LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Brown-Waite Distortions

In regards to Mr. Vahoviak, he has once again misrepresented U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite's record in Congress regarding veteran's issues and in general. For one thing, she is not a rubber-stamper for the Bush Administration. She has in recent years been highly critical of the administration's stand on illegal immigration as well some other issues. She also has one of the best voting records in Congress regarding veterans and seniors in Congress.

As for you being critical of her giving out so-called "35-cent medals," many of these medals include Purple Heart and other medals either lost or not given to these servicemen. Ms. Brown-Waite saw to it that they got them. You might think these medals are worthless, but to many of these families they are something to cherish.

As for John Russell, I must state that he does not have the temperament to be a Congressman. His past behavior alone shows that he has anger-management problems. He already lost once in this district by more than 20 percent, which was the biggest blowout in the district's history and shows that even in a bad year for Republicans, the vast majority in the district voted for her, including a large number of independents and a good number of Democrats.

I am not a veteran, but I am the son of a veteran, and I personally knew people who served in Vietnam. I even know someone who, after returning from Vietnam, took his own life. I know first hand what they are going through, and I am very thankful for having someone like Ms. Brown-Waite as my congresswoman.

Peter Stathis

Spring Hill

Beware Tax Liability

Involved In Short Sales

I would like to advise those who are trying to save their credit and their homes that sellers need to be aware of the short sale possible tax liability next December. Currently, whenever someone forgives a debt of any type to another person or entity, the tax liability can become very costly.

For example: When the note holder forgives the debt, he or she can show this as a loss of income on their tax return. Therefore, the tax liability goes to the borrower in the fore of income in December. Someone will have to take the hit for the taxes, either as a loss to lower one's taxes or as a gain causing an even greater hardship on those now struggling to pay their income taxes.

So please beware and check with the IRS and your tax preparer. Also check with the lending institution that is wanting someone to do a short sale to see first who will be holding the tax liability come December.

Dale Bennington

Spring Hill

Never Give Up

One of our greatest pleasures is gardening. We are constantly wrecking the ants' habitats, but we have them under control. These insects never give up. For that, we respect them and thank them for the lesson - never give up.

We are living in very difficult times. Times when we must judge each person as a human being - not by color, religion, race or whether you are a Democrat or a Republican. It is time for our leaders to work together for the people's interests and forget their self-interests.

In the historical review of Pennsylvania (1759), Benjamin Franklin said "We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately."

So let us learn the lesson and hang out together in unity for peace on earth.

George and Eleanor Marholin

Brooksville