Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 29, 1993 TAG: 9303290399
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MONTY S. LEITCH
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
today, I introduce "Ms. Cellany." From time to time, she'll be here to help you deal with various confusions, hysterias, bewilderments and disarrays of our Thoroughly Modern Milieu.
Today's topic is politics.
Dear Ms. Cellany: Whom do you recommend President Clinton name to replace Byron White when he retires from the Supreme Court? Signed, Q.A., Dugspur, Va.
Dear Q.A.: Isn't this a coincidence! This very question came up the other night when Ms. Cellany was having dinner with friends. One is amazed that so many different people, in so many different places, would be thinking about the very same thing at the very same time.
But then, Ms. Cellany was having dinner with some very savvy people. People who know not only the names of all their senators and representatives, and which one's state and which one's federal, but who also know the names of certain key legislative aides to these very same senators and representatives. Ms. Cellany is almost certain, too, that there were several people in the room about whom one might say "vice versa" - people whose names are known to the senators, representatives and legislative aides.
These individuals talked about this very question for a very long time. Ms. Cellany wishes she could remember what they said.
She's sure you'd find it very enlightening.
Dear Ms. Cellany: How do you think the Clinton administration is doing when it comes to upholding their proclaimed ethical standards for government appointees? Signed, A Questioner, Oriskany, Va.
Dear Questioner: First, may Ms. Cellany compliment you on your charming name! One thing she's always particularly admired among "Country People" is the clever way they give each other names.
Now, to your question. Ms. Cellany wishes to tell you a little story. Back in October 1992, when campaigns were still running hot and heavy all over the United States, Ms. Cellany happened to be visiting North Carolina's Outer Banks, where she always reviews copies of local newspapers, including The Coastline Times.
Ms. Cellany feels that review of local newspapers, in whatever place she finds herself, is one of her responsibilities as a member of the Fourth Estate.
The particular issue Ms. Cellany has in mind was, of course, filled with political advertisements.
She was greatly attracted to one burly, hirsuit-appearing candidate for Dare County commissioner named Mac Midgett. Ms. Cellany particularly admired the Q&A format of Mr. Midgett's advertisements.
In one such ad, he addressed these questions: "What it takes to be a county commissioner?" "Do you feel that our education level will hurt you as a county commissioner?" And, "What about your problems with the law?"
Ms. Cellany has often wondered how Mr. Midgett fared on Nov. 3.
But as she doesn't know, and won't return to the Outer Banks for several weeks and therefore can't find out in time to answer this question, she offers this little parable instead. Which she's confident, if Mr. or Ms. Questioner takes an imaginative approach, will address his or her particular concern!
Monty S. Leitch is a Roanoke Times & World-News columnist.
by CNB