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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 5, 2008

Much Too Compassionate

I would like to congratulate all of the responsible taxpayers, homeowners and businesses who are going to bail out reckless mortgage companies, real estate speculators and home buyers who caused the mortgage crisis. Isn't it admirable that the federal government has decided to reward deplorable financial behavior for the greater good?

So you worked hard and saved for years to come up with a 20 percent down payment for your home. You made sound financial decisions to keep your credit score high. You researched and wisely chose a fixed rate mortgage at a payment you could afford. You purchased a home that would fit within your budget. You resisted the "flip a home" fad because the loans were risky. That is wonderful. The government needs folks like you to rescue the people and companies who did not and got caught with their financial pants down. These folks will be given cheaper loans to stay in those homes.

Doesn't the $300 billion bailout make you proud to be a compassionate American?

CHRISTOPHER MILES

Brooksville

Getting Money's Worth

Regarding "Negligent Florida Let Criminals Infect Mortgage Industry" (Our Opinion, July 22):

I read with interest the editorial describing the shameful record of Don Saxon, head of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation that oversees the mortgage industry in Florida. The article stated that he awarded mortgage licenses to bank robbers, racketeers and cocaine traffickers. It stated that lawmakers share the blame in this fiasco, as they didn't protect consumers because the Legislature cut protective regulations.

Apparently the voters got exactly what they wanted, since the Republicans are always talking the buzz words "smaller government." As the majority party in the Legislature, they certainly delivered what they promised - less government interference, as the Republicans like to say. It's just too bad that in delivering what they preach, it's the same old smoke and mirrors used by the Republicans to benefit corporations at the expense of the average, middle-class voter and, hence, the taxpayers get the shaft again, all in the pretense of lower taxes.

KILAHAL ARTURO

Riverview

An Idea That Won't Work

Regarding "Use Insurance To Cut Gas Consumption" (Commentary, July 27):

This article is specious in that it does not recognize that insurance rates are set based on loss experience. While low-mileage drivers are subsidizing high-mileage drivers, allowing these drivers lower rates in recognition of this will not encourage people to drive fewer miles. They will continue their normal driving and the current insurance company loss experience will remain the same. There will be no fewer accidents. Consequently the insurance companies will have to raise their rates to compensate for their loss of income thereby negating the projected $270/car savings quoted in the article.

When politicians propose a solution it usually exacerbates the problem due to unforeseen consequences and the creation of additional bureaucracy. Politicians should stick to providing incentives to the private sector to address our energy opportunities, of which we have many.

PETER J. BROCK

Sun City Center

Bad For Schools

Regarding "Amendment 5 Effects Uncertain" (Metro, July 24):

The Florida Association of Realtors is ostracizing all Florida families with children with their recently announced $1 million campaign for Amendment 5. Sure, a tax swap sounds great, but Amendment 5 will literally cripple our already-struggling schools with a $5 to $7 billion shortfall if it passes.

Our public schools play such an important role in our communities - strong public schools keep property values high, they help reduce crime rates and they provide a sense of community pride. Our schools are already 50th in the country in terms of per-student spending according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Here in Northeast Florida, a fast-growing group of voters has formed "50th No More." We are dedicated to improving the budget situation in our great public schools. Won't you join us, Tampa? Vote "no" on Amendment 5.

BRETTE REIMAN

Jacksonville

Don't Forget Homeless

Homelessness in Florida is becoming a major issue. Many people think the homeless are just the few people we may see on a street corner with a sign that reads "will work for food." Those people are sadly mistaken.

The fact of the matter is, nine out of 10 panhandlers are not even homeless. We live among homeless people every day. Many of them attend our schools, sit next to us in class and even become our friends. We must not judge the homeless and classify them as "bums" because they are not as fortunate as us. We must embrace them and remember that they are still people just like us.

Because of our recent budget deficit, it will be a major challenge to properly fund services for the homeless at this time. However, we must remember that this country stands under the principle, "United we stand, divided we fall." We are all our brothers' keeper and we must not ignore this crisis.

ADRIA JOHNSON

Tampa

Honor Is Too Expensive

Regarding "City Has Super Plans For Park" (Metro, July 28):

Here we go again spending more money when the city is laying off people. They just have to have it for the Super Bowl. Let's make more excuses on ways to spend money. And how many people will use the park who live here locally and feel safe there?

Don't get me wrong; there should be a memorial for our fallen law enforcement officers, but why $3 million in these economic times? Couldn't it be names on a wall outside of the County Center or the courthouse?

PATTY FLANAGAN

Tampa

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