It's called 'democracy'
This is in reference to all the political comments that most Republicans are really upset about. The Record-Eagle publishes all political views without prejudice. Democracy gives us the ability to make decisions based on all the information now available to us.
I appreciate the freedom of being informed of the opinions of both sides and making my own decisions on issues. It allows me to publicly express my opinions, something I would normally not do.
If you do not like to read about the peoples' opinions, then do not buy the Record-Eagle.
George and Eileen Edmonds
Traverse City
Are politics involved?
On June 23 the Fed maintained low interest rates. On June 24, oil spiked, and the Dow dropped 300-plus points. This is no coincidence.
Commodity speculation is driven by borrowed dollars. Part of the formula involves the "risk-free rate." If the interest rate is low, then the "risk-free rate" is low, and the expected return is high.
This positive feedback loop has profoundly negative global consequences. Cheaper dollars equal devalued dollars equal higher oil prices. Raising the interest rate would reduce speculative return and make it less attractive. The Fed gave the green light to speculative investors by hinting it was safe to continue this activity until their next meeting.
Expensive energy justifies conquest; cheap energy makes conquest unthinkable. Low interest rates contain war debt, and a Bush-minded candidate becomes electable, and everyone hates tree-huggers. Domestic infrastructure and social welfare spending become unaffordable as interest rates rise to control high energy prices. Without much effort, it is easy to recognize which political mantra benefits the most.
Inflation is caused by the falling value of a currency. Commodities prices are simply reacting to the falling value of the dollar. Interest rates control inflation. Hopefully, this is not happening for political reasons.
Tim Wiley
Traverse City
Townships are costly
Taxes, how they love the extra mill here and there. They will take care of our needs because assessments can be raised each year. Our problem is too much government.
First, do away with townships; any act of the township could be done at the county level with computers. The township board has six people, planning commission seven, board of appeals five, assessor one, board of review three, totaling 22 people.
Grand Traverse County has 13 townships with 78 board members, 91 on planning commissions, 65 on boards of appeal, 13 assessors, 39 on boards of review, totaling at least 132 people.
Michigan has 83 counties, each having at least 12 townships, making 896 townships, each with 22 members, for an approximate total of 19,712 township board members. Townships set their own salaries, perks, health insurance and pension.
Recently the Record-Eagle published an article stating a township supervisor's assistant was appointed with a salary of $63,000. Bet it gives us taxpayers something to think about.
We, the people, should form a committee, get a petition and put a referendum on the November ballot. Think what the cost of townships are statewide. Bet we would have enough to fix the roads.
Bernard W. Griner
Interlochen
Disgusting conditions
With all the brouhaha about E. coli in the bay with boaters at West End Beach, I was surprised to find the disgusting conditions in the portable toilet located near the volleyball courts. My suggestion is that if you want people to use the portable toilets, then you should pump them before they get to within three inches of overflowing.
Mark Leugers
Traverse City
Use local contractors
This year local construction contractors in our area are facing their most difficult ever. It is because of this that I encourage the community to use local contractors. It is local contractors, their employees and their families who utilize your goods and services at the businesses you own, or at which you work.
We buy groceries, seek medical services, buy vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, houses and supplies locally; so should you. Our children attend the same schools as yours, they play on the same teams, or sit next to yours in class. We contribute to local charities, golf in your outings, attend fundraising events, build your stadiums.
Numerous contractors have already left our community, and our state. You can set the criteria to use local contractors and, you can negotiate your bid locally.
Our community is rich in talented and skilled contractors -- use them. Pass their names along to others. Call the Home Builders Association, local Builder's Exchange, or ask your real estate agent for referrals. Please use these contractors and contribute to the health of our community. Our spouses, our children, the whole community will appreciate it.
Tara Baesch
Traverse City
Tara Baesch and her husband, Rich, own Baesch Building Services.
Well done & memorable
The Record-Eagle and staff are to be commended for the excellent job of reporting on the reunion of all World War II veterans. Good job.
My appreciation also goes out to Del Corner for all of his efforts in making this event possible. It was very well done and a most memorable event.
Frank Trombley
Kalkaska
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