Letters to the Editor: Shockoe Ballpark Site Is Racially Insensitive

Shockoe Ballpark Site Is Racially Insensitive
Editor, Times-Dispatch: Thank you for the interesting article and accompanying schematic (in color) that appeared under the caption: "Baseball in Richmond -- Help Is Needed Say Consultants to the City." Of the many sites suggested as a location for a new baseball park, I am amazed that the Shockoe Bottom concept has moved this far forward.

At the risk of sounding incredulous, I am amazed that something as frivolous as a new baseball park would be considered at a site that will probably include the foundation of the infamous Lumpkin's Jail. Is this not hallowed ground, where many thousands of African slaves waited in misery to be auctioned like cattle?

Looking closely at the schematic, it might be that the bullpen of this proposed new ballpark will be sited very close to the jail. Just imagine several arrogant young baseball players strutting around chewing and expectorating tobacco juice on that hallowed ground.

If the spaceship that transported the baseball consultants to Richmond has not yet left town, please have someone brief them on the history of Shockoe Bottom and Lumpkin's Jail. Perhaps they will then realize that the Old Fulton's Gas Works, Mayo Island, or just leaving the ballpark on the Boulevard might warrant a second look.

From a standpoint of racial sensitivity, Shockoe Bottom is the worst option. Other sites devoid of racial issues may be more appropriate than the Lumpkin's Jail area. The next census will probably indicate that about 60 percent of Richmond's population will be descendants of the African-American slave experience.

Based on anecdotal observations, New Orleans remains the most corrupt of major cities in the southern U.S. -- but Richmond is probably the second. Let us not become known as the most stupid or inept city in the U.S. as well.

Allender M. Griffin Jr.
Bon Air.

Cap-and-trade and other government efforts to reduce fossil-fuel use will have enormous costs, potentially thousands of dollars per capita per year. We have no viable near-term alternative to fossil fuels for transportation. Note: Ethanol is a carbon-based fuel. In 2008, 71 percent of electricity in the U.S. was fossil fuel-generated. (Solar, wind, and biomass were 3 percent). In addition to the direct energy cost of carbon-reduction measures to the consumer, the cost of every thing that is manufactured and transported in the U.S. will go up.

This will place us at a great commercial disadvantage with regard to China, India, and others who will not reduce their carbon emissions. If it turns out that the CO2 warming models are wrong, it will all have been wasted. We won't have much left for mitigation. The government and alternative energy providers will do well. The rest of us -- "not so good."

David Hostetler.
Richmond.

By what statutory authority does President Barack Obama, or any of his minions, get to tell any private company how its business must be run, whom it may hire, or what it must accept as part of a private business deal (such as a dispute in a bankruptcy case)? Also, how does the president get the authority to tell any financial institution that it must accept money from the federal government, when it doesn't want the money?

He apparently also has the authority to tell car companies what their fuel standards are going to be.

I realize that we're in an economic crisis, but did I miss something while I was asleep? Our government didn't work this way in the past, did it?

Gordon J. Mabus.
Petersburg.

But in order to be reinstated and allowed to play alongside those choirboys in the NFL, the commissioner wants him to show genuine remorse. Will someone please define "genuine remorse" for me? What does Vick have to do, genuflect and kiss the commissioner's ring?

We're talking about playing football, not becoming the next pope. Doesn't Vick deserve a second chance?

Fran Moulton.
Midlothian.

I was heartsick when I read the news story, "Many Ways to Manifest Memories," trivializing the holiday; the only mention of our military was in the subheadline, "At a time to remember soldiers, other loved ones heavy on minds." To imply that Memorial Day is a day to honor all lost ones is an insult to the memory of the men and women who have lost their lives in the service of this country.

Carol Rodgers.
Midlothian.