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SECTION 2 • PAGE 4 - PLAINDEALER - WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 7, IMS general ytol ICI Ul News Vietnam veterans question state leaders Value of gifts is thought behind it Practically anytime you go shopping you'll hear someone muttering about how Christmas has become "too commercial", but, of course, the minute you turn your back and start down the aisle, guess who is busy looking at cute things they Want to buy! Christmas gift-giving, itself, is not a commercial creation for it began with the Wise Men's gift to Babv Jesus long ago. The real value to gifts is the thought behind it - the heart that says, "It may seem, so often, that I take you for granted, but I really think of you and care for you. I'd just like to pass on this little gift from my heart." By Cliff Ward Shaw Free Press News Service A recent legislative of VietNow, which was mc give Vietnam veterans a chance to question their elected of­ ficials, was more notable for the lack of representatives who were there. Inviting everyone from state representatives to U.S. senators to presidential representatives to appear at St. John's Lutheran Church, the group fielded a panel of three: State Sen. Jack Schaffer (R-Crystal Lake), Earl L6wis. a representative of U.S. Rep. Phil Crane (R-12th), and Don Bartels of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Af­ fairs. State Rep. Dick Klemm had committed to appear, but became ill. Sen. Charles Percy, Sen. Alan Dixon and U.S. Rep. Tom Corcoran were also invited, but were not available. However, the two dozen members of the audience still had a chance to ask questions ranging over a wide variety of topics from job training to Agent Orange, the dioxin defoliant used extensively in Vietnam. The Illinois Commission to Now thru February ... Special prices on FS grain system products FS has all you need for the grain system you want. Bins of all sizes ... in-bin continuous flow or stir drying sys­ tems ... grain handling equipment .. . fans, heaters and accessories. Plus complete planning, construction and main­ tenance services. SAVE BIG! and defer payment until September 30, 1984! The sooner you buy, the more you save! McHENRY FS Marengo McHenry Huntley Woodstock Bkhom aemug Z«d» »,>. ' jg Excerpts from THfc NUTCRACKER and other festive dances Pfcatofraph by Cratf Sehreiaer Woodstock Opera House presents juirnr MLAMDER MNCU ITHiAl'Rli the Woodstock Opera tiouse » esqtusitely restored historic theatre aa hour i drive or less from mast Chtra(» area (orations Friday, December 9 8:15 p.m. *6.00/*5.00 Saturday, December 10 2:00 p.m. * 8:15 p.m. ^.OQ/'S.OO Students '4.00 all seats TICKETS (815) 338-5300 cjP jff. TT is* * Vta^/Master Card acupted Study Agent Orange was a favorite target. The commission is composed primarily of legislators and is headed by David Weisbaum, a veteran Chicago Democrat. Weisbaum, who is not a veteran, is the only member of the commission to receive a salary from the commission's $50,000 budget. "Illinois has been one of the states involved and interested in the Agent Orange problem since early on," Schaffer said, but he added the present commission "looks a little politicized." When Schaffer said he heard a veteran was to head the com­ mission, he assumed it would be a Vietnam veteran, not one of the Chicago mayoral face. "Maybe next week they'll come out with the most com­ plete report we've seen to date, but maybe I'll wake up tomorrow with a full head of hair," said Schaffer, who is balding. Lewis responded to charges by veterans that Congressman Crane votes against all ap­ propriations bills that might help veterans, while supporting only those that increase defense spending. He agreed that Crane does vote against most ap­ propriations bills as a matter of principle, considering the proposed U.S. deficit of $200 billion. Crane, Lewis said, supports President Reagan in beefing up defense spending, which he said dropped during the Carter administration. Bartels answered to the more immediate needs, telling them about available programs and where veterans can go for help. "I'm a veteran and I'm concerned about the needs of a veteran," he said. Bartels added that his office would try to get up-to-date information to the veterans on programs. The Rev. Rick Carlson, head of VietNow's Legislative Committee, asked Lewis to tell Crane not to "throw out the baby with the bath water" on ap­ propriations that might benefit Vietnam veterans. w . Lewis said that is dlfficult to ado since Circuit 1a onto* oneo*<8fc congressmen and cannot veto line items of an appropriations bill or offer amendments to them on the floor of the House of Representatives. The powerful house committees, where such amending is done, have been stacked with liberal Democrats by House Speaker Tip O'Neil, Lewis said. "Your argument is not with Congressman Crane, but with Congress," Lewis said. Carlson suggested that VietNow draft legislation on veteran education, Vietnam servicemen still missing in action or unaccounted for, and VA mortgages. Several veterans said they would like to return to school, but are no longer eligible for government veterans' funding to do so. Another man suggested that the way to prove U.S. servicemen are still being held captive in Southeast Asia is to offer a bounty for their return. Lewis suggested they write letters to Congressman Crane outlining their ideas. Jack Wojewoda, president of McHenry County's VietNow chapter, later said he was personally discouraged with Lewis' responses. "We're giving the man ideas that would put feathers in Crane's hat and all we're told is to write letters," he said. Wojewoda said he was also disappointed by Lewis' lack of knowledge on Crane's voting record on veterans issues. However, he had high praise for Schaffer, calling him a "super guy." HH mmm HH mmm sale "Every time we've asked about something, he's been there for us," Wojewoda said. Although VietNow received no response from Sen. Charles Percy, Sen. Alan Dixon, the Governor's office, Rep. Dan Rostenkowski or Rep. Tom Corcoran, Wojewoda said he would like to try to organize another similar event. "We're not a big* organization . now, but we're going to be,? nMttoWPd* said jswji- I •> i junior sweater clearance. Orig. *18 to *30. Tops on your list of fashion and value. We've a fantastic selection of sweaters for juniors in styles that range from dressy to casual; sophisticated to classic. Famous names, too... like 'Collage' and 'Q\ In a variety of colors and fabrics. Sizes S-M-L. Selection will vary from store to store, and intermediate markdowns may have been taken. Hurry in for best choice, while quantities last. I s8> n * * * * * * * * V*'* k « ' . « • _ s • 6- L JCPenney SHOP SUNDAY 11 TO 6. SHOP NIGHTLY 'TIL 9:30. 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