THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, December 12, 1995 TAG: 9512120013
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
Republicans and Democrats alike have seized on welfare and health- care reform to win elections. They have played on the fears and frustrations of Americans who believe the system is riddled with waste and corruption.
If we are to remain a decent and compassionate society, we need to retain some type of safety net for our poor. One possible solution is to integrate straight welfare reform with some of our service industries.
The United States has a growing senior population.
Also, our schools are in desperate need of increased adult supervision due to increased crime in the schools. Chronically dependent welfare mothers and possibly their offspring can be trained to help the elderly, to work in day-care centers and to become monitors in our schools.
They would earn credits, education and training. A work ethic would be gradually instilled as the welfare dependent became a viable and needed part of the work force.
These workers would have a way to channel talents and ambitions and, most important, they would be earning a paycheck. What better way for someone to gain self-respect?
RUBY HAYNES
Virginia Beach, Nov. 30, 1995 by CNB