Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, January 4, 1993 TAG: 9301040249
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
DEMOCRATIC LEADERS SHOW ARROGANCE
AS A RESULT of the most recent elections, Republicans increased their representation in the U.S. House of Representatives by 10 seats. This, of course, is not highly significant; however, most people still persist in the erroneous belief that Republican ideology has now been totally rejected.In this connection, some time ago Speaker Tom Foley spoke most eloquently against allowing delegates to the House of Representatives from the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam and American Somoa to vote. At that time, he OK'd appointing them to various congressional committees because committees are for hearings, examinations, exchange of ideas, etc. and they are created and dissolved at House discretion. Foley has now changed his tune and currently says that delegates are going to be allowed to vote during the next session of Congress because it would be unfair to prevent them from doing so. As a result, the Republican gain will be effectively cut in half - since all delegates are Democrats. This would result also in representation without taxation. Territories pay no taxes and, therefore, should not be able to affect legislation governing the nation.
This is a classic example of the arrogance and utter contempt that continues to exist in the Democratic House leadership. Nowhere in the Constitution does it give House leadership the power to issue such a decree. Considering the House bank and post-office scandals, one would think they would have learned a thing or two; however, since no one has yet been indicted, tried, and/or convicted for those crimes, the leadership earnestly believes it can get away with this.
As Ross Perot recently reiterated, congressmen work for us - but they have yet to realize it; and I think we can expect more such instances as this as a result of one-party rule over the House of Representatives after 39 successive years. Perhaps, we, too, have a thing or two yet to learn.
CLAUDE E. STEWART JR.\ VINTON