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Letters To The Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 5, 2008

What Did Crist Win?

Regarding "Experts Say Crist Now in Catbird Seat" (front page, Jan. 31):

I read with interest the article written by William March. What did Gov. Crist. win? Amendment One was a bad amendment and we citizens are the losers. It will not help me one penny and more will lose as people lose their jobs and retirement benefits, but then I don't think he cares about the majority of the people although he calls himself the people's governor!

Did he win by backing McCain? Does he want to be his running mate? McCain won only a little over one-third of the votes, and I was surprised that in Florida the people running do not get the share of delegates that they won. Whoever heard of winner take all when they only received a small portion of votes over the other candidates?

I have lived here since 1977 but was not aware this was the way it was done, as I worked overseas and voted absentee ballot for 20 years.

McCain is not the man to carry the presidential election. I do not feel he has the vote of all the Republicans in Florida. And I do not think our governor won anything of value.

LEE NAGEL

Tampa

Voting Their Self-Interest

Gov. Crist successfully promoted his "Yes on 1" campaign. As a result he has earned substantial political capital. Whether this property tax amendment was good for the citizens of Florida has yet to be determined. It certainly is good for some of them, disproportionately benefiting seniors, long-time residents and upper-income Floridians at the expense of young people, recent transplants and part-time residents.

I know I am preaching to the choir since this amendment didn't pass in Hillsborough County, thanks in part to The Tampa Tribune's opposition. Obviously, people will vote their self-interest. As George Bernard Shaw said, "A government that will rob Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul."

BOB KENISON

Tampa

Downturn No Mystery

I can't understand what the mystery is regarding our economic problems.

When the factories go overseas, leaving many citizens without jobs, there is less money to circulate here.

When the immigrants, legal and otherwise, send their money back home to their families that is additional money that is not circulating here.

As for the retail stores, the aisles are jammed full of junky, ill-fitting clothes made by underage "slaves" in foreign countries. There is nothing to entice the customer who may have a little bit of available cash to spend.

I repeat, where is the mystery as to why the economy is not doing well?

MILDRED GIROLAMI

Valrico

Shower Us Like Iraq

Much printer's ink has been wasted describing the proposed Bush tax rebate, but considering what I paid in federal income tax last year plus the money I gave away in donations to various charities and other institutions, this is what I would tell Bush if I had his ear: "Keep your rebate, Mr. Bush," followed by a description of what he could do with it.

It is a slap in the face and an insult to those of us who do our part to help the economy. If Bush wants to impress us, he should give the American people money like he showers on Iraq. I have a vivid recollection in my mind of a forklift operator lowering a pallet of freshly printed U.S. Treasury C-notes to pay for his ill-conceived adventure in that hapless country which had nothing to do with Bush's misguided sense of morality and retribution for what some terrorists did to the United States.

HUMBERTO A. CALDERON

Tampa

Bases Not As They Seem

Regarding "Closures Long Overdue" (Letters, Jan. 31):

I can tell Wayne Dozark is an expert on military pay and overseas installations. He must know all there is to know about the military. The only trouble is he is all wrong.

All married military stationed overseas no matter where pay for their housing with their quarters allowance.

Yes, they shop in the PX or BX and commissaries, but any service person can tell you, you can find better deals outside the base. The cost of living raise is only one time a year, usually about 2 to 3 percent.

As for NATO, the last time I knew anything about it the U.S. made up most of it from the bases overseas.

Free medical and dental come with the military enlistment contract. If this is so good and we have all these freebies, he can sign up at any recruiting office.

Dozark should focus his expert knowledge on the welfare system and quit trying to blame the military for our troubles like all the experts did in the '60s.

JOHN VAN ORMAN

Dade City

America Deserves Better

The president of the United States is the commander in chief of all the military: Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard. Very few of the candidates running for president have ever spent even one day in the military, regardless of gender.

After serving four years in the Air Force, I cannot think what it would be like to be under the command of a president who had not been in the active military. America deserves better.

JOHN McCUISTION

Tampa

Ralph, Don't Do It

Will some kind soul please persuade Ralph Nader to accompany them on a year-long round the world cruise to uninhabited islands? He's running again!

Ralph, the people don't heed your advice. They haven't heeded your advice for many years now. Let it go! Be happy! You fought the good fight! Please, go away!

JOE EDUARDO

Plant City

Sports Vs. Other Activities

Regarding "Teen Athletes Transfers Like 'Free Agency' " (front page, Feb. 1):

Why are school transfers for athletic reasons considered so bad? If I transfer to Blake for the music program, no one would suggest I sit out for a year. Yet it is "wrong" to do it for athletic reasons.

Some coaches are such bad educators, and students who love sports should be allowed to take their talents somewhere they will be appreciated.

KEITH HODGES

Valrico

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