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

DATE: THURSDAY, January 7, 1993                   TAG: 9301070434
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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NO HONORING A DRAFT DODGER AS PRESIDENT

THIS UNBELIEVABLY long, dark hour in American history began when a draft dodger won the nomination of the Democratic Party to run for president of our country. I intentionally leave off the adjective I have always, heretofore, used with the last word of that sentence, no longer being the proud American I was when I rode with the 3rd Calvary Regiment in the parade held at the third inauguration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941.

This long, sad period continued through the election of Bill Clinton and will culminate in his inauguration Jan. 20. As if anyone cared, I will, under no circumstances, nor would I for any amount of money, watch that ceremony.

What has happened in the hearts and minds of so many Americans, Democrat and Republican alike, that the "economy" (how I now hate that word) takes precedence over loyalty to one's country?

As one who fought with men who died or were horribly wounded in battle, I will never understand how this long, dark, sad hour in our history began. Whatever the reason anyone would have for avoiding the draft or military service to his country, the fact is that the person doing so - in my opinion and not mine alone, thank God - should not become president of the United States of America, nor serve as commander in chief of our armed forces.

For the first time in my life, I will not honor a president by using that title before his name. ED BAKER SALEM

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