Deen suit is about more than N-word
1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County
2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day
3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys
4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping
5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football
6. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen
7. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust
8. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible
9. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli
10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area
Friday, July 12, 2013
Deen suit is about more than N-word
Hearing the news surrounding Paula Deen, it seemed odd that she lost many business contracts over saying the N-word 20 years ago. This is how the media presented the matter, and restarted the endless debate about the N-word.
The Roanoke Times published several letters weighing in on Deen. Letter writers and media outlets fail to realize that this case is not about the N-word. The Deen fiasco is about allegations of rampant and institutionalized racism and sexual harassment in the workplace.
Could uttering a word 20 years ago topple Deen’s business empire? I located the court deposition and read it. Deen was deposed in a case brought against her by a well-respected employee who experienced and witnessed extreme instances of racial and sexual harassment over many years, not 20 years ago.
The problems were at Uncle Bubba’s restaurant, owned by Deen and managed by her brother. The restaurant’s former general manager filed a lawsuit alleging that Deen repeatedly failed to address these workplace issues and deal with her brother’s many indiscretions.
These are serious allegations, and Deen does not present well in the deposition. Now I have a much better understanding of why Deen lost her contracts.
JEANNE BOLLENDORF
ROANOKE
Lang would make a strong supervisor
A recent article (“Roanoke Co. Democrats in turmoil,” June 30 news story) aired once again the Roanoke County Democratic Party’s internal conflicts.
I was saddened by the continued interest in this petty affair over issues that have since been resolved.
Seeing the front page with party Chairman Brian Lang’s photo was more distressing.
I campaigned with Lang in the last election, attended several political events and had many occasions to interact with him.
I have found him to be thoughtful, concerned, well informed about the issues and open to discussion about various topics.
I attended a couple of the unfortunate Democratic committee meetings cited in the story.
There was aggressive and uncivilized behavior, not by Lang but by those who oppose his leadership. Lang kept his cool. He remained calm and reasoned, a quality we need in a county supervisor.
Anyone who has attended the county supervisors’ meetings knows a calm presence is often needed.
I encourage all voters of the Hollins District to consider thoughtfully, and support Lang in the election.
He deserves your vote.
Those who oppose him do so because of their own shortcomings and shortsightedness, not concern that the best person be elected to represent the district.
KAREN M. VIETMEIER
ROANOKE
God is letting America know what he thinks
God is speaking to America, and I wonder if anyone is listening.
The God of the Bible is real, and the book of Job says: “He brings the clouds to punish us or to show his love and grace as he pleases. He controls the wind and the waves, stirring up the sea with his power.”
Droughts, dust storms, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, sinkholes (not just in Florida) and volcano eruptions in Alaska — the Lord has let America know in many ways over the last 200 years that he can end our life of ease in the blink of a eye.
These disasters are matching the level of national sin and rebellion against God’s word, with godless laws passed by legislators, homosexuality normalized by the media, promoted in schools and even accepted by some churches.
The cancer of sin has spread throughout society.
God is speaking to America. Is anyone paying attention?
JIM JASTRZEMSKI
RADFORD
1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County
2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day
3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys
4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping
5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football
6. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen
7. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust
8. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible
9. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli
10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area
THE ROANOKE TIMES
