Mistaken Support of Weld

I was shocked and saddened to read The Crimson's staff editorial endorsing Gov. Bill Weld '66 for re-election ("Vote for Bill Weld," Opinion, Nov. 1, 1994). The Crimson's usual high standards of journalism seem to have been lost in the staff's rush to judgement.

I don't know what state and what governor were described in the editorial, but it most certainly could not have been Massachusetts under Weld. The description of Bill Weld as a "liberal Republican," is a fundamental misreading of his political outlook. Weld is not a "liberal" Republican, but a "libertarian" Republican. In a throwback to the failed policies of the 1980s, he believes that the government that governs best, governs least. Weld only gives the appearance of being a thoughtful and reasonable moderate.

It is too bad that The Crimson has fallen for this ruse. In a global information age economy, government does have a place as a necessary partner for American business and cannot just sit by idly. Mark Roosevelt '78 understands that; Bill Weld does not.

The Crimson editorial states, "As governor, [Bill Weld] has understood the importance of attracting employers to the state," Not one new business has moved to Massachusetts during the Weld administration. Weld's only prescription for the economy is the introduction of casino gambling. This is a cure worse than the disease.

Casino gambling does not generate new strength for the economy, but only transfers money from one person to another. The only thing it does generate is crime and moral decay. Instead of attacking Roosevelt for this courageous stand against popular casinos. The Crimson should congratulate him.

Lastly, The Crimson editorial points out that Weld "authorized" an education reform act and "signed into law" a school choice plan. These laws were written by none other than Roosevelt. He spent a year of this life criss-crossing the state to build up support for these measures, while Bill Weld spent his afternoons on the squash court.

It seems that The Crimsons criteria for governor is someone who is smart enough to know how to sign their name at the bottom of Mark Roosevelt's bills. Andrei H, Cerny '97   College Democrats