The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, September 18, 1994             TAG: 9409160022
SECTION: COMMENTARY               PAGE: J4   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   44 lines

DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS BEEN SLANDERED

The Republicans are doing a neat job of convincing some people that only Republicans believe in God, want crime control, protection of life, lower taxes, respectability, wholesome family life, our health care is great, Republicans don't lie (and if any do lie, it's excusable), our unions are useless.

Also, it's the responsibility of the lower and middle class to pay taxes, the uninsured have no right or need for health care (since they are lazy and incompetent) and all big businesses should make huge profits to provide jobs for the rest of the population.

Wake-up time: The Democratic Party has been slandered for too long now. It's strange how our fathers and mothers fought for union representation (put their lives on hold) so that we have the benefits that our elders sorely need, but now we are turning our backs.

Anyone should look at the quality of life for union members and non-union Americans to see what the Democrats and unions have done for this section of the country.

Our unions have provided even better wages and health care for non-union facilities.

I'm a Democrat. I believe in God. I believe, too, that the poor are just as important as the rich; their feelings are just as real, and their health is in greater jeopardy.

I have health care. I want my neighbor to have equal access to health care.

Take another look at the Bible-using politicians. Check out those TV evangelists who ride in the best cars, live in the best houses, travel better than first class and have many fat savings accounts and calling Bill Clinton unholy and Oliver North holier than thou.

Sorry, I'll continue to be a Democrat and fight for the union, and I'll worship our God over all the Earth.

LUCILLE HAMILL

Norfolk, Sept. 6, 1994 by CNB