Letters
Letters to the editor
Highlands Today
Published: October 1, 2012
We need a changePublished: October 1, 2012
In response to the letter submitted by Evelyn Clements, I would like to make a few comments.
As far as the Kennedy information is concerned, I thank you for giving me something to think about. In one paragraph you used the words bootlegger, stink, Navy, foreign affairs, Catholic, Democrats and tax returns.
John, Robert, Joe Jr. and Ted all served in the military. Joe Jr. gave his life. Did you know that no Kennedy ever accepted a penny of compensation for service to their country? All went to charity.
Next is Catholic. President Kennedy broke the religious barrier by being the first non-WASP to be elected president. In doing so, anyone from any religious background or gender can run for president. The only feedback this year is that some Evangelicals still consider Mormonism to be a cult. I would guess these are the same folks that are Catholic haters.
I guess no one ever questioned Kennedy's wealth because he had nothing to hide and released 10 years of his tax returns. No offshore accounts to my knowledge.
Some folks have what I call "political amnesia." We seem to forget that President Nixon left office in disgrace for lying. Next, the most corrupt administration with 138 people being convicted was President Reagan. Does the name Michael Deaver, Reagan's Chief of Staff, being fined $100,000 and given three years probation, ring a bell? Then James Watt sentenced to five years in prison, John Poindexter (lying to Congress), Rita Lavelle, six months in prison for lying to Congress. How about Oliver North sentenced to three years suspended and $150, 000 fine? The list never stops. Remember Scooter Libby? (G.W. Bush).
But cheer up Evelyn, I do see change coming. There is a candidate that might run in 2016 that has incredible foreign affairs experience, has great relationships with world leaders and is familiar with the operations of the White House that you deem so necessary. Go Hillary!
Just saying.
Jim Curtis
Fleck set a bad example at forum
This letter is a bit different than usual in endorsing a candidate. Usually the letters consist of a statement of the candidate's qualifications and success. However, this letter supporting Wally Cox for re-election of School Superintendent addresses my observation of the demeanor and leadership style of his opponent during the political forum at Sun 'n Lakes on Sept. 24.
I believe we are all tired of the negative and attack advertisements we see and hear on TV and radio. While this seems to be normal for national election candidates, it's usually a style unexpected in a local election. Ms. Fleck proceeded to attack Mr. Cox's leadership from the opening statement and continued this throughout her presentation.
One area discussed was the criticism of funding for the new school buildings to replace most portables. While Mr. Cox recommended this, the School Board had final approval. Other criticisms were very pointed and the demeanor seemed to me very harsh and negative. While Mr. Cox spoke, she did not have the courtesy to look at him or the audience, but held her head down and shook it in disagreement. This negative and seemingly harsh demeanor, I believe, will follow to the treatment of classroom teachers, staff and principals and is not, in my opinion, the style of leadership we need in a school superintendent. While disagreeing with the issues is certainly OK, doing so in the manner I observed points to a leadership style I would not expect in a good leader.
How easy it would have been for her to address what she planned to do as a superintendent, if elected. She chose not to do that, showing, in my opinion, her true leadership style. Mr. Cox remained calm and did not return the attacks, thus proving the gentleman he is. He took the high road during the presentations, displaying his outstanding character and quiet leadership style that gets support and positive response from his staff, principals and teachers.
The State Superintendents Association has recognized Wally's leadership qualities by naming him Superintendent of the Year in 2012. I recommend re-electing Wally Cox for Superintendent.
George Hensley
Sebring
Obamacare will harm America
In response to the letter, "Being poor and sick," in no way would I deny a hand up to those in true need. But to believe that those who have worked hard or were successful do not suffer hardship is misguided.
Romney had nothing to do with Obamacare. If it is so good for us why was it passed against the will of the majority of America? Why was it passed in the dark of night? Why was it passed with backroom deals? Why was it passed without open hearings as promised by Obama?
How does anyone believe the health care system can absorb millions more without punishing those that have worked hard for their current coverage? Obamacare will kill the American health care system and bankrupt this country. You can count on it.
John Larsen
Sebring
Need a Republic House and Senate
Which House had done nothing?
Joseph Alviano's letter blaming Congressman Rooney is misdirected. The writer needs to blame the Senate, not the House. Everyone knows that the Senate has not even passed a budget in years. Most of us know we can't spend what we do not have.
Likely the writer is angry because Mr. Rooney has a 100 percent record of being conservative in his votes and the writer must be a liberal who wants other people's money.
To save our republic, Mr. Alviano needs to help elect Republicans to the Senate and re-elect Mr. Rooney to the House.
Bob Hjort
Lake Placid
Conservatives give lip service
For the last several years, the front lawns of conservatives were decorated with signs saying, "I support the troops." On occasion, a returning veteran was greeted with a proffered handshake and a recital of, "Thank you for your service."
However, last month, a bill entitled "Veterans Jobs Corp Act of 2012," a bill to provide for training and job placement of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, was defeated in the U.S. Senate by the Republican senators.
The history of our country's response to the needs of its war veterans has swung widely, from the use of the Army, ordered by President Hoover in 1932 to expel World War I veterans demonstrating for an early bonus payment, tanks and cavalry chasing veterans down Pennsylvania Avenue, to a more reasonable response to veteran's needs, in 1945 providing a generous GI education bill, unemployment benefits, loan assistance and veterans' preference in employment opportunities.
At the close of the Korean War, we veterans returned virtually unnoticed, and under PL 550, utilized our watered-down educational benefits to take our place in civilian life.
After Vietnam, our under-appreciated and abused veterans quietly melted back into our society; some utilized the then-offered educational benefits.
Now it appears that the conservative elements of our society, feeling that the lawn signs and handshakes were enough, are indifferent to veterans needs. Times are tough; we have other issues to pursue. Suck it up and, oh yeah, thank you for your service.
Randy Ludacer
Lake Placid