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

DATE: SUNDAY, January 3, 1993                   TAG: 9301040263
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: F-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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RESPECT TO SOME DEGREES

THIS IS in response to Dr. Alotta's commentary (Dec. 16) in the Roanoke Times & World-News.

Dr. Alotta should realize that respect is earned; it does not come with a diploma, no matter what the level of education. It's what you do after you have arrived at your goal that earns you respect. There is no doubt that earning a doctorate is a big achievement; however, a lot of people have to work very hard to achieve their goal. They risk everything to attain it, and later, many do great things to contribute to the welfare of the nation and the people they touch each day, just like the doctor is doing.

I would think that at least 90 percent of those achievers never receive a diploma or a title. In spite of that, some of them do earn our respect. For instance, just bringing up children to become honorable and productive citizens these days is worthy of my respect. So, Doctor, be happy with what you have achieved for its own sake. Besides that, you are getting paid for it. BILL KELLER ROANOKE

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