ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 3, 1996 TAG: 9602050044
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTER
I AGREE with Eugenia Krieger Lindsey's Jan. 24 commentary, ``Children who will suffer have no say in budget.''
In the country today, the prevailing attitude is that the poor are ``bad'' people who shouldn't be helped. Essentially, those who suffer the most are the children and the elderly. It shouldn't surprise anyone that when that a child matures, he or she reacts to society the same way that society reacted to him or her.
When you're dealing with those who are young and whose intellect is developing, that isn't the time to take things away that help to develop that intellect. How do people expect children to grow up and participate meaningfully in society if these same people deny them the ability to grow?
I grew up in a family that was very close to the edge of welfare several times. However, I was fortunate because my mother cared very much about my education and growth. Every chance I had to better myself in school or out, I took it. We took advantage of every government program I was eligible for to make sure that I had a chance to go to college, to get a good job and to have a good life.
Unfortunately, some children don't have that guidance or support. But does that justify the excuse that programs to help the disadvantaged aren't needed because some parents aren't responsible? I think not. These children aren't faceless individuals with no identity or character. You see them every day at the grocery store, at school, playing in the neighborhoods. They deserve a chance - everyone deserves a chance. If you choose not to take your chance, that's one thing. But to deny it altogether for others is horrible.
I would like to thank Lindsey for her insightful commentary. I hope it will make people think. MELINDA W. RECTOR SALEM
Expand chances for contest winners
REGARDING Geraldine D. Phillips' Jan. 16 letter to the editor, ``Winners had an unfair advantage,'' referring to the short-story contest (``A Christmas Memory'') that was published in the Extra section of this newspaper in December:
I agree with her 100 percent, and believe many feel the same way she does. I felt like I had been cheated in this so-called contest. What contest? The newspaper should have said it was a contest for English teachers and professors. It aggravates me that so many people tried to create a great piece of work, and their efforts weren't even acknowledged.
In future years, I suggest a category of some sort to give us students and others a fighting chance. With only one category for more than 700 entries, we haven't a prayer over those more experienced. KATIE REICH VINTON
Public service is getting a bad name
THERE WAS a time in my life when I was proud to be a civil servant, employed by our federal government for 35 years. Today, I'm ashamed for people to know that I'm a federal retiree.
The behavior of our Republican-controlled Congress is inexcusable. It's obvious that all the Republicans are interested in is having their own way about what goes on in our country today - and lording it over the Democratic Party - with no concern or compassion for the average American family.
President Clinton deserves our support and a pat on the back for his courage in standing up, against all adversity and unfair criticism, for what's best for America. Especially distasteful to me is the way our first lady is being attacked, just to hurt and embarrass the president - a cruel and unjust political tactic.
I abhor the selfishness and greed displayed by the Republicans in Congress. They were voted in, and they can be voted out.
Like it or not, God still is in control! I pray that his will is going to be done in all things. MERLE K. CARTER WIRTZ
Renters must report faulty equipment
REGARDING the fire that killed five people in Southeast Roanoke: The owner isn't responsible for the faulty extension cord that's said to be the cause of the fire.
Maintenance workers in apartment houses only repair things that they know need repair or replacement. It's impossible for an owner of a house or apartment to check all appliances and equipment in a building on a regular or emergency basis. That's why we hire maintenance workers. This should be explained to a renter when he or she moves in.
Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers should be a part of any apartment or house that's rented. I'd like to see one smoke detector on each floor, with a louder alarm. It would do the job. Also, there should be one fire extinguisher on each floor. THOMAS E. ASH ROANOKE
The choice is life or death
IN RESPONSE to Sarah Goodman-Dalton's Jan. 22 letter to the editor, ``The choice is now the woman's'':
It has always been the woman's choice to (except in cases of rape or incest) say yes or no. Teach your children to say that, when and if you have children, instead of how to commit murder in the abortion clinic.
There are too many couples and singles who love children and cannot conceive, and would give anything to have a child to love and raise to be proud of.
My heart breaks whenever I read something like Goodman-Dalton has written. I feel sorry for her. JAY ROGERS ROANOKE
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