Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 28, 1994 TAG: 9404280174
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The American government has long since crossed the line in its attempt to provide welfare, farm and commercial subsidies, public housing and other entitlements. Now, it appears we're ready to dig the hole deeper by providing universal health-care coverage.
When did it become OK to take money from those who've earned it and give it to others who haven't? Many receiving public entitlements have begun to believe this redistribution of wealth is a right. Americans are the most charitable people in the world, but this can in no way be considered charity.
Is this forced charity really doing entitlement recipients any good? It seems the spirit of individual achievement becomes broken as one becomes more dependent upon government assistance.
The idea of individual responsibility and true charity should be applied to health-care reform. For those choosing to make health care a priority, the question is: Why should we be forced to pay for others who don't? Many choose a new car or cable television over health insurance; others practice poor health habits.
Those supporting the idea of universal coverage, but who are against some type of health police looking over their shoulders to see whether they drink, smoke or practice unsafe sex, are hypocrites. They demand a right without agreeing to responsibility.
As people are held responsible to pay for their own health care, health and wellness habits are likely to improve without the need for government intrusion. Also, patients wanting to keep costs low will object to unnecessary tests and will become advocates for tort reform.
Many health problems are financially devastating. However, I'm confident that charity, through religious and private organizations on the local level, would prove to be successful and efficient. This would bypass government bureaucracies, while allowing people to experience the satisfaction of giving and true charity.
TONY DEIBLER CHRISTIANSBURG
Break link between jobs and insurance
IT'S EASY to understand why so many people perceive a national health-care crisis. Because most receive their health-care coverage through their employers, many have been left without coverage as corporate America has downsized over the past several years.
The main reason the majority of health-care coverage is employer-based is that American business has a tax incentive to attract quality labor by offering health-care coverage, on which the employee doesn't pay taxes, as opposed to 100 percent pay in money wages, on which the employee does pay taxes.
There's a simple solution: Rather than a new national health-care system, health-care insurance should become more the individuals' responsibility, not the responsibility of business or government. Most people could obtain this insurance through their employers, and others could purchase their own with the help of tax breaks, depending on their income. People could take their insurance with them as they changed jobs.
Breaking the link between employment and health-care insurance is crucial to establishing universal health coverage and financial security for all Americans.
KEN LONG RADFORD
Of G-strings and television's C.J.
I CAN'T help but laugh and wonder about two unrelated items in this newspaper on April 5: staff writer Laurence Hammack's news article, ``Dancer's court day delayed,'' and the commentary, ``If `Baywatch' is world-class, there's no class left in the world.''
I suppose it should come as a relief to me to learn that crime in Roanoke is at such a lull. Who would that imagine our law-enforcement authorities would focus their attention on a dancer who threatens public safety by letting her G-string slip a little bit? Our citizens must be protected from such criminals! It reminds me of when I lived in Tennessee, and there was a referendum to allow liquor by the drink. A pastor took a busload of church folks to Memphis for a firsthand look at the ``sinful'' strip joints where liquor by the drink was served. It was so disgusting they went back for another visit. (This is a true story.)
I find it curious that a nearby university's public-information officer felt compelled (by personal indignation?) to make a public statement of her disdain for a popular TV show and about her son's interest in physically attractive females featured on the show. Most women don't look like Pamela Denise Anderson (a.k.a. C.J. on ``Baywatch''). That's why she makes a lot of money as a model and actress. It's good the university employee pointed this out to her son. We wouldn't want him brainwashed into thinking all women look like female stars of ``Baywatch'' Or worse, that it's OK to enjoy such a ``stupid'' show with his friends.
Is ``Baywatch'' realistic? Of course not. I'd prefer that California's riots, earthquakes, fires and depleted government funds be confined to news programs. I'd rather watch C.J. But then, that's why we have a variety of cable channels.
DAVID HANSON ROANOKE
Obenchain's aware of Vinton's needs
I SUPPORT W.E. ``Billy'' Obenchain for Vinton Town Council at the May 3 election. He's a lifelong Vinton resident and is aware of the importance of good town government. Obenchain understands and respects our town's traditions and responsibilities. He possesses a vision of what's essential to make our town a better place to live and work.
Obenchain makes a decision only after he knows all sides of an issue. He is fair, honest and open. He's ever mindful of the needs and concerns of those around him. His background as a Vinton native, local businessperson, fire fighter, property owner and father has prepared him to assume this position of public stewardship. I know he possesses courage, conviction and a desire to do what's right. These traits have earned him my respect and support.
Vinton will benefit from this gentleman's addition to our town government.
GEORGE W. NESTER VINTON
Making malls better places to shop
I READ in this newspaper on April 9 that four area shopping malls will ban smoking in common areas of the buildings (``Region's malls to ban smoking'' by staff writer Michael Stowe). Thank goodness! I'm sure this was a big decision for these businesses, but it's one they should be proud of.
At any given time, there are hundreds of people in a shopping mall. And when many of them are smoking, it's very noticeable. As an adult, smoke bothers me, but my main concern has always been the children. When mine were small and in strollers, on several occasions shoppers would walk by with cigarettes in hand and come very close to brushing them against my children or dropping hot ashes on them. Recently, my 7-year-old was walking, and a teen-ager, who put his arm out to his side to make a gesture, barely missed her face!
Yes, smokers do have rights, but nonsmokers do too. Children are usually taken to public places with adults, thereby they don't choose to be exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke. I feel certain the malls' decision will not hurt their business, but rather help it because nonsmokers will enjoy shopping more often and for longer periods.
GENE E. RAWLING VINTON
The 'Animal House' in Radford
REGARDING the March 17 news article by staff writer Kathy Loan concerning the fraternity that's been banned by Radford University and their nationals, Sigma Phi Epsilon (``5 Radford fraternity members charged''):
Get real! Aren't there many more stories of poverty, drug abuse and other social problems that you could have dredged up? Perhaps you could have done a news article on something good that has happened in the community. These young men probably aren't the quietest, most respectful model citizens on the block, but do their actions warrant the type of publicity they're getting? I think not!
For those who can remember being an adolescent or young adult, try and recall some youthful indiscretions we might have gone through. For those who cannot remember being young, shame on you!
This situation reminds me of one of the all-time classic movies, ``Animal House,'' where the dean of students was obsessed with revoking the charter of the evil fraternity that was on ``double secret probation.''
TIMOTHY B. ST.LAURENT Sigma Phi Epsilon Radford University 1990 graduate ALEXANDRIA
by CNB