Letters To The Editor: Don’t Forget To Thank a Vet

Don't Forget To Thank a Vet
Editor, Times-Dispatch: My husband, a Vietnam veteran, hosted his second military reunion recently. The extended weekend affair was a huge success. During a visit to D.C., the men placed a wreath at the Vietnam wall and visited the WWII memorial.

Our Vietnam veterans warmly greeted each member of a visiting WWII group (many of whom were in wheelchairs), shook their hands, and thanked them for their service to our country. The tears present in both sets of eyes reflected memories of the proud and patriotic service performed by these veterans. With many of their descendants currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, that selfless tradition of service has been projected forward.

With Veterans Day, Nov. 11, fast approaching, I encourage everyone to stop, shake the hand of a veteran or active-duty serviceman, and thank him for his service to our country. As a bumper-sticker says, "If you enjoy freedom, thank a veteran."

Janet C. Bartholf.
Henrico.

Sports team names have a shameful history of being offensive. I will not belabor the obvious, the Indians or the Redskins. But the offense is deep and pernicious.

The Lions, Bears, and Tigers all encourage the genocide of endangered species. The Brewers promote a gateway to a lifetime of contraband addiction. The Angels attempt to impose a spiritual system on Buddhists, Muslims, agnostics and atheists. The Yankees exploit regional hatred and are divisive for national unity -- particularly in a time of national health care crisis.

I can, but need not, go on. Oh, the shame of sport team name offense.

Terry Raney.
Beaveram.

This kind of attack is pretty ironic since Wagner, when she was secretary of finance, missed 50 percent of the meetings of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and 70 percent of the Virginia Tourism Corp. meetings, and 100 percent of the Transportation Account Commission meetings. Furthermore, Wagner stepped down from her position in the middle of the budget process.

Since Wagner touts herself as a fiscal maven, it wouldn't be wrong to say the timing of her resignation would be just the same as if Gen. Dwight Eisenhower had resigned during D-Day. This type of attack is pretty typical of this entire Democratic ticket, which only seems to know how to attack Republicans rather than talk up what they intend to do to improve Virginia.

Nat Atkins.
Mechanicsville.

. . .

Bolling has been way more active than most lieutenant governors. Each year that he has been lieutenant governor, he has sponsored an aggressive legislative agenda. He has used his office to lead causes good for our commonwealth. (One good example is his 100 Ideas For The Future Of Virginia Initiative.) Bolling has presided over all regular sessions of the state Senate during his term. Because of his dedication and good work, he was elected as the chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

If Wagner wants to challenge Bolling in the arena of ideas, I say "bring it" -- but I suggest that she not misrepresent his work ethic and work habits.

Tom Dykers.
Goochland.