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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2008

Slim-Fast Campaign

Now that this election cycle has ended, it is time to evaluate the election process and the wear and tear on American citizens. This cycle has lasted almost two years. It proved to be the most expensive election in U.S. history and the most tiresome. This campaign trend cannot continue unchecked.

It is impossible for elected officials to do the job they were elected to and run for office during an expanded campaign season. Some would argue it is better for the elected officials to be out campaigning since they do less damage to society when they are not legislating.

I don't have all the answers, but campaign funding, primaries and length of campaigns need to be put on a diet. Group the primaries. Limit campaigns to 30 or 60 days prior to a primary, and limit the barrage of spending by candidates, PACs and public or private entities. Citizens need relief now.

ROBERT WEISMAN

Tampa

Profit Guzzlers ExxonMobil posted a third-quarter profit of $14.83 billion. Please understand we are talking about profit/net income, not gross revenue. This amount represents a 58 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Gross revenue for the third quarter was $137.7 billion, up 35 percent.

They accomplished this while reducing production 8 percent compared to the same period last year. While all Americans were struggling with $4-a-gallon gasoline, this great American corporation was applying the great American shaft to all of us.

Don't get me wrong. They were not alone. Chevron and ConocoPhillips reported comparable increases. ExxonMobil is the largest, so I believe they should be the target. What can we do? Immediately begin to boycott all Exxon brands.

An ongoing boycott of the largest villain, I believe, is more effective than not buying gas for one day.

JERRY RODRIGUEZ

Brandon

50 And Still Counting

Regarding "GOP Failures Set The Stage For Liberal Fiasco") (Other Views, Nov. 1):

Sam Rashid's analysis of the current political climate is the best one we have seen this political season. Personally, it brings memories of the similar situation in 1959, when Cubans were delighted to get rid of seven years of dictatorship.

Like it now appears in this country, the young university students and the middle class were instrumental on achieving that change. Unfortunately, the net result of that change was to trade seven years of dictatorship for 50 years, and counting, of another one.

It is interesting that Jimmy Carter has held a very low profile during this campaign. After all, Carter is the Bush of the Democratic party, and obviously their operatives have done a great job of keeping him out of sight.

ALBERTO J. SANCHEZ

Tampa

Undecided With Cause

Sunday on television, Tribune columnist Daniel Ruth wondered how anyone could still be an undecided voter. "Just make up your mind," he said. Well, I can tell Daniel why there are still undecideds and why it is difficult for them to "make up their minds."

If you are not part of the Democratic or Republican extreme, you are probably worried about both McCain and Obama and their positions on many issues - and for good reason. Trying to decide who will do the least damage to the country after being elected is not an easy thing to do. History shows us that avoiding the worst candidate is perhaps more important than selecting the best.

JERRY STEPHENS

Riverview

Good For Economy

Lots of people love to complain about the large amounts of money spent on political campaigns. They never mention this money is spent entirely in America, mostly at American small businesses. It keeps money moving. If money doesn't move, economies don't work.

Perhaps candidates should be allowed to receive donations from overseas. That money also would be spent in America. What a wonderful way to reduce the foreign trade deficit!

HENRY CLAYTON

Dade City

Ad's A Home Run

By this letter I wish to thank the firm of PyperPaul+Kenney for their excellent tribute to the Rays in the Sunday Tampa Tribune. Absolutely wonderful!

JUNE AMBROSE

Plant City

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