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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2009

A Nanny State
I read with interest in the Trib that the Democratic Congress had passed a law to delay the change from analog television to digital until summer. We have had three years of constant public announcements and millions of dollars in certificates to get new boxes, and some people are still not on board.

The problem with our country today is that a few stupid people can cause the TV stations to postpone changes, at a cost to them, and the rest of us have to put up with more on-air spots reminding people of the change. We are beginning to turn into a nanny state. People who have not gotten it by now are not going to get it in three months.

We are a majority-rule country. Why not let some of the many millions who did not vote in the past election go back and cast a ballot? When a deadline is set and everyone knows what that date is, stick to it.

CHARLES HARRIS

Tampa

A Public Signal

I suspect the reason there is such a huge demand for analog-to-digital converters is because so many Americans are realizing if their cable or satellite service develops problems, they still have the option of returning to their old analog TV with the recommended converter, which is not a bad idea.

JOSEPH M. ABAD

West Tampa

No Stimulus for Seniors

Where in the president's $800 billion-plus stimulus package is any relief for seniors on Social Security?

Any person not drawing a paycheck will be literally left out in the cold. Seniors already are struggling with the higher costs of food and services. This is the group who built our country and fought for our freedom in the world's bloodiest wars, yet Congress refuses to grant them any relief.

Eliminating the 10 percent federal income tax bracket for those with incomes under $75,000 will help all lower-income Americans.

The proposed legislation, as it stands, provides nothing.

RICHARD GOLDEN

San Antonio

Dieting On Principles

While politicians are tearing the stimulus package to pieces, the working class is fighting to survive. The bottom line is we need to keep America working; it's common sense.

These politicians will leave at the end of the day and go to their nice homes and know they have done a good job standing behind their principles. Well, you can't eat principles, and principles will not take care of the millions of Americans suffering now.

MACY GILLEY

Plant City

JOIN DISCUSSION

The Tribune welcomes letters and e-mails from readers. The text should be original and no longer than 150 words. By making a submission, you agree the Tribune may edit the letter for length and clarity, and publish it in any medium.

Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Mail to: P.O. Box 191, Tampa, FL 33601-0191. Or e-mail without attachments: tribletters@tampatrib.com.

Also, read and participate in the Tribune editorial board's blog, "Thinking Out Loud," at www.tboblogs.com/index.php/thinkoutloud/categories....

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