Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 27, 1994 TAG: 9410280044
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RICHARD E. O'DELL
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As a veteran who has worked on behalf of veterans at the local, state and national levels, I will vote for Sen. Charles Robb because:
Robb's distinguished combat service as a Marine Corps commander in Vietnam is well-documented, and he has released his complete military record. Oliver North has steadfastly refused to release his full military record.
Robb hasn't exploited his military service for political advantage. North has all but claimed that he alone served with distinction in Vietnam. In fact, almost 3 million men and women served with distinction in that theater.
Robb hasn't sought to reopen the divisive public wounds of the Vietnam War for his own personal gain. North has, by refusing to acknowledge President Clinton's position as commander in chief of the armed forces. It's doubtful that citizens of an earlier era would have condoned a candidate's unwillingness to accept as his commander in chief our nation's last non-veteran president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Robb has been there when his fellow veterans needed his support. North has no record of supporting veterans, or promoting government programs that provide the services they've earned.
North often says the right thing. He says things that many veterans and others like to hear about the flag, patriotism and traditional values. But if we are to be wise citizens, we must judge political candidates more by what they do than by what they say. In this crucial race, the candidates' character is the deciding factor.
While many may not condone Robb's past indiscretions in his personal life, there's nothing to suggest that he has been anything other than open and honest in his public actions as an elected official. On the other hand, North's public actions include many well-known and felonious acts of wrongdoing. As voters, let's not forget that it's a public position that North seeks.
We all know the facts: North obstructed Congress, and accepted an illegal gratuity while a Marine Corps officer. When pressed on his public indiscretions, he's all too ready to blame others or to offer some dubious excuse.
Even if you can excuse his misdeeds, North's inability or unwillingness to accept responsibility for his own public actions reveals a deeply flawed character. It's a major shortcoming that informed and responsible voters must not overlook.
Despite his well-advertised military decorations, the fact that North was never given the responsibility of leading troops after Vietnam speaks significantly about the shortcomings of his command ability.
As a veteran, I'll not disgrace my military service by supporting for high public office an individual who hides behind and brings shame upon the uniform he wore.
Richard E. O'Dell of Roanoke is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, former director of the Virginia Department of Veterans' Affairs, and co-author of ``Veterans Benefits: the Complete Guide.''
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB