Ms. Ellen Goodman's column of Oct. 24, "A $250 Donation" was a total insult to seniors. This was a poor, one-sided piece of journalism. She states, "So why would we give $250 to every senior at every income while poor children remain in deep trouble." Why did everyone's West York school taxes increase again to fund a $60,000 lacrosse team that seniors will never use? Poor kids. Perhaps the school district would like to help pay seniors' prescription medications.

Ms. Goodman states "elders are half as likely to be poor as are children." The "children" are their own parents' responsibility - not the seniors whose children are probably grown. And since when should precious children be referred to as a "financial burden," as she states in her article? She further states, "There's evidence that older Americans suffered fewer mortgage foreclosures." That's because seniors used the common sense they were born with and did not have to live beyond their means in $300,000 houses with snowmobiles, motorcycles, big screen TVs and every luxury that comes along.

She also suggests that the seniors should say no to Congress for the $250. I don't recall any of our state legislators declining their salaries or health care benefits when they failed miserably to pass a budget by the deadline. It would be interesting what Ms. Goodman's views are regarding the million-dollar salaries of the Hollywood celebrities and the professional athletes. They could sure refuse some of their

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millions for "the children in deep trouble or some junior cause." The seniors and their measly $250 doesn't even compare.

JOAN EMIG
WEST MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP