Not just one group
The Traverse City Human Rights Commission along with the League of Women Voters, Grand Traverse Area and SPECTRUM, Northwestern Michigan College's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender & Ally organization co-sponsored a forum on gay and lesbian life in Traverse City Nov. 5.
Why is city commissioner Carruthers involved in a city project that has approved spending tax money to showcase "Gay Life in Traverse City"?
In the past Carruthers has been at the forefront of fiscal responsibility on all other issues when it comes to our tax dollars.
I would assume, given the history of the HRC, most of the city commissioners had no knowledge of this city expense prior to the public announcement.
It seems to me that certain agendas get a free pass when it comes to spending our tax dollars.
I don't believe "gay" issues are a main concern to the majority of city residents.
Many citizens are more concerned with family value issues and improving life in Traverse City for all of its residents.
It is my sincere hope that the Traverse City Human Rights Commission would focus on issues that impact the life of everyone, not just one group and agenda.
Paul Nepote
Traverse City
Safer with a gun
The Oct. 25 Record-Eagle article concerning concealed weapons on college campuses interviewed a student concerning the prospects of her sitting next to a person who has a weapon (gun).
Obtaining a concealed weapons permit is long and thorough. It involves an FBI background check and sitting before a review board of local law enforcement agents. They determine that you are of good moral character, are responsible and are of sound mind. Only then is a permit granted.
Since Michigan adopted the new policy on concealed weapons, there have been few crimes committed by a person with this permit. These permits are given to law-abiding citizens that obey the laws.
State Police reports indicate that 2,178 permits have been revoked or suspended since 2001, about 1 percent of those issued. Those permits that were revoked were for misdemeanor offenses of a non-violent nature. Violent crimes are committed by those that do not have permits.
If the student that expressed her safety concern would research the issue, she would feel safer if a person sitting next to her was lawfully carrying a weapon.
Patrick E. McNamara
Beulah
Obama's relatives
Recently the wife and I visited the Health Department of Northwest Michigan to receive our H1N1 flu shot as per our doctor's request. Upon arrival we were met by a woman who stated that we did not qualify because we were over the magic age of 64. Apparently the flu doesn't touch retirees.
I know the children and young people come first, but the next day on Fox News it was said that Obama has put aside 10 percent of the flu vaccine to send to Third World countries in Africa.
My tax dollars, my health, his relatives ...
Robert E. Need
Alanson
Stupak praised
Nov. 7 was a historic day for our country not only because of the House passage of the Affordable Health Care Act but, even more importantly, for passage of the Stupak amendment, which bars federal funds for abortion.
Bart Stupak deserves congratulations and our deep gratitude for standing firm in gathering together a coalition of Democrats and Republicans to pass this amendment. He deserves our thanks for standing up to tremendous pressure from pro-choice lobbyists. He, more than Pelosi, and all the other professional politicians, deserves the credit for his leadership in bringing together a new form of constituency based on moral and humanitarian ethics.
It would not surprise me if he ascended to a key national leadership position. He has the strength of character, leadership and moral ground that Americans have yearned for. Thank you Bart. You have my vote!
Ann Carolan
Petoskey
Tip your servers
The holidays are quickly approaching and everybody has on their mind how the economy is rough and how to save money any way they can. I am one of those people trying to figure out a budget for the holidays, and life in general.
When it comes to savings I believe there is a line that needs to be drawn, though. I am a local server and lately the tips have been dramatically low. People can blame this on not getting "good" service, or "10 percent is enough." Servers are just like you, trying to earn money so they can go holiday shopping and save money.
Not only holidays are rough; it's an every-day, every-week and every-month worry. Servers make $2.65 per hour; let me remind you that most servers don't even see that hourly wage because it all goes to taxes and insurance plans!
These days you should follow a general rule: For every $10 you spend you should leave $2. It is common and respectful to leave 15 to 20 percent. Just remember, servers have mortgages, families, bills, and many of the expenses that you do, so tip them accordingly when you go out to eat.
Cara Washington
Traverse City
Totally inappropriate
I find the Traverse City Opera House's position on Wharton Center management extremely disingenuous. "Strategic planning process" my foot. Where was the transparency with the City Commission as the Opera House took this step to engage the Wharton Center in negotiations? Sounds to me like they were setting this all up without the city's knowledge and then hoped to spring it on them "ta-da!" style.
Where is the consideration of other groups who have been offering productions at the Opera House, especially the excellent Porterhouse Productions? Where is the consideration of all the public and private donors who gave millions over the years to renovate this structure, which really belongs to our community, not some outside arts organization?
Nothing against the Wharton Center, perhaps they might be a good partner, but it seems like Jerry Seinfeld and "big stage" theatre productions are totally inappropriate for such an intimate venue. I plan to attend at least one of these meetings and voice my concern.
Julie L. Elliott-Eickenroth
Traverse City
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