Letters to the Editor for Thursday, September 17, 2009

Valentine deserving of re-election
What kind of world do we want to leave behind?

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That question is at the heart of everything Del. Shannon Valentine does.

She has championed legislation for a cleaner environment, for more sustainable businesses, to help keep the elderly in their homes and to send a message to those who commit genocide in Darfur.

She listens to all of her constituents and acts on their behalf, not her own.

She is sincere about making government better. Shannon extends a hand, not a fist, across the political divide. She is sponsoring legislation that would create a bipartisan redistricting commission, a critical step toward ending partisan politics that prevent Virginia (and the nation) from moving forward.

She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in economics who has worked successfully both in the corporate and political worlds.

Why is she running for re-election? She’s doing it to leave behind a better world. She’s has earned our support Nov. 3.
MARIA ROBERTS
Lynchburg

Constitution Week
The Blue Ridge, James River, John Lynch, Lynchburg and Poplar Forest DAR chapters will be observing Constitution Week, today through Sept. 23, when the United States will celebrate the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the Constitution.

This great document stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history who have fought, sacrificed and died to establish and preserve the liberties and freedoms now guaranteed to every American by the Constitution.

The tradition of celebrating Constitution Week was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside Sept. 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill into law on Aug. 2, 1956. Mayor Joan Foster signed a Proclamation for Constitution Week for the City of Lynchburg earlier this month.

Sadly, the weeklong commemoration of the Constitution is one of our country’s least known official observances. We take for granted our right to submit a letter for publication, like The News & Advance, that expresses personal opinions, questions policy or criticizes our government.

Few walking through the doors of a church, synagogue or mosque stop to consider that there are countries in which public worship is forbidden and harshly punished. Political parties meet freely, opponents publicly debate issues and citizens may cast ballots without fear.

We hope everyone will take the opportunity to participate in and contribute to this celebration of Constitution Week in homes, schools, churches and extended community. Fly the American flag all week!

Be informed, study the Constitution, the Amendments and the Bill of Rights. Know your responsibilities as a citizen for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity.
CYNDI FEIN
Regent, Blue Ridge Chapter, NSDAR