ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, September 2, 1996 TAG: 9609040007
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
Dear Virginians:
IN ALEXANDRIA, where I reside, there is an old historic church which both General George Washington and General Robert E. Lee attended. Early this year, our minister, at the usual Sunday morning service, offered these words from the Book of Common Prayer:
"To Senators and Representatives and those who make our laws in states, cities and towns - give courage, wisdom and foresight to provide for the needs of all of our peoples and to fulfill our obligations in the communities of nations."
That, I say with humility, is why I want to continue serving the people of Virginia.
From the prayer arises this question:
"Do I have the courage, wisdom and foresight to merit the continued trust of the people of Virginia?"
On Courage
Beginning as a very young man, I have always responded to the call of duty. I didn't wait to be drafted; I volunteered twice. I served in the Navy. Several years later I served in the U.S. Marines in Korea.
Stepping forward to meet challenges and to lead has been the pattern of my life.
As a public servant, I do not just follow in lock step. Throughout Virginia's history, men and women who are proven leaders have always shown a measure of independence. Recent political history has clearly documented my willingness to put my political future on the line to follow my priority of placing the interest of America, of Virginia, first.
On Wisdom
My greatest gift in life was two very strong, intelligent, honest parents. Father's roots go back into central Virginia - Amherst County and Lexington - where he attended Washington and Lee University, graduating in 1903.
It was his highest hope that I would likewise grow up in the traditions of Virginia, and live my life by the "honor codes" and teachings of Virginia's educational system. How grateful I am to have graduated in science and engineering from Washington and Lee, and in law from the University of Virginia.
I could not have achieved this dream of my parents without the help of my country, for my advanced education was largely financed by the G.I. Bill. Added to this is my military schooling and training received over many years at the Marine Corps schools at Quantico.
Unlike my opponent who just years ago moved to Virginia from Connecticut, I am the beneficiary of Virginia schools. As a grandfather of two, I want to provide likewise - hopefully better - for future generations.
This is why I am a strong supporter of providing a "world competitive" education for all Virginians - even voting on occasion against a majority of my party in favor of resisting cuts in education. Economically and educationally, we are competing in a one-world market.
Building on what I learned in Virginia's outstanding schools, I began my diversified on-the-job training: military service, public prosecutor, law practice, Under and then Secretary of the Navy for over five years - responsible for over two million men and women in uniform and civilians during one of the most turbulent periods (the Vietnam War, 1969-1974) of American history, the chairman of the Federal effort in America's Bicentennial, then years of service in the U. S. Senate.
Wisdom is the composite of what one learns through a lifetime of experience. With the help of many fine people, I trust I have gained the wisdom, the tested judgment to help create even a better opportunity and future for others.
On Foresight
Here, one draws on the totality of one's life to lend you lessons and experience to care and provide for the future of others.
The public perception of a Senator is often limited to votes, speeches and the "brawl" of politics. I've done my share.
But there is another side. The opportunity which only those in need, those who feel lost in the crushing complexity of daily life, know about. It is this challenge that is the essence of public service.
Over the years I have written more than 2 million letters in response to Virginians' pleas. Add telephone calls for help, the totals are astonishing.
I don't inquire if constituents are Republicans, Democrats, or Independents. I am a public servant. I am here to help Virginians and their families with Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, Veteran's benefits, black lung disease, roads, schools, and on and on goes this fascinating service.
My foresight tells me that many of these problems will continue, and there will be new ones. Experience is the best teacher in reaching solutions. I have that experience, that foresight. Let me give you a few examples.
Since coming to the Senate, I gave you my word that I would use my years of experience as prosecutor to fight the tragedies of violent crime and drug abuse, while at the same time protecting the Constitutional rights of law abiding Americans.
I have voted for tough sentencing requirements. I have sponsored and supported legislation to provide local law enforcement agencies the tools and resources they need to keep our streets and communities safe. I have fought to protect children and women from ruthless, immoral criminals.
When you sent me to the Senate, I pledged to protect our environment in a balanced way, to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, to ensure the quality of the water we drink and the air we breathe without crippling our economy. I am committed to completing the job of cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay.
I want to continue to work for tax relief, to balance the budget, and eliminate unneeded and unwarranted government regulations, programs and government intrusion. I have led the fight to improve Virginia's roads and highways to attract new industries, but there is so much more we need to accomplish together.
I have always championed economic opportunity - grounded in self reliance and individual responsibility to achieve economic success. The very best form of "welfare" for every American is a job - a job which offers experience, self-confidence and the personal satisfaction of accomplishment. With the leadership of the Republican Congress we have enacted these principles into law.
I know that a vital, dynamic agriculture business in Virginia is jobs for Virginians, and a boost to the national economy. I have owned farms much of my life and raised apples, turkeys, chickens, hogs, cattle and horses. I am a staunch protector of the small family-owned farm, and a strong advocate for Virginia's agribusiness productivity and exports. We must continue to support Virginia farmers.
And unlike my opponent, I have a lifetime of experience in national security. My record of fighting terrorism abroad now gives me the experience to deal with the terrorist threats here at home.
The first obligation of a public servant - be it on the board of supervisors, mayor, Governor, or U. S. Senator - is to provide today's help and tomorrow's future.
My campaign is based on the courage, wisdom and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill America's obligations to the community of nations.
My record is there for all to see. It is a record of integrity and leadership. And, as I have from the outset of this campaign, I pledge to you that I will continue to follow these principles.
It was once written, "the past is prologue." Clearly by this record of achievement, Virginians know my vision and ability for the future.
I don't need to make political promises. I ask for your votes and your support for continuing to serve as your United States Senator.
LENGTH: Long : 136 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) John Warner. color. KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB