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

DATE: SUNDAY, February 10, 1991                   TAG: 9102110263
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WHY GAS MASKS FOR THOSE WHO STAYED?

CNN reported on Jan. 22 that while British and French embassies were giving gas masks to their citizens in the Middle East, the U.S. government was not doing the same for its citizens. This kind of biased reporting, making the government look inhumane or uncaring, is totally unprofessional - especially in the midst of a war that needs all the support it can get from citizens back in the States.

Before the war started, the U.S. government requested that all U.S. citizens leave who did not wish to stay in the Middle East. Transportation was provided.

Many times I have heard these "U.S. citizens" in the Gulf referred to as expatriates by reporters (CNN included). "Expatriate" means a person who has renounced his native land. So why should the U.S. government be obligated to these people for gas masks? They had their chance for exodus from that land. They knew exactly what was happening.

I would like to wish the very best to the soldiers fighting for the allied forces. We are behind you all the way. TROY SMITH RICHLANDS

by CNB