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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 29, 2008

Don't Let DNC Stop You

Regarding "Black Voter Turnout Lags" (Metro, Jan. 27):

It is past time for African-American people to understand that if we are not a part of the solution, we are a part of the problem. African-American voters in Florida must vote for a future that will include us. We need change now.

The Democratic National Committee restricting Democratic candidates from campaigning in Florida and Africa-Americans' fear that Barack Obama can't win a general election is not what we should be thinking about. The DNC's decision can only hold us back if we let it. Every African-American of voting age should show up at the polls for both the primary and general elections.

ELOISE GRAHAM

Clearwater

Voters Aren't Monolithic

The more I listen to the political pundits the more annoyed I get when it comes to the issue of race in this election. This assumption that people of color will support Barack Obama based on his race is a pretty insulting notion, as if people of color don't have the intellectual capacity to sort through the issues and make a decision based on what a particular candidate has to offer. Of course these accusations are rarely hailed upon white voters.

People of color have the same concerns that all other voters have and are not one monolithic block of non-thinkers who will vote for whatever candidate has the most melanin. African-American voters will vote for whomever they view is the best man or woman for the job.

ALEXIS M. ESCALANTE

Oldsmar

So What's The Problem?

The Democratic National Committee decided to punish the state of Florida by not counting the votes of any of Florida's delegates to the convention as result of the Jan. 29 primary. The presidential candidates agreed not to campaign in Florida.

Would someone please tell me the downside to this?

BRUCE ALLEN

Plant City

No Shot In The Arm
Regarding "Big Endorsement May Jolt Tight Race" (Metro, Jan. 26):

You were right on the mark. Martinez, probably a one-term senator, will be long remembered by Republicans for his actions in pushing for amnesty for 12 million illegal immigrants. McCain's sponsoring the amnesty bill is only one reason for doubting his conservative credentials. Now Martinez endorsing him further weakens his candidacy.

PAUL S. FRAPPOLLO

Odessa

What Straight Talk?

Senator Martinez' endorsement of John McCain will help all Republican voters recall that Martinez and McCain were big proponents of the illegal immigration bill that was defeated when Congress was avalanched with calls opposing it. Martinez' approval rating sunk to the low 30s after his support of this unpopular bill which McCain plans, if elected, to resurrect.

"No Change McCain" just tweaks his talk on this issue. Where's that "Straight Talk Express," John?

P. BANKS

Plant City

Kiss Of Death

Mel Martinez' endorsement will jolt it all right, but not in Senator McCain's favor. It will be McCain's kiss of death in Florida. Martinez' history, I believe, would make his popularity in Florida zilch. Talk about an "empty suit!" In Texas they would say he is "all hat and no cattle."

RAYMOND RASMUSSEN

Tampa

An Election Turn-Off

Michael Matteo's Jan. 26 letter, "Phone Call Won't Win Vote," hit home in reacting to the intrusive phone calls from automated recorded messages from candidates. I also want to not vote for any candidate who has an automated message and interrupts my dinner or evening. Unfortunately, all candidates have been led to believe that this increases their exposure and increases the number of voters who would vote for them.

It is so important for candidates for office to tell us their ideas, but the phone calls do nothing but cause people to disengage from the election process.

ERIC VLAHOV

Tampa

Ads Are Less Vicious

I, too, have been inundated with campaign phone calls, including a personalized message from Mitt Romney! I agree that these calls will have little effect on determining whom I will vote for. However, I have made an observation about the campaign thus far this year.

TV commercials for the candidates are far less vicious than those from past elections. They generally focus on what the candidate offers, rather than destructive, negative attacks on each other. Maybe, candidates have gotten the message that viewers don't like these ads and toned them down.

DAVE PIKE

Odessa

Prefers Telemarketers

Who has received 10 or more recorded phone calls from presidential candidates in the last three days? I am on call number 13. I couldn't get an elected official to call or write or drive by my house to spit on me if I was on fire any other time of the year, but now that they need my vote, it's all out war! I would rather talk to a telemarketer.

In this age of the Internet and mass media, I don't need a recorded call to tell me who I should vote for. The information is out there and very easy to find.

It makes me wonder why politicians are always accused of wasteful spending.

ROSS FERRARO

Riverview

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