THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603220013
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
``Dole vs. Clinton'' (editorial, March 9) reported that many voters are concerned with Sen. Robert Dole's age and, hence, would not support his candidacy for president of the United States. Senator Dole's age should not be a problem for many voters.
In your Jan. 21 issue, you published an article on centenarians titled ``Who is old?'' and quoting Daniel Perry, director of the Alliance for Aging Research in Washington, D.C.: ``Start rethinking your ideas about who's old. The centenarians are helping stretch our sense of human potential. If people live to 100, how can you think of a person as used up at 65? We are approaching the day when to be 70 or 80 is going to me middle-aged.''
That day is here. I am Senator Dole's age, also served in World War II, and I consider myself middle-aged. I will vote for Sen. Robert Dole, as will millions of other ``middle-aged'' Americans who want responsible government that can be provided only by the leadership and maturity of Senator Dole.
Additionally, I intend to support President Dole through his four years of office and will support his efforts for a second term if he chooses to seek re-election.
LOUIS M. PALAMARA
Virginia Beach, March 9, 1996 by CNB