
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, July 1, 1990                   TAG: 9007020265
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

ADAMS, JEFFERSON AND SELF-DISCIPLINE

THE FOURTH of July not only marks Independence Day, but it is also significant because John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died that day in 1826.

Some of us do not realize what a precious country we have. John Adams said, "God prosper you by your labor." Jefferson said, "Don't take the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it." Both quotations are based on self-discipline.

President Bush's comment, "I want a gentler, kinder nation," and Mrs. Reagan's advice, "Say no to drugs," do not strengthen character. They send the wrong message, that the search for happiness that nourishes our bad passions will be compensated and any promiscuity will be tolerated. Savings-and-loan defaults will be financially bailed out.

I would not be surprised if someday hospitals provide boxes to collect abandoned and illegitimate infants. Clean syringes and condoms are already being provided. All these encourage people to accept new manners and modes of living. Z.K. McMANAWAY ROANOKE

by CNB