THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 23, 1996 TAG: 9603230024
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Family values are the hot button of politics these days. The government should confine its efforts to family net worth and leave the other family values to people more likely to have them than politicians.
Ralph Reed, the well-known and articulate spokesman for a subgroup of Christians, or, as he is sometimes wont to say when trying to be a bit more inclusive ``people of faith,'' has on occasion strayed from the central dogmas of his organization (namely that an adult woman should ask his advice on family-planning matters or the cynical money-raising scare tactic of his organization, which is that homosexuals are taking over the world and destroying the moral fiber of this nation) to enunciate a valid, Republican view on economics.
As for the homosexual scare tactic, just how some 2 percent of the adult-male population (by his data) could have such influence and cause all the social problems of this country is hard to understand. But, alas, an appeal to hate brings in more money than an appeal to the essential Christian message of love, compassion and forgiveness.
To Reed's credit, he has frequently added to the usual abortion monomania and homophobia message a strong statement on the need by families for economic security. Since most marriages seem to fail when money matters become a severe impediment to domestic tranquillity, we must conclude that more attention should be paid to family net worth as one of the cardinal family values.
The best thing Republicans can do in the political realm for their country is to see to it that we remain prosperous. Positive proposals to boost the economy and rational approaches to taxation questions are most likely to win votes from independents and sane Democrats.
In many areas of economics, Ralph Reed's statements make a lot of sense. To promote growth he has called for a reconsideration of the capital-gains tax. The present 28 percent tax on inflation-caused gains on the sale of property is nothing short of partial confiscation of the property.
Estate taxes, inheritance taxes and gift taxes are causing many family farms and small businesses to fail. These taxes are immoral in the extreme, and their removal should become a major plank of the platform of any Republican candidate.
Ralph Reed performs a valuable public service by pointing out what tax policies can do to destroy families and family enterprises. Republicans should insist that governments be family friendly rather than merely agents for the redistribution of wealth.
FORREST P. CLAY JR.
Norfolk, March 1, 1996 by CNB