Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, August 16, 1993 TAG: 9309120266
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
President Clinton's budget package barely squeaked by Congress. It just got the minimum 218 votes needed in the House, and Vice President Gore had to break the 50-50 Senate tie.
The package, though commendable for attempting to curb the scandalous deficit, relies on that favorite trick of big government: higher taxes.
Specifically, the plan has:
Higher income taxes on those earning more than $30,000 a year. (Does $30,000 a year make one "rich"?)
Higher taxes on Social Security, affecting retirees and others on fixed incomes.
Higher gas taxes (4 cents a gallon), affecting everyone.
No wonder President Clinton's first name is ``Bill.''
Because of the razor-thin passage in both chambers of Congress, one more ``no'' vote in either could have stopped the measure. Robb and Payne voted ``yes,'' so I hold them personally responsible for the higher taxes.
Before the vote, Clinton made a televised appeal for Americans to ``call your representative or senators'' about the budget. Evidently, many did call, for Payne's switchboard was busy all day. I called his office the next day to ask what ratio of calls had been for or against the budget. The woman who answered told me: ``I got `yes' and `no' calls, but I don't know the total.'' Pardon?
On this important issue, did Payne's office really f+inoto keep totals on how his constituents felt? Is his office so sloppy or uncaring that no records were taken? I feel such disregard for constituents' views is not fit for a public servant. When I called Robb's office about the ratio, the secretary coolly told me such information was private.
It's unfortunate both chose to march in lockstep with the party line and the Clinton White House. Their votes may have helped the president save face, but other Americans will be left to foot the bill. I think Virginians deserve better representation in Washington than this.
SCOTT DREYER
HARDY
\ The abuse of Jessica
ONCE AGAIN, our court system has failed to protect the rights of a citizen. Because Jessica DeBoer is a child, she had no say in the decision to tear her world apart. She was taken away, against her will, from the only home and parents she had ever known. She has been stripped of her identity and sense of security.
Throughout the country, our hearts have gone out to Jessica and the DeBoers. We've been forced to stand by in disbelief as this terrible injustice against a child has been carried out. The taking away of her is much more than the personal tragedy of one family; it is a national disgrace.
When will our court system begin to consider the rights and well-being of our nation's children as more important than the rights of those who abandon, neglect and abuse them? What will it take for the best interest of a child to override the whims and wishes of irresponsible adults? I believe that what is being done to Jessica constitutes mental and emotional abuse.
My heart goes out to Jessica and to her "real" Mommy and Daddy. As for the Schmidts, I wonder how they will live with themselves when they see the pain in that little girl's eyes and listen to her cry for the life that they've stolen from her.
JANET BRIDGEN
LITHIA
\ Don't begrudge the dinner
I WAS INTERESTED to see that the Roanoke Times & World-News engaged in volunteer-bashing again, regarding recent articles about the Vinton Fire Department. With all the good they do, you see fit to only print the negative aspects.
I am aware that the Fort Lewis Fire Department's volunteers use $1,800 to $2,000 for a dinner each year. However, what you failed to print was the fact that Fort Lewis just purchased a $35,000 crash truck with donations, and will pay on it for the next three years. They also donate food and a small amount of money each year to a needy family within the community.
So what if they have a dinner with their friends and family, financed with donations? Calculate the time and money they give, and ask yourself if you give as much.
CHARLES E. GARST
SALEM
by CNB