Note to students: Voting is serious
I think Daniel Thompson’s Oct. 23 letter to the editor is an excellent example of why so many people are wary of non-resident college students voting in local elections, not just Liberty University, but any college.
Mr. Thompson’s letter screamed “me, me, me” without any reference to personal responsibility and civic obligation. I doubt he learned that at home or LU. Voting is a right, but not one without responsibilities. Going out to buy something and paying sales or meals tax in the process is on the lowest rung of the responsibility ladder; it’s unfortunate he believes otherwise.
With that standard, any say 2-year-old child able to hand a clerk money is an informed voter. LU has been good economicaly for Lynchburg, no doubt, but not without financial cost and unwanted controversy for many local citizens. LU’s needs have in no way been ignored. The fact that LU or any local institution for that matter is not embraced by 100 percent of the community is, in fact, a good thing. We call it freedom of thought and expression!
“Fair and balanced,” you might say.
In 1971, 18-year-olds were given the right to vote by an almost unanimous vote in Congress and signed by President Nixon, sending the 26th Amendment to the states for ratification.
The age change was in response to 18-year-olds being eligible for the draft in the Vietnam war but not able to vote. Fifty thousand military personnel died in the Vietnam war many under the age of 21. Unfortunately, the voting age change seems to be one of the few positive things that came from that national tragedy; don’t diminish it.
Politics is a game; voting is not. Vote responsibly.
WALTER DANIELS
Lynchburg
Comrade Joe
The D-Day memorial is certainly not the place to erect a bust of Josef Stalin, a dictator! To those who say he is part of it, baloney.
The D-Day memorial is to honor those living and dead who participated in the Normandy invasion. No Russians were there.
Germany was defeated and close to surrender when the Russians and American met at the Yalta River.
Then the politicians decided to hold the allies back and let Russia take Berlin.
Bad mistake! Yes, it saved allied lives but then Berlin was divided, Berlin blockaded and the Cold War started.
If the bust of Stalin is erected at the D-Day memorial they will probably see fewer visitors.
We fought for freedom and to protect our country. We didn’t fight for a dictator!
JOHN A. HUDSON Jr.
Lynchburg
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