Letters to the Editor for Wednesday, November 11, 2009

LU, students unconcerned about city
I would like to thank Lib Elder for her powerful letter in The News & Advance on Nov. 8.

I am outraged as a citizen of Lynchburg and dismayed as a Christian. I have lived in Lynchburg for nearly 20 years, and I have watched the progression of the “Liberty Influence” on our city.

I have three problems with it.

First, as stated by Ms. Elder, the students are not local citizens and do not look at the whole picture. Liberty and its students are only interested in what immediately affects them and their stretch along Wards Road. They are unconcerned about urban blight, loss of green space and the methodical and careful building of our city. I would have laughed if it hadn’t been so pathetic when the LU student stated in his letter, that most people weren’t even aware of what is happening on Fifth Street. On the contrary, we who are citizens are well aware of what is happening in our city, and we care about it.

Secondly, the LU political influence has made me, once again, recall why I am not a great fan of the school. College is a time for opening minds, not closing them. Any institution of higher learning worth its salt implores students to look at problems, history and our future with open minds. Only when you are exposed to a variety of ideas and beliefs can you decide where you stand and what you stand for.

Lastly, as a woman of faith, I am appalled at the lack of integrity exhibited by the candidates “endorsed” by the school. Under the banner of Christian values, it would appear to me that they truly believe that the end justifies the means. They are willing to elect character-challenged candidates in order to get political power. What they sadly don’t seem to understand is that many of these candidates do not “like” them and are only pandering to them.

It grieves me deeply to see Del. Shannon Valentine cast aside by the political power of such people. LU and the Falwellites are trying to redefine the word “Christian” in a manner that many of us find offensive.
CAROL CHURCH
Lynchburg

In their honor
We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the America. From the Minutemen who stood watch over Lexington and Concord to the service members who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, veterans deserve our appreciation and respect. Our servicemen and women are our best and brightest, enlisting in times of peace and war, serving with honor under difficult circumstances, making sacrifices that many of us cannot begin to imagine.

Today, we remember with honor and pride the contributions of our veterans, and we reaffirm our commitment to provide them and their families with the essential support these men and women were promised and have earned.

Our grateful nation and community must keep our solemn promises to these brave men and women and their families. They have given their unwavering service to the American people and we salute them all.

May God bless our United States Veterans, and may God bless the USA.
MARY LOU SPIGGLE
Appomattox