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concrete problem—namely that equal opportunity for women and equal rights do not always exist in this country.
Many laws are being changed in Virginia to promote equality but much needs to be done here and throughout the nation to insure the continuation of this process. The problem is one of national dimensions, transcending states or ^ localities, and thus requires a m national commitment to eliminate it. A Constitutional Amendment is the most appropriate form for such a commitment. Much of our Constitution is composed of commitments to important moral and social principals—our rights to free speech and free press, to freedom of religion and assembly, to equal protection and due process of law. Doesn’t it seem appropriate that a moral commitment to the principle of equality between women and men properly belongs there?
The ERA reflects two basic ideas: first, that women are not inferior to men because of their sex, and second, that women vary as individuals—in body structure, physical strength, intellectual and emotional capacities, aspirations and expectations—just as men do.
Many are upset and offended by the manner in which some groups and individuals exercise “free speech.” Occasionally a criminal goes free because they were not given "due process.” Problems do exist with the interpretation and application of the Constitution. Yet few would argue that these guarantees should not be present.
The Constitution has been amended many times. In several instances such changes have insured the rights of certain groups. It is now time to make sure that equal rights "under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex.”
DELORES DALTON Flint Hill
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