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

DATE: SATURDAY, March 20, 1993                   TAG: 9303220379
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY

ON FEB. 26 you printed a commentary by Dartmouth Prof. Donella H. Meadows ("How to beat the energy tax"). She proposes that Americans purchase new, economical automobiles, thereby offsetting the new energy tax.

Dartmouth and those other Ivy League institutions should study and teach common sense, and the practical application thereof.

Those of us concerned by higher taxes know that new automobiles come equipped with installment plans, higher insurance rates and larger personal-property costs. If we cannot absorb a 10-cent or 15-cent-a-gallon increase in transportation costs, it's just foolishness to even think of new economy cars.

Far better that we cut off all government assistance to schools that do not understand reality. PHIL SMITH BOONES MILL

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