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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 11, 1994                   TAG: 9405110063
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

HOW MUCH PAYNE CAN THE 5TH STAND?

Do you think these same citizens think capitalism in a democracy isn't preferable to government-created and government-managed health care in a socialist environment?

Or, that the federal government should have any business whatsoever in managing America's public education?

Or, that the federal government should continue to arbitrarily hand down unfunded mandates?

Or, that those elected officials need to make decisions affecting us today, not to mention many generations to come? After all, the assumption is we're too ignorant to know what we want, much less what's best for America in the long run.

We cannot simply carve out a select few businessmen - that is, tobacco farmers of Southside Virginia - to fund Clinton's health-care plan. I, like many conservatives, have had all the ``Payne'' I can stand.

BARBARA WILSON

BASSETT

Nattering nabobs among survivors

RETIRING after 40 years as a reporter, editor and columnist, I continue to wonder if editorial writers aren't essentially closet psychiatrists hired to reflect the ownership's views. Certainly, the First Amendment removes the legal need for fairness and accurate statements. Cliches are also permissible, as your April 26 editorial about President Nixon demonstrated (``The irrepressible, tragic American'').

But great nattering nabobs! What a crock of distortions and couching (pun intended) examination!

The Nixon you obviously never knew was first, if nothing else, a practical politician, just like Jack Kennedy or Lyndon Johnson. Both Kennedy and Johnson had ``enemies lists'' not generally reported by The Washington Post.

The Kennedy people attacked Nixon because he was a Quaker and were as close to McCarthy as Nixon. Johnson parlayed $25,000 to $32 million in politics, but did you open that can? Or did you tell us how close Ben Bradlee, the senior Post editor who spearheaded Watergate, was to Kennedy?

But as I said, you don't have to be either fair or accurate, or get a perspective, even if the man is dead.

WILLIAM F. ANDERSON

LEXINGTON

What goes around comes around

I WAS extremely interested and amused at Ginger Mumpower's performance at the Radford City Council meeting as reported by this newspaper on April 26 (``Temporary Radford bridge debated'' by staff writer Rick Lindquist). I only wish I had been there.

Mumpower defeated me for re-election to council in 1984. She ran her campaign on one major issue: revitalization of business in downtown Radford. Shortly after defeating me, she moved her jewelry store from downtown Radford across the river to Fairlawn!

Well, what goes around comes around, and chickens often come home to roost!

EDWARD D. JERVEY

RADFORD

North stood by nation's promises

LET'S REFRESH Virginia voters' memories!

The Iran-Contra affair began because Congress members weaseled out of a firm commitment. They promised Contras full support in overthrowing Nicaragua's communist government. They promised arms, as well as food, medical and other supplies.

Then, after the Contras literally put their lives on the line, the liberal factions in Congress caused Congress to change its mind and shut down all aid.

Oliver North and others were trying to keep faith with the Contras - trying to keep America's pledge of aid. North stood up for the United States' word of honor. Congress' memory lapse is selective.

As to why Congress wasn't kept apprised of controversial actions, it has only itself and self-serving members to blame. When they're told in confidence about something that somebody doesn't like, they just spring a leak to stop an action cold.

SUZIE MARKLEY

LEXINGTON

A fair compromise on bus fares

REGARDING the rate increase of the Special Transit Arranged Rider program contracted out through Valley Metro (April 20 news article by staff writer Michael Stowe, ``Valley Metro wants service, fare increase''):

I understand there's a proposal for a 33 percent increase in the STAR fare, going from $1.50 to $2 per one-way trip. That will cost the average handicapped citizen around $84 per month to go back and forth to work, if he or she depends on the service for transportation to work as I do.

There are also plans to do away with the monthly pass altogether for STAR clients. That's unfair to those who try to do the best they can to be self-sufficient.

I suggest keeping the monthly pass and raise the price of it by 33 percent. The pass is now $43. If raised 33 percent, it would be $57.19. That's fairer than taking away the pass. It would be a compromise for all.

CINDY KING

ROANOKE