, etc.: The list is long and full of talent. There is a deep bench in Roanoke, and it would be a shame not to utilize local talent.

Again, congratulations to Roanoke. Keep up the good work and forward thinking; most of all, don't forget to shop local.

Ask the institute why Obama was awarded

I am fairly sure that I detected a note of sarcasm in Michael Foster's letter to the editor titled "Absurd to award prize based on hope," which appeared in the Oct. 21 edition of The Roanoke Times.

It seems that Foster has taken exception to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to President Obama and is expressing his displeasure by suggesting some ridiculous actions.

For instance, he writes, "Let's just give the presidency to anyone who hopes to become president." We actually tried that back in 2004, but the results were not satisfactory.

Foster also questions why the Nobel Prize Committee awarded the prize to President Obama, but I think he is asking the wrong people. Therefore, I am including the e-mail address of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, postmaster@nobel.no, so that he can get answers to his questions.

John Wayne bashing seems a bit unfair

Re: a spate of recent letters concerning criticism of John Wayne for avoiding military service during World War II:

I think the writers were a trifle unfair. He was 34 years old and married with four children at the time Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941 and was classified 3A by the draft board.

He was neither an opponent of the war nor a conscientious objector. Perhaps he could be faulted for not aggressively seeking military service as a number of his Hollywood contemporaries did. However, if he had, he more than likely would have been assigned duty making patriotic movies and appearances overseas in support of the troops -- activities he did anyway as a civilian.

This label attached to him as a great American hero was not something he promoted but was a result of the patriotic portrayals in many of his movie roles. Remember the man for his contribution to the film industry, plus his active and generous support for cancer research. I, as a military veteran, have no qualms about the fact he did not wear the uniform.