Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 7, 1993 TAG: 9310150374
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Therein lies the contradiction of their not just neutrality about, but outright opposition to, an additional high-voltage power line proposed to be built into our area.
Does anyone's job not depend on electricity? What's the first thing that happens when the power goes off? Businesses, stores, schools and churches close; hourly employees go home; hospitals are hampered by limited generators. Recently, the mail downtown was delayed because the Poff Building lost power. We are inconvenienced by lack of air conditioning, refrigeration, running water; and people die during cold weather.
It's for these reasons that I was extremely disappointed by the news photo of my elected representative standing in front of "power-line protesters" expressing his opposition to the proposed Apco power line and encouraging his constituents to do so as well.
Who's this guy representing? Where is he getting his information on the need for this line and is he, along with others, pandering to the vocal minority without regard for the needs of us all?
Why do our local city and town councils and county supervisors not see the need to support this project? Who are they representing? How do they propose to power those jobs they are supposed to be getting us?
DAVID A. WILLARD SR.
VINTON
Government care? No thanks
THE STATEMENT I read so frequently on health-care reform is that it would benefit the poor who have the least access to care. That's a bunch of bunk!
The poor already have better benefits for care than I have as a working, taxpaying individual, and it's free to them, and not to me. Our welfare system takes advantage of the working class and encourages people to take advantage of the system. I know, because I have experienced it firsthand.
In 1972 my little boy was born blind and had cerebral palsy. During his short two years of life, my husband had left and I worked for $60 per week. I found a modest but clean furnished appartment for $65 per month within walking distance of work, as I had no vehicle.
After finding out about my son's medical problems, I went to a local government agency seeking a medical card for help with his frequent visits to specialists. I was turned down because I made $10 a week too much. I couldn't believe what I heard.
I sat in their office in tears, stating that I could quit my job altogether and they would be forced to pay my way. But I did not want to do that. All I asked for was a little help where desperately needed.
Since that day, I vowed I would never ask for help of any kind from our government, and I have kept that vow. No matter how tough it's been, and it has, I will not so much as apply for reduced lunches at school.
Yet, out there are people who go to our local meat market, buy the best cut of steak for their cookout at the lake and pay for it with food stamps. And these same people have their medical care completely taken care of by those of us who work hard and pay taxes.
I have nothing against helping those less fortunate than I. But government programs have never been the answer - they have failed miserably over and over and have cost us a fortune.
HELEN BRYAN
GOODVIEW
Alternatives to prison
THERE are so many nonviolent criminals in our society who could be using the house arrest system. Instead of criminals going to jail or prison, this saves taxpayers money.
Why don't the courts use this program instead of having overcrowded jails? Why not use community service more, as well?
LORENE V. HALL
ROANOKE
In fear of Farris
IN HER OCT. 3 letter to the editor (``Radical feminists are backing Beyer''), Catherine Wallin seemed to imply that only members of the National Organzation for Women were supporting the candidacy of Don Beyer for lieutenant governor.
Although there are members of that organization who undoubtedly are Beyer supporters, there are also many women like myself who are fearful of the agenda of the Farris campaign.
As a homemaker, mother and committed Christian, I also struggle to raise my children in a world hostile to families. I am fearful, however, of a candidate who has proclaimed public schools ``a godless monstrosity'' and ``unnecessary for a democracy.''
Farris is not talking about the public school my children attend where they are taught by caring, concerned teachers and staff. Could it be that we have the only school of that description in the state? I doubt it.
There are many problems in our schools and in our country, but a simplistic answer of school choice or home-schooling will not solve them.
This woman will vote for Beyer.
SUSAN DiSALVO
BLACKSBURG
by CNB