Report optimistic news
After experiencing a wonderful July 4 celebration in Traverse City Friday and Saturday, I sat down to breakfast with family members only to find the following headline in Sunday's Traverse City Record-Eagle paper, "America's unhappy birthday weekend: 'Too much wrong right now.'" The headline was depressing, as well as the negative and pessimistic tone of the article. One would think that on the weekend most Americans celebrate Independence Day that your newspaper could join in and discuss that which is uplifting about the country I, my family, and a few others love.
But no ... you could not wait until even Monday to start with your post modernist, liberal theology of America the oppressor.
As my family understands the news, the turnout for the National Cherry Festival and the expected tourism dollars is quite encouraging. So we might recommend that you continue with the theme of your Sunday headline about the "Opening Roar: Festival week gets off to a flying start".
Robert Mayer
Northport
Always prepared
After seeing Beth Friend in action as an East Bay Township trustee, I am thrilled to hear she is seeking a spot on the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners. I believe the board could use more accountability and public input. Beth Friend is one who could help make improvements in both those areas. With all the extra time she puts into researching a subject, she always comes to meetings prepared. In these economic times, Beth is the type of Friend we need on the board. Join me in supporting her.
Chris Thompson
Traverse City
Remember in November
By a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court has, according to columnist Mona Charen, made a "common sense" decision that eliminates "the distraction of the 'militia' clause" with regard to our Second Amendment rights to bear arms.
Most folks agree our Founding Fathers were smart guys, who cared a lot about precise language. But we are now assured that in this case the Washington/Franklin/Madison bunch overspoke, or perhaps nodded off just as they were about to cross out that pesky "well-regulated militia" clause. What they really meant to say was that we can all pack heat, safety locks optional.
If you've been convicted of a felony, get your buddy to buy one for you.
And since "the right to bear arms" does not specify what kind of arms, we can now sue to put those semi-automatics and exploding bullets back out on the streets, pronto. Make my day. Evidently, according to the majority decision, there is precedent for all this in the "Glorious Revolution" of 17th century England.
I came up north to relax. The Supreme Court and Mona Charen have not helped. I do agree 100 percent with Ms. Charen's final four words of admonition, however: "Remember that in November."
Bill Smith
Troy
The writer is a former resident of Suttons Bay.
Economic wasteland
Gasoline prices have reached all-time highs, but our Congress continues to cater to environmentalists in making crucial decisions for our country. They stubbornly refuse to let us tap our vast domestic oil reserves.
Congress refuses to allow drilling in ANWR, putting a tiny fraction of an arctic wildlife preserve ahead of the will and the well-being of the American people. The 1995 congress passed legislation authorizing drilling in ANWR, but the 1995 president vetoed it.
The politicians are also blocking access to our off-shore oil and gas reserves and the even greater potential of the oil shale reserves in our western states. Each of these sources has several times the potential of ANWR.
All of the above makes it impossible for us to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and gas prices continue to rise. Consumers are changing preferences -- not because the smaller vehicles will meet their needs -- but because they feel they have no choice. These changes will hurt U.S. auto companies most, likely forcing more layoffs and plant closings.
Our Michigan economy is already weak. If congress succeeds in forcing our U.S. auto companies into bankruptcy, Michigan may soon resemble an economic wasteland.
John A. Heald
Frankfort
The writer is a General Motors retiree.
Issue surfaces -- again
The Antrim County Board of Commissioners is again considering reimbursing Mr. Arlen Turner for legal fees he incurred during several trials for malfeasance in office.
He was discharged from his position (director of the Antrim County Construction Code Enforcement Department) for cause several months after refusing to cooperate with county officials as they attempted to correct major deficiencies identified by inspectors early in 2004. Mr. Turner was subsequently convicted of several job-related misdemeanor crimes.
Mr. Turner requested that Antrim County reimburse him for his legal expenses associated with the trials mentioned above. The Antrim Board of Commissioners chose to take no action while legal proceedings against Mr. Turner were in progress. Following his conviction, the board decided not to reimburse any of his legal expenses (estimated in 2005 to have been approximately $150,000).
As a direct result of Mr. Turner's misdeeds, the state of Michigan seized the county's Construction Code Enforcement Department and ran it for more than six months. The cost to Antrim County, in lost revenue and additional manpower, exceeded $500,000!
Equally troublesome, a number of county residents suffered needless expense because of inadequate inspections and/or follow-up during Mr. Turner's term as director -- Antrim never reimbursed those losses.
Robert K. McLeod
Venice, Fla.
The writer was an Antrim County commissioner from 1997 to 2006. He had served as chairman of the administration and county services committee.
Every vote counts
At the Aug. 5 primary, Grand Traverse County citizens will decide who will be our next sheriff. It's important everyone vote. We can make a difference; every vote counts.
We need to look at what the candidates have done for county citizens, not just the empty promises made. We deserve a safe community with the right equipment to ensure the job gets done. This is why I support Tom Bensley for sheriff.
No matter who you support, it's important to vote for whom you feel is the right choice for good, honest law enforcement for everyone in Grand Traverse County.
Harold Barr
Traverse City
The writer is a former Grand Traverse County Sheriff
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