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Letters To The Editor

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 31, 2008

U.S. Troops Still Needed

Regarding "Down-Sizing U.S. Bases Abroad Essential As Allies Grow Strong" (Our Opinion, Jan. 21):

Although I agree that the European Union should be doing more, I believe that simply bringing U.S. troops back to the United States is an overly simplistic solution to the problem and one that is very risky.

Let's not forget that Europe has a long history of procrastination and impotence when it comes to preventing war. World War II, Bosnia and Iraq are great examples of Europe's inability to act in any kind of proactive manner.

WWII killed some 60 million people because France and England refused to confront Hitler in his early rise to power. Europe had a vested interest in Bosnia yet did little or nothing.

Allowing a crisis to get out of hand would be disastrous for the United States.

So the cheapest way the U.S. can ensure a stable world economy is to continue to be the lead in defense. We currently only spend 4.6 percent of GDP on defense. During the Cold War we spent, on average, 17 percent of GDP. WWII cost us 35 percent of GDP.

TONY BULLARD

Tampa

Closures Long Overdue

Hat's off to the Tribune editorial recommending the closure of some overseas bases.

I assure you, this is long, long overdue. I know. I worked in Europe for 30 years and saw firsthand, the incredible amount of American dollars being spent overseas.

In case one didn't know, along with the tens of thousands of soldiers, are also tens of thousands of spouses and children. They are provided free housing, free utilities, free education, free health care, access to commissaries and PXs, along with a cost-of-living allowance, adjusted quarterly.

NATO has the resources and the responsibility to step up and take over our presence in Europe. South Korea is remarkably stable and economically strong. They too, have the resources to defend themselves from any attack from the North.

However, it's interesting that not one presidential candidate has addressed this serious issue. We need the troops home and the money used to improve our Homeland Security, upgrade our infrastructure and reduce our taxes.

Thanks again, Trib editors, for taking a stand.

WAYNE DOZARK

Tampa

Abortion's Legacy

Regarding "The Terrible Cost Of Roe At 35" (Other Views, Jan. 22):

It is extremely tiring to continually hear or read that people feel they have the right to mandate what I can or can't choose for my life.

Last time I checked, I did not give up my rights so Cal Thomas can ram his mandate down my throat. To be so naive and uneducated to state that most of our immigrant and economic problems would have been solved because of anti-abortion laws is completely based in ignorance, stupidity and a complete lack of intelligence.

One can't assume that every one of those lives would have been a productive member of society. They would have been a complete cross-section of life. Some mothers, fathers, lawyers, accountants, as well as drug addicts, thieves and corrupt CEOs.

But, as the saying goes, ignorance is bliss.

JESSE JULIANO

Tampa

Illogical Connection

Seems Cal Thomas mourns the loss of 50 million people that were lost due to abortions since 1973.

I'm not sure how Thomas comes up with the 50 million number, but he is sad because he feels we could have "used" all those people in our population instead of the illegal aliens. It's hard to figure how he made that connection.

Parents that consider having an abortion would assign their offspring to a job doing manual labor in agriculture or the building trades. Perhaps they could become aides in nursing homes or maintain lawns for rich people.

All would be paid cash. Their pay would be much less than others doing the same job and they'd have no benefits. This sounds like he advocates these 50 million should be slaves. What else can he call them?

LARRY WEISS

Lakeland

Don't Blame Government

Before you place the blame on the president or any member of government for the sad state of our economy, take a step back.

Take a look at the products you consume. Where did they come from? Take a look at the car you drive. Where was it made? Take a look at the company you work for. How many jobs have they sent offshore? This is the true catalyst for the downfall of our economy.

Far too many products are not made here in the good ol' U.S. of A. And even worse, far to many of our jobs have been sent offshore.

Yes, it saves billions for companies. But the downside is the products are inferior, we can't understand the support person if you can reach one and the people who lost their jobs can no longer afford to buy. Offshoring only helps the shareholder and executives' pockets. Buying non-American made products hurts us all.

So take a close look around before you place total blame on the government.

MIKE FLEMING

Wesley Chapel

Aiding Whose Economy?

The U.S. government is proposing to send freebie checks to lots of folks, hoping that we will run out and spend the money and stimulate our economy.

Since our government is already deep in debt and close to being broke, they will have to borrow the money from a foreign country - probably China - to cover those checks, which also further weakens our dollar.

Now we have our free checks, so off to Wal-Mart we go and spend our free money on stuff we don't really need, all or most of which was made in China.

So just whose economy are we stimulating?

LESTER E. SCATES

Plant City

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