THE PUBLIC MIND: VOTING BOOTH PICK: WHICH IS MORE VALUABLE, DOLLARS OR LIVES?

To the Editor:

Are our young people not infinitely more important than dollar signs dancing before our eyes? Should we not be feeling a sense of responsibility for the environment they are to ~grow up in? Will we be tying another millstone around their necks as they fight to keep their heads above water in a sea of present day promiscuity, alcohol and drug addictions? Is the new peer pressure to become a look ahead to the glamour and glitz of the casinos? Is not, for some, the addiction ~~of the ~video arcades, in time and money, enough?

Anyone with an open mind realizes the danger of addiction to gambling. Recent documentaries have revealed the incidence for many, irrespective of age, sex or socio-economic standing. Are we willing to add to the awesome burden of many of our single parent families?

Many years ago my husband died at an early age and I assumed the role of a sin~gle parent for my three children. From ~~~~many options I chose to return to this area, believing it ~~~to be the best and most wholesome place, with positive influences. It has measured up to those expectations.

Although my nest is now empty, and I ~~no longer~ teach and work with the young in the classrooms, my concern and my heart are ~~still with the youth, ~~and always will be!

The economic bonanza has been so glowingly presented that many feel there is no need to vote, that the issue is already decided.

However, I would like to challenge everyone,~ in the privacy of their voting booth, to consider, which is more valuable ... dollars or lives? You have the power to make a lasting difference!

Virginia Paul

Jackson