Letters
Letters to the editor
Highlands Today
Published: September 10, 2012
Make the right choice in NovemberPublished: September 10, 2012
Over the past three-and-a-half years, I have read and listened to countless diatribes concerning the political ideology of President Obama.
There have been excellently written articles from both sides of the political spectrum. Unfortunately, some were factually incorrect. All the prior rhetoric that has been written and spoken will become superfluous on Nov. 16. On that date, we will be asked to vote for one of two political ideologies.
On the left, President Obama's extreme progressivism (socialism) ideology. On the right, Mr. Romney's capitalism (free enterprise system).
Extensive research must be done to define this form of socialism. President Obama, in three-and-a-half years, has never deviated from his ideological goal.
The United States was founded on the free enterprise system. It has flourished for well over 200 years. The choice we make on Nov. 16 is critical for every citizen. The outcome may well influence the path this country takes for the next 25 years or beyond.
Laverne E. Wheeler
Lake Placid
America needs change
This election is not about whether you are Republican or Democrat. This is about saving America as we know it.
Do you want American to be weak and a Third World country? Do you want the government to control manufacturing and other businesses? Do you want our laws made without going through Congress? Do you want our children indoctrinated with untruths about our country? Do you want our country in bankruptcy? Do you want a weak military? Do you want your business confiscated? Do you want someone else in charge of your life? Do you want gun control? Do you want more of your freedoms and liberties taken away?
If you answer "no" to any one of these questions, then America needs change. If not, there will be no hope!
Elaine Hall
Avon Park
Cougar sighted, but no one called
Thank you for the article about Florida panthers that appeared Aug. 20 in Highlands Today. The area that I live in has a lake, lots of orange groves and wooded areas. The three streets that form the community all end in cul-de-sacs, so there is no through traffic.
A year ago as I was driving down the street, I saw a very large animal come out of the woods directly across the street from my house. It looked like a very big dog and was a beautiful rosy tan color. I took my foot off the gas and was rolling silently along because I wanted to observe it.
The first thing that really got my attention was its tail. It was very long and was carried a few inches above the street. It suddenly stopped dead and so did I. It stared at me and I stared right back while looking for identifying marks to make sure that I was seeing what I knew it was. The stare down was over when it suddenly ran into the grove and vanished.
I looked for a number to call to report the sighting, but decided not to call Fish and Game because they told me once before that the tracks that I'd found were from a large dog, not a panther.
In the end, I called Commissioner Stewart and she said that she would let someone in authority know and that they would call me. When I called her again, she said that she'd spoken to someone, so I surmised it was someone from Archbold. I'm still waiting for that call.
I want someone in authority to contact me.
Just so that you'll know that I'm not a crackpot, I am familiar with panther, lynx, bobcat and bear.
Nancy Pitcher
Avon Park
Cannot acknowledge God
Voters, I just have to know why would anyone want people who cannot acknowledge God to run our country? We are one nation under God, always and forever. Once they take that away, America is also gone. Please do not allow them to do that. God bless America!
Carole Malanot
Avon Park
Making rich pay more can backfire
How can anyone dispute President Obama's compassion in requiring the wealthy to pay their fair share of the federal tax burden? Perhaps the following may be typical of his proposal: Change from the top 10 percent paying 70 percent of the tax to the top 10 percent paying 80 percent of the tax; change from the next 40 percent paying 30 percent of the tax to the next 30 percent paying 20 percent of the tax; and change from the bottom 50 percent paying no tax to the bottom 60 percent paying no tax.
A word of caution may need to be factored into the equation, however. Suppose a large number of businesses were to say, "The scales are now tipped to the point of no return. Our only choice is to move from the country with the highest corporate tax in the world, plus incredible regulations, to a country that is at least minimally business friendly."
Jim Rahenkamp
Avon Park
Fleck is best for Highlands schools
When you think of our county's government responsibilities, what could be more important than the education of our children? These young people are the future leaders of this great American nation. Keeping that in mind, I feel that it is imperative that voters receive as much information about all candidates that are running for office in our school system so they can make comparisons between the candidates and make the best possible choice for the positions.
In 1993-94 school year, Thomas Knowles, principal at Lake Placid Middle School, requested that Becky Fleck be transferred to Lake Placid Middle School as his assistant principal. He knew that Mrs. Fleck was experienced in budgeting, student scheduling, classroom management, curriculum and instruction, exceptional education curriculum and discipline. This began her journey at Lake Placid Middle School as an administrator.
Being the principal's administrative confidential secretary and school bookkeeper, I worked very close with Mrs. Fleck and quickly realized Mr. Knowles had made an excellent choice. During her journey at Lake Placid Middle, the school was awarded the "Red Carpet School" award. Mrs. Fleck was chosen as "Florida's Assistant Principal of the Year." Lake Placid Middle was very honored to be a part of Commissioner of Education Brogan's presentation to Mrs. Fleck at Lake Placid Middle.
When Mr. Knowles accepted a college professor's position, Mrs. Fleck was appointed as principal at Lake Placid Middle. She quickly surrounded herself with an excellent faculty and staff. She felt that each position at her school was an important position.
Mrs. Fleck has made her journey through the trenches and knows all aspects of educating children from a beginning exceptional education teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of the HCSB's MIS Department and presently, assistant superintendent.
Now it is time for all voters to compare the candidates' qualifications and choose the person with the best qualifications to be the leader of our children's future. Please consider the qualifications that have guided Rebecca Fleck on her journey in education for the students of Highlands County.
Cassie Simpson
Lake Placid