Let Clogged Regions Fend for Themselves

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I would like to bring to the attention of State Sen. Richard L. Saslaw that not all of Virginia has a road problem. His recent comment that "I don't know how you solve the transportation problems of the magnitude we have in this state without new money" is totally out of line.

The state does not have a problem, Northern Virginia has a problem. Virginia Beach has a problem.

I say put tolls in those areas and let them pay for their own roads, as I seriously doubt that Ashland, where I live, would benefit in the same proportion as Northern Virginia from a statewide gas tax or sales tax increase.

Stephen Dryden. Ashland.

Beware Charismatic Men Who Preach 'Change'

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30 I celebrate my independence day and on July 4 I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.

On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.

I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.

When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said "Praise the Lord." And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"

But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.

Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?

Would we?

Manuel Alvarez Jr. Sandy Hook.

Why Would God Deny Happiness to Gays?

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I will start by saying that everyone is entitled to his or her opinions. I respect but strongly disagree with statements made in a recent letter by Elaine Hanger, "God Does Not Delight in Homosexuality."

I believe that God would never deny love or impose judgment on anyone, regardless of their "activities." And could someone please tell me how one "corrects" homosexuality? As if it's a choice.

As the child of a gay parent, I'm certain that my father would never have chosen to be gay over continuing a life free from judgment. To imply that my family, gay dad and all, isn't worth celebrating is offensive. I have been shown nothing but love my entire life.

The idea that homosexuals are creating an unstable society by ruining "normal" family ideals is absurd. Just look around -- families and society have much bigger problems. My God would never delight in seeing my father feel guilt or remorse for being proud of who he is. I will continue to believe that God delights in people's happiness, not in judgment.

Jessica English. Richmond.

Cantor Owes Obama An Apology

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

In 1973 my father led an Israel Bonds campaign that raised more than $1 million in the Hampton Roads area to help Israel as it was being attacked from all sides on the holiest day of the Jewish Year, Yom Kippur. He was even given the great honor of being invited to the Jewish state by Golda Meir herself, to discuss strategies for securing our Middle Eastern ally.

That's why when Rep. Eric Cantor released a statement claiming that Sen. Barack Obama called Israel a "sore" on America, I was shocked that he would say such a thing. In the interview Cantor cites, Obama called Israel a country with a "history of overcoming great odds and a courage and a commitment to carving out a democracy." He called the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a "sore" and a danger to America and to Israel's security. That is a true statement.

Cantor should publically apologize to Obama and those of us who dream of a secure Jewish homeland for attempting to exploit our fears for the safety of Israel with flat-out lies.

Eric Futterman. Glen Allen.

Maybe We're Weary Of Being Called Weary

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

One phrase in a recent Bob Rayner column caught my attention: "The country remains wearied by war" struck me as something I hear quite often, and I always wonder exactly what that means. I have been trying to think of something that has really changed for the vast majority of us. I can't think of anything the war has directly affected, except for those who have someone in the military or those connected with the 9/11 disaster.

I haven't seen any ration cards for shoes, sugar, or gasoline. The stores are filled with every imaginable item a person could want. Unemployment is extremely low. People are eating in restaurants. So what are people weary of?

Could it be that we are weary of the news media telling us over and over that we are somehow deprived of something because of the war? The only problem is, they never tell us what.

Dorothy T. Edwards. Richmond.