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Hernando Today

Enough Blame To Go Around

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Hernando Today

Published: October 10, 2008

Updated: 10/10/2008 04:22 pm

Enough Blame To Go Around

Florida is different from most other states. The "right to work" law in Tallahassee and other things seem to keep the local wages very low. Most people have made their money someplace else and come to Florida to spend their retirement money. This is kind of unique. It's always been that way - very low local wages, and also very low taxes and insurance, until about three to five years ago.

All of a sudden there was this big "land grab" and "wild speculating" so Al Mazourek, the county coffers pal, doubled people's taxes and said "Isn't this grand." Let's enjoy the 'winter windfall;' we know this will last forever."

It's not all the county's fault, as the local government people are quick to point out. They say the state of Florida directs them on much of the local cost. OK, so the state of Florida is at fault, too. Gov. Charlie Crist has done a couple of good things; but in my opinion, he has dragged his feet. Just did what he had to and took his sweet time. These retirees on fixed incomes and such cannot afford high taxes and insurance. What can they do? One, put a two-year freeze on all county wages; people at the top take an 8 percent cut. In general, cut back - and cut back some more.

Also, when they act like their going to give tax cuts but start talking about raising school millages and such, it's a bunch of mumbo-jumbo, smoke and mirrors, as it were. The county and state lenders act like the average taxpayer is an idiot.

Also, we taxpayers and average citizens need to cut back and tighten our belts. We have become a country of waste and greed. Let's get back to paying for what we need at the time of need like our grandfathers did. We need to cut back drastically on credit for everything. If we don't have the money, do without for a while. Also, the so-called "liar loans" and Ninja loans (no income, no job and no assets) and over-rated house values, is a house of cards; it is failing as we speak (ya think!).

Fred Trouse

Brooksville

An Open Letter

To Sen. John McCain

In my 70 years I have seen some really bad politicians come and go but you all are the worst of the worst. You not only have betrayed the American people but have brought disgrace on yourself, your family, your constituents, conservatism, the Republican Party, and truly all of humanity. I do not know how you can look yourself in a mirror.

I thought Jimmy Carter was the worst president we have had in my time until George Bush came along. The Democrats are scumbags, but at least they don't hide it. I am ashamed to call myself an American at this time in my life with people like you heading our government.

You were an example of a man's man when you were in the service. My admiration for you and what you went through was an example to any man. Now you have done a 180-degree turnaround. The John McCain of then must have died somewhere along the way.

For the last year and a half, you have been collecting a paycheck as a U.S. senator but have done nothing to earn it. Just run for another office. Anyone who does not do a job he is paid for is nothing more then a thief. In my opinion, you, Sen. Barack Obama and Bill Clinton owe the American people every dollar you have cheated us out of. Of course, none of you will do the right thing and return it, even though you all can well afford it.

You took an oath to uphold all the laws of the U.S. You are all for illegal immigrants (pandering), brag you are the biggest supporter of the global economy, even though things like NAFTA, etc. have cost million of U.S. jobs. You say you are against pork but you vote for a bill with $150 billion in pork. It is obvious to me you really don't give a hoot since you and your friends have all the money you will ever need. Now you are not only a betrayer and thief but also a liar.

Your betrayal of America and vote for the bailout bill is nothing short of treason. You knew full well the American people were against it 50, 75, 100 to 1. You didn't care. Right now the market is down 756 points. You don't care.

You ask and expect me to vote for you for president of the United States. You pick a person for VP, hoping to get the female vote, who certainly is not qualified and only a heartbeat away from the most powerful office in the world. People like you, Barney Frank, Henry Paulson, George Bush, Dick Chaney, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Ben Bernanke, Chris Dodd and Harry Reid are what's wrong with America today.

You in the White House? I don't want any of you in my dog house.

Charles Fisher

Weeki Wachee

Legitimate Issue

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is being attacked by the Obama campaign (which includes the St. Petersburg Times, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, BBC, etc.) for expressing reservations about the close relationship between Sen. Barack Obama - a potential president of the United States - and the domestic terrorist Bill Ayers.

This is a legitimate campaign issue because the facts indicate they are more than just "neighbors." In 1995, Ayers appointed Obama to chair the Annenberg Challenge Committee - $50 million in grant monies to run education programs in Chicago. So ask yourself why Ayers chose Obama rather than someone else? The logical answer is because he knew Obama well, approved of him and knew that Obama shared his views. He could have picked anybody, but he picked Obama.

Ayers was an anarchist who tried to bomb the Pentagon and police stations in the 1960s and was photographed as recently as 2001 stomping on the American flag - and we all know the vile statement he made after 9/11 about not doing enough bombing. He avoided prison due to a technicality at his trial. (Just like Obama first got elected by being the only person on the ballot. His lawyers managed to disqualify every other candidate on - yes - technicalities).

Ayers even helped launch Obama's political career by hosting a fundraiser at his house - another indication that Obama and Ayers had lots in common, as you don't usually support a political candidate if you don't share their views. Obama continues to lie about his alliance with Ayers, realizing that Americans wouldn't appreciate him having close ties to an anarchist.

Just as he has lied about never hearing the Rev. Jeremiah Wright scream "God Damn America!" during the 20 years of church services he attended. Wright was his close friend and "mentor" - someone who shapes your views and guides your life. The liberal media decided months ago that white guilt over slavery requires us to elect an African-American president, and shamelessly promotes Obama. By the way, Obama's only real experience managing anything was the programs the Annenberg Challenge tried to implement - all dismal failures. But, apparently Obama has the answers to the economy!

Anne Lossing

Spring Hill

Change We Can Believe In

After watching the presidential debate on Tuesday evening, I am left wondering how anyone believes that Sen. Barack Obama will give a tax break to 95 percent of Americans.

Am I the only one who realizes that increasing taxes to corporations just increases the price of products? All consumers will be paying that tax increase!

Also, Obama calls the "Bush Tax Cut" unfair and wants to let it expire. Does he realize that part of this tax cut provides a $1,000 tax credit per child? That is history with Obama's tax plan. The "Bush Tax Cuts" also removed the marriage penalty.

Once Obama lets the tax cut expire, married couples will pay 10 percent more in taxes than they did the year before. I guess this is the change we can believe in.

Christopher Miles

Brooksville

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