Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, May 16, 1994 TAG: 9405150054
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Community and political leaders have too often weakened and derided values, he told the nearly 150 graduates.
During his address, Goode did not mention his leading opponent in the Democratic primary, U.S. Sen. Charles Robb, or the June 14 election, but he sounded one of the main themes in his campaign.
"Too often our leadership has not given us the role models that our children so desperately seek, that our communities so desperately need," he said.
Goode has said the overriding issue in the Senate race is who will lead by example. He has implied that Robb is too scandal-ridden to remain in office.
Goode, who was invited to be commencement speaker shortly he entered the Senate race, focused mainly on health care issues. Harry Nickens, the college's president and a Roanoke County supervisor, asked Goode to speak.
Clutching a copy of his speech in his right hand, Goode participated in the academic procession, wearing a cap and gown.
He told the graduates he believes in a limited system of government, but that there is a role for government when children are in need of care or elderly in need of treatment.
He did not endorse any health insurance plan, but he said he believes the debate over health care will produce significant improvements for all working Americans.
Goode said the graduates have the opportunity to serve one of the most medically underserved areas in Virginia.
"It is most important to Southwest Virginia that you and your predecessors return your skills to your communities," he said. "I understand that most current and previous graduates pursue health-care careers in the mountains and valleys of Southwest Virginia."
There is a need for better health care in rural areas where there is a shortage of health care professionals, he said.
"Too often the local hospital emergency room serves as the family doctor, and we all pay," he said. "Too often treatment is delayed until minor problems require acute care, and we all pay, as children, the working poor and the elderly fall through the cracks."
Goode noted the creation two years ago of the Virginia Health Care Foundation, a public-private partnership to expand the reach of health care for the indigent and the working poor. The foundation's mission, he said, is to promote and help generate funding for locally based partnerships to provide access to primary care.
Goode said that the foundation, like the College of Health Sciences and the Community Hospital of the Roanoke Valley, is an example of what can be done if a community works together.
"I think it's time that we take a fresh look and revisit some old principles," he said. "As we look to our shared future, we can remember our traditions, but we must be guided by our principles."
by CNB