ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, July 15, 1996 TAG: 9607150017
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
KERMIT W. Salyer Jr.'s letter to the editor (July 7, ``Speed up a gas-tax increase'') was well-written and fairly represented the view that a gas-tax increase is justified for the purpose of deficit reduction.
For many years, law has required that federal fuel taxes be directed to the Highway Trust Fund solely for construction and maintenance of the interstate and primary highway systems. The interstate highway system recently celebrated its 40th year since inception, and has been acclaimed by many as one of the century's outstanding engineering achievements. This has been paid for by federal fuel taxes, and state fuel taxes to a limited extent. Where would we be today without this foresight?
The bad news is that our highways and bridges are in serious need of repair - with costs approaching 50 percent of the billions of dollars of original construction costs. Over the years, monies collected exceeded those being spent, resulting in an annual surplus or reserve that could have been wisely used for the designated purpose. The Washington bureaucracy has been playing games with these funds for years - not only underauthorizing their use, but actually ``borrowing'' the funds on paper to give the appearance of a lesser budget deficit. The 4.3 percent additional tax imposed in 1992 for use other than transportation-related needs is but another example of irresponsible government.
The scenario above has also been used with taxes on airline tickets and fuel for the intended use of airport construction, maintenance and improvements to safety and controls.
Granted, the issue is multifaceted, and strong feelings prevail among special-interest groups. But something must be done soon. We cannot afford to let our highways deteriorate further, and certainly not by diverting taxes for social purposes and deficit reduction. Neither do we need to create additional bureaucracy to issue gas stamps as was done during World War II.
DAVID H. BURROWS
ROANOKE
Does Dole finally understand?
REGARDING your July 2 article, ``Dole says running mate needn't be abortion foe'':
Dole was quoted as saying: ``But I am the nominee. I need to make the choice.'' Well, I am the woman and I need to make the choice. Does this mean that Dole finally understands what ``choice'' is all about or is this another message that what is good for the gander isn't necessarily good for the goose?
I'll never understand these Republicans!
MAY ANNE MACKEY
GALAX
Give the little girls a taste of VMI
IN RESPONSE to the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Virginia Military Institute (June 27 article, ``VMI must admit women, Supreme Court rules 7-1''):
The liberal court didn't hold with established and proven benefits of same-sex education. As a retired Army officer, I've seen the lowered standards and ``accommodations'' made to include women in the basic programs, in training and in the field. I'm not saying that women don't belong in the services. However, tremendous changes were necessary and standards of conduct, training and physical requirements were lowered.
Now, if VMI were interested in doing it right, VMI wouldn't hire a bunch of the meanest, female drill instructors from the Army and Marines. Hire one female officer to oversee women's indoctrination, and hold a ``Junior Rat Month'' for these little girls to get a taste of what they're in store for in the next four years. Drill instructors are already trained in attitude and behavior modification, and will require little supervision in breaking the little girls down to quivering blobs of jelly to be molded into a tight, cohesive fighting force. This training will not qualify them to wear a VMI cadet uniform. It will give them a small taste of the realities and the closeness that only cadets can experience.
Incidentally, in watching news interviews of the girls who believe they can ``make it,'' not one of them was physically fit enough to run around the block, much less adapt to the rigors of VMI's military training. They all want to ``prove something'' to themselves. If that is the case, then they can apply for ROTC or officer candidate schools in the various service branches. They don't have to prove themselves by undermining one of this country's great education centers.
JOHN P. RYAN
ROANOKE
Theater's quality isn't to be missed
I WAS pleasantly surprised when I saw ``Crazy For You'' at the Mill Mountain Theater on July 2. This was my first visit to the theater, and I was just amazed at such a professional production here in the Roanoke Valley.
Like many Roanokers, I didn't realize the caliber of talent at Mill Mountain, nor did I realize how highly esteemed the theater is viewed outside of the valley. According to the Playbill, ``It is now reputed to be one of the best regional theaters in the country.''
The entire cast was wonderful, but I was especially impressed with Elizabeth Dressler and Drew Geraci - both outstanding!
I hope everyone will take advantage of such great entertainment and see at least one Mill Mountain Theater production this year. If they do, I know they will go back again. I plan to!
SHARON FRANCISCO
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Long : 101 linesby CNB