Writer: Who’s intimidating whom?
It was quite disconcerting to read Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr.’s Nov. 13 letter regarding purported voter intimidation.
On the basis of an e-mail from one student, Falwell claims that voter intimidation was real and uses the term “tactics” as if some evil conspiracy or strategy existed. I’m willing to bet that the student in question either gave incorrect information to election officials, that she gave Falwell misinformation or that an election official made an honest and unintentional mistake. Instead, Falwell feels the need to perform character assassination on election officials.
I have been most fortunate to work with and observe in action the outstanding election officials of Campbell County. My sense is that these wonderful individuals are quite representative of their colleagues across Virginia and the country. These fine people are dedicated, loyal and competent, and, in a most decidedly non-partisan fashion, have as their sole goal to facilitate, not obstruct, voting for those citizens who choose to exercise their right to vote. They work long hours in all types of weather, fail to get much appreciation from the rest of us, and, like us, are human and may make mistakes on occasion. However, an occasional mistake does not constitute voter intimidation.
If Falwell is truly incensed about intimidation, he should examine closely his own actions and those of other Liberty University officers such as Mat Staver. When feeling offended for the slightest reason, they often proclaim that they have been persecuted. This is done primarily to intimidate and bully the majority of citizens upon whom they are trying to force their opinions and positions.
Liberty University definitely has the right to advocate for and advance its interests. However, as a good citizen, its officers should refrain from bullying the city and its residents. Instead, we should all try to work together for the common good, not just what is in Liberty’s interests.
CHRISTOPHER MILLSON-MARTULA
Altavista
Our day’s coming
I was disappointed, but not surprised, that Rep. Tom Perriello, D-Fifth District, voted in lock-step with the other followers of Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the health care “reform” bill.
Perriello has had his vote.
Others, including me, who have a different opinion of the bill will have their vote in 2010.
JACK BUTCHER
Rustburg
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement