Consider the economy
So you think you want more of the Bush-Cheney economy with candidate McCain, then consider:
1. Bush's tax cuts for the rich have reduced the annual revenue available for public needs by $300 billion each year.
2. The war in Afghanistan and Iraq has cost $700 billion according to the Congressional Research Service with a final price tag of over $2 trillion, and McCain wants a U.S. presence there indefinitely.
3. Consider the deregulation of banking industry that caused the collapse of investment funds, banks and stock value of corporations that depend on them, as well as a decline in value of most homes, and a rise in the cost of living.
Candidate McCain says the economy and domestic needs are his "short suit." We cannot afford four more years of Republican Compassionate Conservatism.
Carroll Volpe
Honor
Keep health care private
I would like to respond to the April 16 letter concerning national health care. This person seems to think that it would be the answer to our prayers. All I can say to that is, be careful what you wish for.
We have three doctors in our family who will attest to the gross mismanagement of Medicare and Medicaid. Fraud is abundant. The last thing this country needs is government running our health care. Look what's happened to Social Security. That's just one example.
To see a shining example of how not to run health care you only have to look at our northern neighbors. We have many relatives living in Canada. They're totally disgusted with their health care and are forced to come here for many health-related problems. The waiting list for elective surgery is astounding, plus you can't choose your own doctor.
Look across the pond to England. Their health care is in shambles.
Our health care must be kept out of the hands of government and stay private. Surely we can learn from the mistakes of others. There's no such thing as a free lunch. We'll all pay dearly indeed, and not just monetarily.
Barbara Lee Schimp
Traverse City
Too much reading
Four words describe the Tigers' miserable start:
They read their clippings.
Ted Kidd
Traverse City
Customers first
During a cold and rainy week in Traverse City, with the news media attempting to strike fear in my heart, a glimmer of hope appeared at the local fuel pump. Mutual gas held their prices at $3.34 per gallon while their competitors raised theirs to $3.49 per gallon. It stayed like this for days until the competitors brought their prices down to $3.34.
It was great to see a local establishment reaching out for the best interest of its consumer.
Lori Tulppo
Kingsley
Ordinance unenforced
We live down from Chum's Corner, in this so-called paradise of Traverse City. Our road, North Drive, runs parallel to the main highway, M-37, and connects to a subdivision. We live with an endless parade of noise pollution, which my wife and I are forced to endure. The police never view any noise as a violation of the noise ordinance, posted May 2004.
Auto radios boom, both night and day, shaking homes' walls. Tires screech on our half-mile road, like it's a drag race. Motorcycles rev repeatedly, at stop signs, shaking window panes. Snowmobiles shriek by, in our front lawns. Coast Guard helicopters roar by just overhead of the trees.
Domestic animals bark at us every time we move. Wild cats get in hissing fights at night. Random gun shots go off like it was hunting season.
Neighbors rev their engines so they can be heard for miles. Amplified radios play so loud, one cannot hear their TV. Leaf blowers buzz with ear piercing, high-pitched whines. Screaming matches, for all to hear. Slamming auto doors jerk you to attention. Homeowners bang away, without permits. The county plow sat idling for an hour every day this winter, shaking our trailer.
Lee N. Hall Jr.
Traverse City
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