st: syntax question - how to put the variable label into a macro

[Ginger A Smith <smithga@umich.edu>]

Hello,

I have some data set up in a funny way where the "data" is actually 
contained in the variable label.

The variables are mt_1_1996 mt_2_1996 mt_3_1996 etc. with an "X" in the 
column to indicate that the observation goes with the city.  The names of 
the city are in the variable label.
I need to grab the variable label but am having trouble with the syntax.

Here's my code that puts in Akron, OH wherever there is an "X" in any of 
the variables:

forvalues i = 1(1)89 {;
local tempvar = "Akron, OH" ;
replace mt_`i'_1996= "`tempvar'" if mt_`i'_1996=="X" ;
};

I want to do something like this (the second line is the problem):

forvalues i = 1(1)89 {;
local tempvar = variable label mt_`i'_1996 ;
replace mt_`i'_1996= "`tempvar'" if mt_`i'_1996=="X" ;
};

Thank you very much for your help,
Ginger Smith

************************
University of Michigan
Departments of Economics
and Health Management and Policy

Room M3041, SPH II
109 S. Observatory St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108-2029

smithga@umich.edu


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