Living with prisoners and Goode has worked hard

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: August 2, 2008

Let those prisoners live with them

To the editor:

The quotation from Betty Gallagher, a spokesperson for Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, “Three views on the Emmett case,” (July 26, page A8), totally went against my beliefs. Gallagher states that killing someone for a mere $100 should not warrant the death penalty. She further states Danville has four times the national average for death sentences.

If someone knowingly, willingly and deliberately takes a life, then that person’s life should be terminated within 90 days. That amount of time should be sufficient for any appeals, noting that there are no exceptions to knowingly, willingly and deliberately.

In other words, the murderer cannot claim insanity, being a minor, or say they were under the effects of a drug and get off.

Rather than Danville being four times the national average, it should be the leader in death sentences. Life without parole should not even be an option for convicted murderers.

Every time you read of a murder, some friend or family member will be quoted as saying they cannot believe they did such a thing because he was such a good old boy. Doesn’t it seem odd that all of these good old boys are doing so much crime?

If bleeding hearts are truly committed to their beliefs, then they should petition the penitentiary system to allow convicts with a sentence of life without parole to come live with them, thus saving the taxpayers a lot of money.

JERRY WHITLEY

To the editor:

“Trade Act travesty,” your editorial on July 7 (page A6), reported that 150 former Dan River Inc. employees who lost their jobs to foreign competition had been denied Trade Act benefits. While most who read that editorial felt sympathy for those workers, some of us took heart in reading further that, “The company is appealing the decision, and U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, R-5th, is working on the case.” We knew that every possible avenue would be explored.

Goode has worked diligently for the citizens of Southside Virginia during each of his terms in office. I am proud to say that my vote has been cast for him in each of his elections. Because of his modesty, many do not realize just how much he has done for our area — both for industry and for individuals.

First-hand, I know that a number of Korean War veterans have received recognition, medals and benefits that had been overlooked until these citizens appealed to Goode for help. Nearly 60 years after the event, Goode personally presented the Silver Star and the Purple Heart to a previously overlooked veteran. Another veteran was the recipient of a Purple Heart, and he not only received his medal but also he received the disability benefits that were due him as well as delinquent payments. Neither of these veterans would have received recognition had Goode not been contacted, and he and his assistant, Jennifer Moorefield, pursued the matter. Veterans (and others) can visit our local Veterans Memorial at Dan Daniel Memorial Park to see bricks that Goode personally bought to honor veterans and to evidence his hearty support of this memorial.

The tobacco farmers of Southside know first-hand that Goode was aware of their plight, and his work with the tobacco buyout legislation resulted in $450 million being paid to them over 10 years. Some of these farmers have received payments that have allowed them to begin an alternative use of their farmland. What many do not realize is that this money does not represent government funds, but it is funded by manufacturers of tobacco products.

With grants pursued by Goode, Gretna, Chatham, Danville and Pittsylvania County have obtained data processing equipment for centers to teach the technology so vital for today’s jobs. Funding for research at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research has been provided for the switch grass project, an effort to create alternative fuels. This is another opportunity to provide jobs for county farmers. Little publicity is created for these benefits because our representative seeks results, not recognition.

Our representative supports drilling in Alaska and off the coast of Florida to use our own resources to supply fuel needs and to lessen our serious dependency on foreign oil suppliers. In so many areas, we receive support and benefits from the endless efforts of Virgil Goode. His terms in Washington have provided him an opportunity to become familiar with the politics and with the legislators that allow us to reap the benefits. His experience and knowledge are invaluable to Southside Virginia. Your vote will continue the work that this hard-working legislator is providing for our benefit. His integrity and personal standards are impeccable.

MARIE Y. NALES

Danville