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Saturday's letters: Voters deserve action on key issues

 
Published Jan. 9, 2015

Much work to do as GOP takes over | Jan. 6, editorial

Time for parties to compromise

"A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions" is how the dictionary defines compromise. But however one understands the concept, nothing can be achieved unless the differing parties agree to meet and settle their differences in an atmosphere of give-and-take, which has been sorely lacking in Congress during the past half-decade or more.

Tax reform, infrastructure repair and improvement, immigration, energy policy (including the Keystone XL pipeline) and adjustments to the Affordable Care Act represent just a handful of critical issues that have been allowed to fester, unattended to as Democrats and Republicans bickered and traded invectives.

Now that Republicans have achieved a majority in both houses of Congress, they will want to demonstrate that they can "get things done" in anticipation of the 2016 general election. But they lack a veto-proof majority, a situation in which President Barack Obama retains sufficient power to thwart their political ambitions should their legislative initiatives prove to be too radical.

Has the time for compromise between Capitol Hill and the White House finally arrived? The frustrated citizens of a great nation fervently hope so and deserve nothing less.

Fred Kalhammer, Sun City Center

Armed through military surplus | Jan. 4

An occupying army

The police are becoming what the Redcoats were more than 200 years ago: an occupying army that sees "civilians" as the enemy. Last year a jury in Texas acquitted a homeowner who shot and killed a SWAT officer during a 6 a.m. "no knock" raid of the type that is becoming more common.

The only time you need a SWAT team is if hostages are taken or in a situation like the 1997 North Hollywood bank shootout. Even that could have been ended by a single patrol officer or civilian with a scoped hunting rifle.

Wes Carr, Clermont

The rancher's legacy | Jan. 4, Floridian

Protecting Florida

Bud Adams and his family are to be held in high esteem for their unfailing love of Florida land and all that requires. The continuation of working this land in perpetuity would be a great thing for the state of Florida and all of us who live and work and visit here.

It should look like it does now and has for several hundred years, for several hundred more years. As the third-largest state in population now, this land's legacy is important to keep for future generations. Thanks to the Adams family.

John W. McCoy, Largo

Bush doesn't waver on gay marriage | Jan. 5

Religion and marriage

Having read Jeb Bush's statement regarding the legalization of gay marriage in Florida, I'm confused. He makes his position clear by including himself in a group he defines as "those of us who believe marriage is a sacrament and want to safeguard religious liberty." If "sacrament" is defined as "an important Christian ceremony (such as baptism or marriage)," is he then advocating the exclusion of all individuals of other faiths, as well as gay couples, from marriage? Is that how opponents of gay marriage "safeguard religious liberty"?

Sue Clarendon, Valrico

Health insurance

Costs are rising

I am a retiree living on a modest pension. When I received my first check of 2015 I was $140 short. I called the pension board to find out what the problem was and was informed that my medical insurance had doubled. I understand someone has to pay for Obamacare, but do they really have to take it out of the meager pensions of our senior citizens?

John Waitman, Palm Harbor

New pier ideas

Modify the Lens design

The new pier designs for St. Petersburg are a big disappointment because none of them appear to have any iconic architectural appeal. Two of the designs look like bland and quite ordinary commercial structures. The other six, which refurbish and upgrade the old pier, do not result in iconic architecture. They also have potential cost overruns and the risk of high maintenance costs.

The City Council should seriously consider using a modified Lens design instead of any of the new pier designs. The Lens has the potential for being an architectural icon that provides worldwide recognition for our city. The eight highest priorities from all user surveys could be accommodated by minimum modification of the Lens design. It appears that the majority of voters did not really reject the Lens design but, rather, the lack of certain amenities. Reuse of the existing structure provides no iconic value and carries significant, currently unknown, risks.

Dieter Weber, St. Petersburg

'No regrets' in GOP challenge | Jan. 8

Standing up to Boehner

U.S. Congressman Richard Nugent, R-Spring Hill, stood up for "we the people" by taking a stand against House Speaker John Boehner.

Nugent will no doubt be punished by the speaker for taking this action, but the people of Hernando County should be proud that we have a representative who is willing to risk his position in Washington in order to bring about real change for all of us.

Boehner has failed to provide any leadership and has presided over a $4 trillion increase in our national debt. With a federal government that is out of control, we need more people like Nugent in Washington.

Scott W. Charboneau, Spring Hill

Bullying tactics

I find it interesting that House Speaker John Boehner, a complete wimp before President Barack Obama and the Democrats, is a bully when it comes to opposition within his own party.

Lawrence Satmary, Dover