ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, July 9, 1996 TAG: 9607090028
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
REGARDING George Hawkins' June 14 letter to the editor (``Inflation will soar with wage increase'') in which he said that minimum-wage increases result in higher inflation, layoffs, unions' asking for wage increases and other burdens on businesses and people:
History shows these events occur after raising the minimum wage. However, greedy people are the true cause of some of the results that he mentioned.
I find it quite sad that the ethics of some employers are so low that they must wait for government to regulate them before they will increase wages. I now make a worthy wage that has been won in the past by the struggle of labor unions. However, I remember quite well when I was previously trying to live on a meager salary. I feel deeply for anyone who has to live under such conditions, and I despise employers who pay employees as little as they can get away with, and not by the employees' worth.
Inflation and price increases come about due to employers' attempts to maintain their profit margins. Should we pay workers as little as possible so that the bourgeoisie can buy their products at a more attractive price?
The workers of this nation have built this country, yet they are increasingly forgotten in legislative circles.
Increasing the minimum wage is a small step to show some respect for the working class. It's unfortunate it has to be an election year for this to occur.
ERIC ANGEL
ROANOKE
Profiteering on summer's heat
I AM CONCERNED by the recent price increases of Freon 12 refrigerant. Apparently, in three days time or less, its price rose more than $100. On May 27, it was quoted at $429 per 30-pound container. By May 30, it was quoted at $550.
Since this product is no longer produced in this country and is basically in storage all over the country, and foreign Freon 12 products are banned, we need price controls to prevent profiteering and price gouging. The only factor causing increases is greed. Supplies of this product are supposed to be ample through the year 2001 and beyond. It hardly seems natural for a price increase of this magnitude to take place when a product just sits in the back of a tractor-trailer for a few days. Someone is taking unfair advantage of the people, and it needs to be stopped now.
Consider the pressures on small businesses that are losing repair jobs and profits because some people cannot, or will not, pay exorbitant fees to repair their air-conditioning systems. The possibility of Freon 12 escaping due to a faulty tank valve can cause a $550 devastating loss to a shop owner. This has occurred in the past at several shops. The temptation to use poor-quality substitutes, some illegal, is very high, and it could cause equipment damage by contamination. Some substitutes are highly explosive.
Then we also have people with health problems who must have air conditioning, and cannot function without their vehicles. To force such people to pay these exorbitant prices for Freon 12 is wrong.
There are strong feelings among those in the auto-repair industry that Freon 12 pricing is big business and politically controlled. Certainly, the high federal taxes added to Freon had much influence on the out-of-control situation we're faced with now.
DONALD F. SHARRER JR.
ROANOKE
Boucher flunked abortion vote
REGARDING Rep. Rick Boucher's support of partial-birth abortions:
It's hard to understand why he, from a relatively conservative district, would vote with the extreme liberal wing of his party in support of partial-birth abortions. This procedure involves partial extraction of the child from the birth canal, and then the piercing of the base of the skull with scissors to allow the contents to be suctioned so the skull can be removed.
Based on the sentiment in his district and the evidence presented in congressional testimony, Boucher's position on the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act is puzzling. Sworn testimony by those who have performed these abortions reveals that the majority are elective - that is, for the mother's convenience. Further, the American Medical Association opposes such abortions as "medically unnecessary.'' Yet, Boucher voted against banning such abortions. President Clinton then vetoed the legislation, despite bipartisan support in both houses of Congress.
Instead of supporting President Clinton's extreme position, Boucher needs to talk to some of the average voters in his district to find out where they stand on this issue. If he does, I believe he'll reconsider his position.
RANDY WATTS
CROCKETT
LENGTH: Medium: 88 linesby CNB