Letters
Letters to the Editor
Highlands Today
Published: June 11, 2012
Remember Flag DayPublished: June 11, 2012
June 14, known as Flag Day, is a very important date in our history. A proclamation by President Wilson in 1916 said: "This flag, which we honor and under which we serve, is the emblem of our power, our thoughts and purpose as a nation."
It only has the character that we give it. The choices are ours. It floats in majestic silence, in peace or war. Our flag is truly a symbol of this nation's unity.
It has been carried by our people into many battles in foreign lands, on hostile seas and against enemy air forces around the globe, and it is still being done so today by our armed forces.
Even in our own country, we have to fight for the dignity of our flag. We only have one flag in the United States of America and that is our beloved "Old Glory," also known as the Stars and Stripes.
Our flag symbolizes the hopes, sacrifices, struggles and achievements of our people, the citizens of the U.S.A. But let us all remember the flag is exactly what the people make it. Be proud to fly our flag. Do not put any other flag before ours in this great country. Yes, you may pay respect to other flags, but we only have one flag that we fly above all others here in our beautiful U.S.A.
I am an American citizen (not by birth) but I am very proud to be a legally naturalized citizen of free America. So let's take care of our great flag and cherish, defend, honor and love it.
Let us try to continue to follow in the footsteps of our forefathers and make our flag one that will forever wave over a free and powerful America. We are a very fortunate people as we can think, speak worship freely — without fear. Remember, freedom is not free; it comes at a great cost.
Be proud, be patriotic — not only on special holidays, but every day, and show your patriotism. Give thanks for the freedoms we share as we live in this great country, the U.S.A.
Suzanne Krueger
Lake Placid
Socialism not the answer
In reference to Randy Ludacer's article "Radical change needed," June 5. I think his memory is fading. That is exactly what Obama promised — "change." Randy got that change 3½ years ago. Now he doesn't like the change. He wants another change.
I don't think we can trust the Obama régime to run this country with their lack of business experience. Anyone who has owned or run a business can see Obama's programs are a failure.
Randy's experience as a county attorney for Monroe County does not, in my opinion, qualify him to speak for the private enterprise businesses.
I doubt he had to be responsible for a number of employees, payroll, profit, taxes, etc., to run a private enterprising business. When county employees are paid more in salary and benefits than private enterprises, something is wrong with the system. I speak from experience as I served on the Budget Review Committee and Transportation Review Committee in Monroe County while running a business with employees.
To solve the problem of "do-nothing Congressmen" (Democrats as well as Republicans) is to go to four-year term limits. We have instituted a system of professional politicians. People who can't make a good living in private enterprise, they move into the political arena, thus becoming a major part of our problem.
Let's be honest about our "do-nothing" Congressmen. There are as many Democrats as Republicans in that area. This is a republic form of government; what Obama wants is a Socialist government.
You are correct when you say we need a "radical change," but your path to socialism is not the answer.
Glen Owens
Lake Placid
Tea party is partisan
Mr. Nelson, I believe the tea party had some good ideas in the beginning; they were nonpartisan and against the outside influences of the lobbyists in Washington. You even stated that your organization is nonpartisan and nonendorsing.
I'm a middle class retired factory worker and so far I'm not thrilled with either candidate. I've always thought that most Democrats, left wing and liberals, were all in the same group as were Republicans, right wing and conservatives.
Most of the tea parties across the country back Republican candidates. In your letter you say not to accept what the "left wing" media says. If you are nonpartisan and nonendorsing, why didn't you include the "right wing" media? I can see why independent-thinking people would distrust the tea party.
Americans should educate themselves instead of following some group's agenda. My suggestion to anyone is research things like the national debt and find out which presidents lowered the national debt and which presidents raised the national debt.
One other thing concerning the middle class: According to the nonpartisan Economic Policy Institute, since 1978, CEO pay has risen 725 percent, while the average worker's pay has risen less than 6 percent. The middle class is shrinking, and Mr. Nelson, thank you for the invitation; however, I don't need to attend a meeting or join an organization to figure out how I should vote.
Be American, buy American.
Steve Klutey
Sebring
Romney can empathize
As a retired middle class wife, mother and grandmother, allow me to explain how Mitt Romney can have concern and understanding for the middle class.
While a young man, he spent time as a missionary. He lived and worked with the poor and others needing help. When his father died, Mitt gave all his inheritance to charity. Therefore, he receives no annual income from his inheritance.
Income from investments is another matter. Before, he paid 13 percent on income that he already paid anywhere from 37 to 50 percent on earned income. That is way more than the 16 percent Mr. D'Angelo stated in his letter to the editor that he himself paid.
Now to Bain Capital. Mitt Romney has earned less this year than President Obama has been given by Bain. Also, thanks to Bain, many retirees are stockholders and because of Bain, their pensions are solvent. As for his boast that "I like to fire people," consider the remainder of his remarks. Most of us would like to fire people who are not doing the job they are paid to do, as does Mr. Romney.
Additionally, Mitt Romney is an open book. We know where he went to school, what his grades were and how his education was paid for. Can the same be said for President Obama? I think not. He won't allow anyone to see his school records, his passport and his law license. Oh, he gave up that license, remember? Do you know why?
What about his medical records? Those are off-limits, too.
I would also like to know if he paid off his student loans — after all, he is a millionaire.
I am not a Mitt Romney fan, but I cannot sit back while half truths are printed and not respond to them. Our current president is a closed book and has done nothing to help the middle class.
Mary Rand
Avon Park
Experience counts
I have read several letters endorsing candidates for supervisor of elections stating that the candidate is honest, hard-working and has integrity.
I am sure all of the candidates have these outstanding qualities, but only one has experience.
Penny Ogg has worked with elections for many years and knows all of the aspects of the election office.
Experience is what counts and Penny Ogg sure has that!
Patsy Peters
Lake Placid