ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, September 3, 1996 TAG: 9609030113
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
CURRENTLY there is much concern for the way Social Security is administered. There are those who lump Social Security in with all other welfare and entitlement programs. Of course, those who know the facts couldn't do such a thing.
If anyone is entitled to benefits, it is those who paid for them. Social Security is something that is owed to the contributors; it is not welfare. This is something we need to get straight, once and for all.
There may be some who get more from Social Security than they put into it. On the other hand, if the fund had been handled in a business-like manner and properly invested, everyone who contributed to it would be satisfied. The fact is that government has used it in such a manner that it's now in jeopardy. Government officials have robbed it, distributed it to those who contributed nothing to it, and have mismanaged it so the next generation is unlikely to benefit from it. However, that isn't the fault of present beneficiaries. In addition, there are many contributors who never benefited from the program because they didn't live to collect from it.
After considering all the facts, no one has a right to suggest that it's the fault of Social Security recipients and to try to make us feel bad. We paid our dues. We deserve what we are getting and should feel no guilt when some young whippersnapper thinks he or she has a solution that cheats the old people. We worked for our country, and many of us fought for the freedom of this generation. Many died for it. So don't come to us whining about your future. Get out and work like we did, and put people in office who will do a better job of running our government.
JACKIE BURCH
CHRISTIANSBURG
Have the Democrats converted Dole?
AFTER BILL Clinton signed welfare legislation into law, Bob Dole made the announcement: "He's done everything but switch parties." This, indeed, is a surprising statement for Dole, who lately has begun to move more and more toward the left. We can see how Dole's positions are moving in that direction by looking at two issues: abortion and gun control.
Recently, Dole decided that he was no longer for the strong pro-life language in the Republican platform. On top of this, he no longer guarantees that he will sign pro-life legislation if elected president. This indicates a slide to the left in his thoughts on abortion.
Gun control provides more confirmation of this trend. He once fervently backed repeal of the Brady Bill and a ban on several types of assault rifles. Now, after realizing that his position isn't popular with the American public, he has decided he no longer backs a repeal.
Dole's slide toward the left inevitably poses the question: Who is switching parties?
YONI SCHNELLER
BLACKSBURG
Cultural events are often world-class
REGARDING Beth Macy's Aug. 20 column (``She has right to find valley boring'') regarding Anne Metcalfe's July 21 letter to the editor (``Roanoke Valley is a cultural wasteland''):
As a citizen who has a personal interest in the future of this valley, I wish that Metcalfe had seen Mill Mountain Theater's ``Crazy For You,'' which my wife and I saw six times. We also saw it in London in 1994 and enjoyed the Mill Mountain Theater's performance more. Recently, we were in Vancouver and saw Hal Prince's production of ``Showboat.'' By contrast, I believe the caliber of Mill Mountain can be matched against many theatrical productions worldwide.
I hope Metcalfe will take in the Currier exhibit now at the Art Museum of Western Virginia. This is one of the best I've seen anywhere. I also hope she'll return later this year for the White House exhibit. Roanoke is one of the few cities in this country where these two exhibits will be shown.
Mill Mountain Theater and the art museum - together with the history and science museums - make Center in the Square a unique concept. This complex, when coupled with Hotel Roanoke, makes our downtown one of the strongest in the nation, as was celebrated recently in Market Square. When we add the symphony and transportation museum, I believe we have a truly fine cultural complement. As opposed to having nothing to do, I find these organizations have so many activities that they often conflict with each other.
The only problem Roanoke has is that many of these good works are unknown to many local citizens and those in surrounding areas. Your newspaper does an excellent job in covering these events, but more needs to be done. This year I've been from Los Angeles to London, Miami to Montreal, Victoria to Wilmington, N.C. I've found that Canadian and European cities have done more to protect and preserve their infrastructures. However, in the United States, Roanoke has done better than most cities in redefining its downtown and the cultural organizations located therein. I hope Metcalfe will return home to take in some of these activities.
WILBERT JAMES CARTER JR.
ROANOKE
Women must go into the trenches
REGARDING Carl R. Padgett's Aug. 16 letter to the editor, ``Give women access to harm's way'':
I agree with him. If women want to go to Virginia Military Institute, let them live the same as the guys: same haircut, same showers and same living quarters.
When it comes to military training, put them in the trenches. Be sure they are in the rat line.
MARIE FOLEY
CATAWBA
LENGTH: Long : 103 linesby CNB