THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 17, 1996 TAG: 9603150035
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
Several years ago I visited a Central American country. I asked a hotel manager what the country did for welfare. Her response was it did not have welfare. I asked how people could survive without welfare. She said a girl will not marry a man unless he has the financial ability to take care of her and her future family. If something happens to her or her new family, her core family is expected to take care of her. If she has a baby out of wedlock, her family is obligated to maintain her and her extra burden.
How novel! Young girls do not run home with bloated stomachs telling their families that they are moving to their own place and becoming welfare dependent.
We in the 21st century with all our high technology have done nothing with our resources but break down the family and its values. Young girls receive financial rewards for impregnation without benefit of clergy. Young girls are also allowed to be irresponsible in their selection of mates.
Perhaps we can swallow some of our high-tech pride and look to countries that have simple and effective ways to encourage responsible behavior.
JAMES VERNON HARWELL
Virginia Beach, Feb. 28, 1996 by CNB