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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 3, 2008

A Proud Independent

Regarding "Florida, Michigan To Receive Half-Votes" (front page, June 1):

I am an Obama/Bloomberg supporter, but I believe that one of the most stupid and anti-voter decisions ever was made by the Democratic National Committee when it decided to penalize Florida and Michigan for holding early primaries.

My question is, who gives those mostly not-elected officials the right to decide when voters of both states could vote? That is the call of state-elected officials, not some non-public but very political group. The DNC is the one to blame for the mess the party is in and some of the current leadership, if not all, needs to leave.

The other thing that bothers me is that of the role of the superdelegates. Even though this group appears to be moving toward my candidate, the superdelegate category seems to keep the control of the party in the hands of the "good old boys and girls" or power brokers rather then in the hands of the people. That is hardly a positive for democracy.

This type of party politics is why, in part, I am a proud independent.

ROSS P. ALANDER

Tampa

Feels He Doesn't Count

I realize that I should weight half as much as I do, but for the Democratic Party to take away my vote is un-American, as my whole body went and voted as a good Florida citizen.

We the people went to the polls as instructed and voted for the person we felt was the one who could best repair the damage the Bush term has done to the nation. Although neither Obama nor Clinton campaigned in our state, at least Clinton stated over and over that she wanted every vote counted.

Well, half a vote is not a full vote. Obama said that neither Florida nor Michigan counted, and he even went so far as to not even have his name on the Michigan ballot. Why should he get any Michigan votes?

He won't get my money or vote as he said I don't count.

GORDON BAUER

Tampa

Democracy Denied

How can the Democratic National Committee possibly advocate "honest leadership" after what happened with the votes in Florida and Michigan? Those states were already punished simply by not having their votes count in the primary. If those votes had been counted, Hillary Clinton would have had the momentum to claim more states earlier in the process, and a truer picture of the wishes of the American people would have been evident.

The DNC has now punished those states and denied the democratic process to all voters, not just Florida and Michigan.

My husband and I fought long and hard for the Democratic Party in 2004 in Florida. We will not support the efforts of the DNC, monetarily or otherwise. We need new leadership in the DNC or a new party in America!

NANCY GUITARD

Wilmington, Mass.

Boycott Convention

As a Democrat, I want all Florida delegates to "boycott" the Democratic Convention in Denver. Howard Dean believes that Iowa is more important than Florida in the presidential election. How did Dean ever become chairman of the DNC?

Leaders of the Democratic Party are weak and the free trip to Denver is not in the best interest of Florida Democrats.

Since my vote for Hillary Clinton did not count, I will vote for John McCain in November.

ALAN KAPELL

St. Petersburg

Part Will Of The People

The Democrats have dismissed the will of their Florida constituency by seating only half of legitimate delegates. This should tell us what they will do when they take the White House and increase their majority in November.

This is the same party that voted against civil rights legislation in the '60s. Apparently they still believe some people are only worth a fraction of a vote. Minorities should take this as a wake-up call and cease their fealty to these elitists.

ANDREW NAPPI

Hudson

Many Skipped Voting

I, as well as many Florida voters, skipped the primary election as we were well aware of the fact that it would not have any effect on the results.

All this wrangling of Clinton and Obama camps wanting to change the rules to suit their needs is ludicrous. Get on with it, play by the rules that were set and everyone agreed to - until it didn't suit you.

DAVID RILING

Tampa

Handing GOP Election

Well, I have now decided that I will not vote for Barack Obama. I will write in Hillary Clinton - after we ask her to register in Florida. If this does not happen, I will vote for John McCain.

The Democratic National Committee proved to me that they do not want my vote. Any deal other than as cast is a fixed election and I do not want to be a part of it. They were told that the Republicans set our date, and if I ever saw an election handed to anyone, it was Saturday.

If Obama had won Florida, all delegates would have been seated! Obama can keep out of Florida! Uncommitted delegates on that committee are a big joke. Donna Brazille, uncommitted! This was a done deal before they met and they were secretly committed to Obama.

JOAN FERKO

Spring Hill

Stand Firm, Hillary

Stand firm and fight back, Hillary Clinton. You've got the courage, the tenacity and the support of at least half of our Democratic Party and who knows how many more independents and discouraged Republicans!

You've been disparaged by the other half of the party, you've been ridiculed by the press who, I might add, have been encouraged by the Republicans to support Obama (until the real campaign begins - then look out!) and you've had all the "Clinton haters" doing what they could to take you down.

You never gave up and neither will your many, many supporters. You showed courage and willpower, and our country so desperately needs both in a new leader. We believe your leadership and courage will stand firmer with all voters than a weak Democratic compromise candidate.

H.E. "PAT" CROW

Sun City Center

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