TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Letters To The Editor

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 20, 2008

Not For Workers

Regarding "Return Incumbents To U.S. House" (Our Opinion, Oct. 16):

I am appalled by your recommendation to stay the course. Have you been living under a rock for the past eight years?

In particular, the recommendation that Adam Putnam has served us well as U.S. representative of the 12th District is offensive to me. Because the man can speak "with depth" on issues like agriculture, economics and health care may only be because he comes from a very wealthy background, having never needed to hold a "real job." His personal wealth is directly related to agriculture, and his experience with health care may have to do with his children.

Your statement that "no one questions his hard work or sincerely" is simply not true. Many people wonder what he was doing in Nantucket the weekend the financial empire came crashing down around our shoulders.

Many people wonder what it is he has done for the working people he supposedly represents in the 12th District. Adam Putnam represents big business, not the working people of the district.

My vote is going to Doug Tudor.

KAREN WELZEL

Winter Haven

Send Them Packing

Your editorial "Return Incumbents To U.S. House" is ideal for voters who are too lazy to research the performances of their representatives or too lazy to work through the biases of the media.

I get upset when you make statements that tell us how we feel about the candidates.

Why do you feel that congressmen who voted for one of the largest bills passed ($700 billion), then packed with $100 billion more in pork, in the shortest time possible under threat of disaster and without review can be considered "conservative," "a leader" and "understands the complexities of the issues."

Is it really a good idea to re-elect a fox to guard the hen house?

All conscientious voters should not return any incumbents who voted for the "bailout" bill to office. Vote for the challenger.

D. LEFEBVRE

Brandon

Bogart Is Better

Regarding "Experience A Must In Key Pasco Races" (Our Opinion, Oct. 15):

In August, the Tribune proclaimed it was "time for new leadership at the top of Pasco sheriff's office" and endorsed Sheriff Bob White's Republican opponent in the primary, citing White's "failure in leadership" and "fiscally irresponsible behavior." At that time, the Tribune noted and praised Kim Bogart's extensive experience and endorsed him in the Democratic Primary.

Now the contest comes down to White vs. Bogart. Has the Tribune's opinions of the two candidates changed?

White's performance has been "disappointing," as demonstrated by several examples of "poor leadership." And Bogart "would bring an impressive blend of experience to the sheriff's office, where he worked for 16 years." The information and opinions presented by you point logically to an endorsement of Bogart, but such logic has been cast aside. White is, after all, a Republican.

Despite candidates' qualifications, this too often tips the scales decisively when Tribune endorsements are bestowed. Bogart remains the better candidate.

NOLA BRANCHE

Hudson

A Threat To Nation

The right to vote in free and fair elections is fundamental to our democracy and the fabric of American society. All Americans, regardless of party affiliation, should be alarmed at recent allegations and revelations concerning voter fraud and illegal campaign contributions.

These two imposters, if left unchecked, will ultimately disenfranchise all Americans and undermine our system of government.

We are a nation of laws. Those who would steal our votes should be forever deprived of that right and feel the swift full measure of the law.

ROBERT T. DONNELLY

Land O' Lakes

The Friendly Confines

Regarding "Ban The Bells!" (Letters, Oct. 16):

I have an answer for Howie Keefe's problem: Go to Wrigley Field. There, you can watch (on TV) the Tampa Bay Rays play as your Cubs lost in three games. Or did you know that? It will be very peaceful, without any cowbells or other noise.

You can watch a real team play. P.S.: Get Lou to go with you, as he jumped ship here in Tampa.

TED BARNWELL

Tampa

Bye-Bye Bloomberg

Politicians are simply amazing. I read a George Will article about how the indispensable Mayor Bloomberg thinks New York City will fall off the face of the Earth because term limits enacted by the people won't allow Chavez Putin Bloomberg to serve another term.

All elected officials at all levels of government should be bound by term limits. Two terms - no more. This should be added to every state's constitution and the U.S. Constitution. Sorry, Bloomberg, you are not indispensable.

ADRIAN CORNELLIER

Odessa

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT