ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, October 21, 1996 TAG: 9610220037
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
UNFORTUNATELY, there are many women who feel as does Ellen Goodman (Oct. 8 column, ``The debate: Will it be Bob or Bill?''), that ``we're gonna go home with the guy what brung us.'' They feel this in spite of the fact that that guy has lied and been unfaithful to us and has cheated his colleagues.
Perhaps Bob Dole isn't a ``ladies' man,'' even though he is married to one of the most attractive, intelligent, stylish and classy women in the public eye. Quite frankly, I'm not looking for a ladies' man to lead this country. Bill Clinton is the kind of man you can find in any ``meet market'' on any busy Friday or Saturday night. My vote is going with the man who has good character and integrity - a true statesman - a leader who exudes greatness.
Furthermore, being allowed to retain 15 percent more of my income would allow me to further expand my business and keep a little more for myself. And it very well may make the difference with a lot of families as to whether both parents have to work. The existing plan is not conducive to mom or dad staying in the home.
Goodman is correct in that we have been through a lot with Clinton, and we know his weak points. As a result, the presidency of the United States has been taken to a new low in the four years that he has been in office. God help us if he is re-elected for another four years.
GAIL G. GODSEY
ROANOKE
Clinton's record is outstanding
PRESIDENT Clinton has shown constructive, consensus-building diplomacy in foreign relations, particularly in the Middle East. This contrasts with Sen. Bob Dole's effort to obstruct peace talks.
Clinton resists irresponsible tax cuts. Rather than promoting tax cuts favoring the wealthy, he increased taxes on the wealthiest 1 percent of workers and on the wealthiest 13 percent of Social Security recipients. He lowered taxes on the poor. This reversed the costliest (in inflation-adjusted dollars), most regressive and unfair redistribution of wealth (by Reagan) in this country's history.
The economy is solid. Jobless and inflation rates are the lowest, and the business-investment rate is the highest, since the Kennedy administration. The budget deficit has been cut by 60 percent, and Clinton knows the deficit must be lowered further.
Clinton understands that true big government is the GOP proposal to constitutionally curtail reproductive freedom and legislate when and how we pray. Dole says he trusts people, but doesn't trust women to manage their reproduction and doesn't trust us to pray. Clinton streamlined government agencies, reduced needless regulations and paperwork, and improved customer service. He knows the IRS is unpopular, but is needed in some form to collect revenue.
Recognizing that prevention is as important as punishment, Clinton proposed a crime package combining the two. Overall, violent crime is down. His drug policy combines education, interdiction, treatment and punishment. He initiated welfare reform, even before the 1996 Congress did, by authorizing more than 40 states' experiments with welfare programs. He and Gore have implemented enterprise zones to attract business investment in numerous locales.
Clinton won't eliminate the Department of Education as Dole pledges to do. Clinton understands the importance of education, and of citizens being able to afford it. Clinton and Gore will ensure that environmental protection is a national priority.
Clinton has survived relentless and unproved attacks on himself and his family with grace and dignity. He maintains a steady calm in domestic and international crises. He is energetic, and knows that political issues are usually more complex than biting one-liners. And Clinton won't let Pat Robertson and Ralph Reed dictate the composition of the Supreme Court. Need I say more?
KATHRYN A. WELCH
BLACKSBURG
Two issues need debate
TWO POINTS that were not adequately discussed in the so-called debate.
Character, trust and integrity count. Would a spouse remain in a marriage where a partner was continually untruthful?
Clinton's bridge to the future: Is it a toll bridge where everybody pays?
JOHN JOFKO
ROANOKE
Elderly should support Clinton
REGARDING Ed Baker's Oct. 7 letter to the editor, ``How can Clinton be where he is?'':
Baker stated that President Clinton was a draft dodger. But going to college or staying in school to keep from being called by the Selective Service doesn't classify one as a draft dodger.
Baker said that he was one sick and disgusted old Cavalry trooper. At his age, he should thank God that Clinton saved Medicare. If Bob Dole happens to get elected, Baker can kiss his Medicare good-bye. So can my mother and other elderly people.
Clinton has done a fine job since he's been in office. I am going to vote for him again, and so will millions of others.
CHARLES A. TWEEDY
BASTIAN
Christian label is no guarantee
IN RESPONSE to Elaine P. McCauley's Oct. 8 letter to the editor, ``Christian candidates must be elected'':
As a Roman Catholic, I agree with her point of view, except to ``elect the Christians.'' All religions teach moral values. Even atheists who do not believe in God have moral values.
For example, how many Christians in our federal government voted against the late-term partial-birth abortions ban that was vetoed by our Christian president, Bill Clinton?
I agree with Cauley that it's our duty and responsibility as Christians, Jews, etc., to vote for and elect candidates with good morals, character, integrity, honor and ethics.
GEORGE PALMERIO
VINTON
Unborn should have rights
ARE UNBORN babies better off now than they were four years ago? No, they are still being murdered. Unborn babies do not have any rights, but the American eagle's eggs do. You break an egg and you have broken the law. You crush a baby's skull just before the birth is completed, you haven't broken any law. Something is very wrong here.
I could never vote for anyone who accepts the practice of murdering innocent babies. May our Lord have mercy on the misguided in our government.
GLADYS G. BAYSE
SALEM
Americans win if Dole does
VOTE FOR Bill Clinton, Clinton wins. Vote for Ross Perot, Clinton wins. Vote for Harry Browne, Clinton wins. Vote for John Hagelin, Clinton wins. Vote for Howard Phillips, Clinton wins. Vote for Monica Moorehead, Clinton wins. Vote for nobody, Clinton wins.
Vote for Bob Dole, we win.
RAYMOND F. McKEE
ROANOKE
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