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

DATE: TUESDAY, November 8, 1994                   TAG: 9411080104
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE RIGHT CHOICE TODAY IS TO VOTE

Today, however, comes the beautiful part. It's the big event, when citizens take power into their own hands, wresting the democratic rite from candidates and consultants and pollsters and advertisers and the media.

Today, we vote.

That it is important to do so ought to go without saying. In Virginia's Senate race, not only does the ballot feature a candidate, Oliver North, whose lies and lawbreaking render him "unfit" (to use Sen. John Warner's word) for office. It also offers a stark choice between contrasting political visions.

The real choice excludes independent candidate Marshall Coleman, who by all indications has no chance of winning. A vote for him might help elect North.

Between North and Sen. Charles Robb, however, lies a world of difference on substantive issues - leaving aside Tai Collins and Iran-Contra.

Every voter should know, for instance, that North says abortion should be criminalized except in cases of incest, rape and threats to a mother's health. Robb supports continued protection of women's reproductive rights.

Every voter should know that Robb has cast votes for real spending cuts and deficit reduction, while North glibly offers a candy store of tax-cut giveaways, swelling military spending and the amazingly balanced budget, at no cost to anyone but freeloaders.

More generally, voters should know that North does not represent the traditional mainstream of Virginia Republicanism. Robb is a flawed candidate. But his challenger embraces an extreme brand of politics that attempts to win votes by dividing and excluding people.

Are homosexuals, welfare mothers, foreign aid and those hard-to-find liberals really the source of our woes?

Like Sen. Jesse Helms but more charismatic, North would rather feed resentment and find someone to blame than emphasize Americans' common purpose and shared stakes in addressing our problems.

North doubtless would exploit his election by Virginians as a launching pad for his hard-right agenda and his national ambitions. Voters need to stop his trajectory now.

On the other hand, the din from the Senate race ought not to drown out other significant issues on the ballot, other reasons to visit the polling booths today.

Congressional races in the 5th and 9th Districts have cluttered air time with attack ads. But there are incumbents' records to consider as well.

There are also bond issues, elected-vs.-appointed school-board referenda and public officials' seats on ballots in several jurisdictions around the region.

In Franklin and Botetourt counties and the city of Roanoke, important bond referenda would, if approved, ease overcrowding and improve educational facilities for schoolchildren. These are tests of voters' concern for the future of their communities.

There is the national picture to consider, as well. Majorities in both houses of Congress may change, depending in part on Virginia election results. Whether that possibility heartens or distresses you, the point is to participate in the decision.

Today, in polling places, the nation comes together. Polls in Virginia are open until 7 p.m.

The right choice is to vote.

Keywords:
POLITICS