Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 7, 1995 TAG: 9504070089
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STACY JONES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``In my own view, the Contract is not playing well to the American people,'' said the former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic candidate for president. ``When you scratch beneath the surface, there's a meanness to it.''
``I'm all for re-examining policy, but there's not much in it that is relevant to average Americans,'' Dukakis said.
That sentiment was pervasive in the audience that nearly filled the auditorium.
Ed Stinson of Roanoke County was wary of the way Republicans ``want to define the way I should think.''
``It's a smart political tactic, from their point of view, but it's dangerous,'' he said.
His wife, Lucy, concerned with the Christian right, said, ``I think some of the moderates do need to speak out.''
Although aware that he was speaking to the converted, Dukakis, who is a visiting professor at Northeastern University in Boston, spoke forcefully, passionately and in detail about where he thinks the country is headed. And he made it clear he believes the wrong way to go is whichever way the Republican bandwagon is headed.
``Their rhetoric suggests that nothing less than full repeal of the New Deal and the Great Society is their ultimate goal,'' Dukakis said.
Even people critical of Dukakis' agenda refused to sign up for Newt's America.
``I'm a fan of Dukakis, but not philosophically,'' said Don Graham of Roanoke. Although, he said, they are ``closer on welfare,'' his prescription for reform was summed up in one sentence:
``Teach them to fish, rather than serving them fish.''
For his part, Dukakis chastised those who see welfare recipients as lottery winners.
``It is a demeaning and highly insecure way of life,'' Dukakis said.
``Everyone is running around talking about welfare, but none of us know anyone on welfare,'' he said. Still, Dukakis said he would not increase welfare benefits to women who have additional children while on welfare. ``Hey,'' he said. ``They've got some responsibility, too.''
As for his sense of humor, Dukakis shared with the audience the experience of receiving his first senior citizen discount at a movie theater. ``The most upsetting part of it,'' Dukakis said, ``is the woman didn't even ask for my I.D.''
Dukakis said he was enjoying academic life and had no plans to run for any office.
by CNB