Gore NAACP speech electrifies audience, dispels boring image
Once again, The Sun is anointing George W. Bush heir apparent to his father's throne.
First page headlines read, "Gore scorns Bush 'talk'" (July 13). I listened to this speech, twice, because I found it to be inspiring. NAACP member or not, you can't help but to be electrified by this so-called "boring" vice president.
He might be behind in polls now, but if he can deliver such fire at this convention and the months thereafter, he will capture the White House. The Sun should stop painting Al Gore as some big bully. He's a tough candidate. A cartoon depicting Mr. Gore as a confused batter who ultimately gets bonked in the head is yet another example of pro-Bush sentiment. Perhaps he has been late to the plate with a comfortable stance or level of confidence, but Mr. Gore is fully ready and able to hit balls out of the park. He'll hit a grand slam on Nov. 3.
Mr. Gore's been a good vice president, and his campaign ought to be shown the same level of respect as that of Mr. Bush.
Christopher S. Zysk
Towson
News report denigrates white conservative voters
Your July 11 front-page article on Gov. George W. Bush's speech to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People included the following analysis: "[Bush] might also improve his standing with liberal or moderate white voters who applaud his efforts to seek racial tolerance."
This conclusion is remarkably narrow-minded.
I am a conservative white voter, and all the white conservative voters I know are very interested in efforts to promote racial tolerance. Conservatives favor economic liberty, local control of schools, lower taxes and smaller, less intrusive government -- all of which increase the power, dignity, and freedom of the individual, regardless of race.
In stark contrast, racism, by definition, ignores the inherent value of every individual, which is why it is so evil in the first place.
Your story's casual assumption that all conservative white people are racists is either the careless result of bias or an intentional effort to slander conservatism. I hope that The Sun will be more open-minded and thoughtful in the future.
Michael D. Cleaves
Monkton
Bush showed courage, willingness to listen
Gov. George W. Bush's attendance at the NAACP convention showed courage and leadership and a willingness to listen to everyone while bringing groups together.
I have been impressed with Mr. Bush since he started his presidential campaign and look forward to a Bush administration that includes Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice, based on their abilities and merit, not on polls and political correctness.
Walter R. Hayes
Parkville
NAACP convention priorities fail to address urgent needs
The NAACP opened its 2000 convention with the South Carolina flag issue seemingly its highest priority, and new voter registration running a close second.
Meanwhile, here in Baltimore and in just about every major city in the United States, drugs, poverty, crime and general mayhem are pervasive in much of the black communities.
I once knew, or had a pretty good idea, what the goals of the organization were, along with their priorities. Now, I only know what they should be.
Garland Crosby Sr.
Baltimore
Dean of a-rabs touches heart of Baltimorean
Congratulations on a lovely front page July 11. The wonderful picture and accompanying article about the last ride of the dean of a-rabs must have touched the hearts of many lifelong Baltimoreans.
What a nice tribute to William Brown and, while sad, what a pleasant change from the reports of mayhem we usually face each day.
Velva Grebe
Lutherville
Constitution must govern U.S. foreign intervention
Although there'll be pressure on the United States to intervene in future man-made catastrophes, I do not consider it a "humanitarian imperative" ("Rwanda post mortem," editorial, July 12).
It may not occur to the Organization of African Unity, but this country's Constitution clearly specifies when and if we take military action.
Article One, Section 8 charges Congress with this duty, and Americans must demand congressional approval before sending our troops abroad. The 800,000 Tutsis were killed by Rwanda's Hutu regime, which is solely responsible for the atrocity.
Although we may be only superpower left, this does not authorize us to become world cops. "Globalization," mercifully, is not yet in place. There are many who condemn and oppose the very concept of a single, universal legal authority.
Hopefully the OAU will understand that the United States can say no. It is about time the citizens of this country begin recognizing the efforts to undermine our Constitution and dilute our sovereignty.
Rosalind Ellis
Baltimore
Towson detention center expansion needed now
I read with interest the article ("Ruppersberger sets sights on expansion of jail in Towson," July 7) concerning a planned addition to the Baltimore County Detention Center.
The increase in the number of inmates being housed at the detention center clearly demonstrates the need for additional space. When one takes into account the conditions endured by both staff and inmates at the old jail, it's easy to understand why the county needs to move forward without delay.
Several residents along Kenilworth and Morningside drives have complained, however, of disturbances and inconvenience caused by the employees of the detention center.
As president of the union representing many of these employees, and as a fellow county employee, I take both professional and personal exception to such claims.
Sharon Frazier's claim in particular that the bureau "cannot even control its own employees" is as unwarranted as it is disrespectful to those who do extraordinary work each and every day, on behalf of the citizens of this county.
Thanks to these dedicated public servants, we have suffered none of the bad releases, escapes or other problems experienced elsewhere. Because of their hard and accomplished work each and every day, and in spite of chronic inmate overpopulation and staff shortages, the center has a nearly unblemished record.
We should praise these employees for their dedicated service.
James L. Clark
Towson
The writer is president of the Baltimore County Federation of Public Employees.
Sparrows Point students deserve air conditioning
I feel that more money should be spent on schooling and not just on books. Every school should have air conditioning.
Sparrows Point High and Middle schools only have some rooms that are air conditioned: the offices and science rooms. I feel that students will work a lot better in an air-conditioned room than in a hot, unventilated room.
What I don't understand is why the office gets air conditioning and we students don't have air conditioning in the classroom.
Frank P. Claridge Jr.
Baltimore