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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 3, 2008

Chance To Catch Up

I recall the era of the cost of living adjustment (COLA), which was very beneficial to the average American worker and their families in maintaining a normal living standard with any increases in food, fuel and other necessities. Then our corporatism decided to change it to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which doesn't include the rise in costs of food and fuel. Seems we are not being considered today for our hard work.

I suggest we bring back COLA and expand its use to all areas of living in our nation. When any increase occurs in real estate, food, fuel, clothing, taxes, et. al, the same percentage of total increases should be applied to the wage amounts accordingly.

If the corporatism ones really want to help, then a moratorium on all taxes in America should be placed for a period of two to three years from today and give Americans a chance to catch up during this slow period.

MARIO G. RIVERA

Winter Haven

Financial Madness

I am thoroughly disgusted with our president, secretary of the Treasury and Congress for the sloppy way they threw our money away.

The federal talking heads who pushed this ill-advised bailout promised to loan the banks the money and include restrictions to prevent misuse of funds - i.e., no golden parachutes, bonuses, ritzy resorts, etc. And what did they do? They decided to buy stock in these banks, and in doing so, taxpayers will become nothing more than stockholders without any voice over how the money is spent. It's basically a gift!

And if I recall correctly, the $700 billion was to include the mortgage and derivative fiasco as well. Here we are, two to three weeks later, and now Congress is talking about using additional funding for the mortgage and derivative issue. Is there any end to the madness?

ROBERT W. GOODIN

Tampa

A Country Of Choices

There has been much discussion this election regarding redistribution of wealth. It is my belief that many do not clearly understand what it means to "redistribute wealth."

I recently heard a simple example of this: Little Susie works very hard on her Halloween costume. She trick-or-treats for hours and comes home with a bag full of candy. Redistribution of wealth would be where the government comes in and takes some of Susie's candy to give to another child who "chose" not to make a costume and go trick-or-treating.

Bottom line: We all make life choices. These choices bring results - some good, some bad. This country offers each citizen great opportunities, more than any other country in the world. America is built on people having the freedom and desire to make good choices. To do otherwise would create a society of mediocrity.

JOHN BOTTOMLEY

Lutz

Helping Fellow Citizens

Regarding the government's plan to guarantee mortgages for homeowners in danger of losing their homes:

I sincerely hope the White House will approve this plan, particularly since the White House insisted it was critical for taxpayers to bail out well-to-do financial institutions. Surely, it is now time to assist ordinary, hard-working citizens.

If we can bail out the rich and powerful from their recklessness, surely we can lend a hand to the everyday citizen as well.

CAROL HINDS

Plant City

Attack Underplayed

I am totally distressed about the article about Dr. Marifel Juarbe being stabbed ("Doctor Stabbed In ER; Patient Faces Battery Charge," Oct. 28). Is there any excuse for anyone to do a violent act to another person? Never. There is no justification in the world that could make it OK for a person to hurt and scar a very delicate, unassuming and totally committed doctor like Juarbe.

Juarbe is one of the most compassionate, caring physicians in her field, and it hurts me to see how underplayed this violence against her and our professional society has been. Our community's fine doctor is given a back-page, small article with an initial justification statement about the perpetrator. You owe our community more than this type of journalism.

SUSAN RUSZI

Tampa

Miracle On 49th Street

A miracle took place inside the Publix on 49th Street North in St. Petersburg on Sept. 19. I was at the register and reached in my purse for my credit card. It was not there.

I quietly asked the employee at the register, "May I return my groceries where I got them?" A lady tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Excuse me." I said certainly and moved aside. She asked the Publix worker at the register how much my groceries were. He said $102.07. She handed him a hundred-dollar bill and three ones.

I told her I could pay for my own groceries and asked for her name and address so I could send her a check. She said she could afford to do this, smiled, touched my shoulder and was gone.

This was a complete stranger I will never forget. I looked at the faces of the waiting customers in line and at the faces of the two employees, and I knew her gift was worth so much more than $102.07. It touched us all.

ETHEL GILLETTE

St. Petersburg

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