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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 21, 1992                   TAG: 9202210483
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: ONLY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                                LENGTH: Short

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MAKE PEACE BY BETTERING ECONOMIES

the bastion of democracy, a truly blessed and prosperous country - would consider political persecution worse than economic deprivation, as in the case of the deported, or shall we say exported, Haitians.

If a family is terrorized or kidnapped by soldiers of their own country, as some of the Haitian natives have claimed, for trying to change things, then all well and good: Let them have asylum in America. That's accepted thinking.

But, say, if this same family is denied basic necessities of living, of working and succeeding on their own merits, then they should be sent back. What kind of ethic is that?

America's political "rights" are privileges elsewhere in the world. Economic persecution, political persecution: They both hurt people. The United States especially, in all of its bounty, owes less fortunate brothers of the world help. (Haitians aren't the only ones; ever heard of the Russians?)

Maybe one reason for this recession is that the United States has lost its purpose, like stopping communist aggression or even a strong competitor. Yes, Japan is there, but what are we battling over? Nothing but sophisticated material items.

Politically, America is in the strongest position ever to not only establish systems that would encourage democracy throughout the world, but lead it into a highly stable economy. That is a purpose. Pain is pain, political or economic, and continual reduction of that pain breeds undying gratitude to those who have helped relieve it. And with loyalty to a generous nation, the world becomes a very stable place.

Pax Americana! BEN DALTON ROANOKE

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