Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Stop plan to drill for oil in refuge
Our nation faces yet another effort to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge reserve to oil and gas drilling. Drilling in the Arctic simply doesn't make sound financial sense. While proponents say that it would generate $1 billion in revenue to offset tax breaks, the numbers don't add up — based on data from previous leases, it would actually yield less than 20 percent of that.
To add to that, exploration and drilling in the Arctic is extremely expensive and much riskier than it is in the Lower 48, and oil prices would have to rise significantly to make it financially viable for oil companies. Even with large increases in oil prices, Arctic drilling would still make no financial sense compared other oil plays that have not been fully developed and are easier and safer to access.
Cheryl Amundsen, Tallahassee
Tax bill clears Senate | Dec. 3
Criticisms of bill don't hold up
How does removing the mandate to buy health insurance leave millions without insurance? Won't people still be able to buy insurance? Responsible people will do so without having it forced on them.
On complaints that tax cuts "favor the rich," is that not always true? A 5 percent tax cut is $1,500 on a $30,000 salary and $50,000 on a $1 million salary. Do we really expect both people to get the same dollar amount back to make it "fair"?
Lastly, does anyone think that corporations pay taxes? They just pass along the cost by raising prices on their products or services, costing all of us more.
Larry Whitehead, Wimauma
Trump: Jerusalem is Israeli capital | Dec. 6
Palestinian red herring
The recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital is just the latest red herring for the Palestinians in their quest to avoid peace with Israel. For 70 years, there has always been an issue that is used to circumvent a solution. When the issue was the Sinai, giving it back to Egypt wasn't enough. When the issue was settlements, the cessation of building wasn't enough. When the United States did not recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, it wasn't enough. There is only one issue that matters: the existence of Israel. An undivided Jerusalem under the Palestinian flag would not be enough. The only solution to the peace process is the recognition of the right of Israel to exist. Until this happens, it's only more stinking fish.
Carl Zielonka, Tampa
County can't afford teachers' pay raises
Dec. 8, editorial
Money and priorities
I take exception to this editorial, which says Hillsborough County can't afford the $15 million to $17 million needed for pay raises for teachers. These educators honored their contracts by working for three years with no salary increase. The county violated the contract by not providing the scheduled raises.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Sports Authority, funded by Hillsborough County, acceded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' demands and agreed to pay $28.8 million for upgrades to Raymond James Stadium. Penalizing teachers and the education of our youth at the expense of a wealthy football team is shortsighted and foolhardy. It's no wonder Tampa remains a second-tier city.
Sherri Marquez, Tampa