'Miracle' of incentives
In Michael Moore's "next miracle for TC" he lists eight ideas. But in No. 6 -- where he laments that the wealthy ($100K) do not pay their fair share of taxes -- he demonstrates he has no idea who actually creates the jobs in an economy.
You cannot create middle-class jobs by punitively taxing the very people who use personal wealth to start businesses that hire the middle class. On the opposite page, your paper correctly attributed tax breaks as a major incentive for filmmakers to come here, indicating that Moore's own industry "gets it" even if he does not.
It is proven that tax incentives attract new businesses and industries -- look at Texas, Nevada, Tennessee, Florida and others -- all whom have experienced solid economic growth and rank at the top of the Small Business and Entrepreneurial Council's list of the best state tax systems. It's no coincidence young, talented people are moving to these states.
Wealthy people use their own capital to start businesses and hire the people who, in turn, pump money into a local economy, growing it. But the wealthy can't use their money to start businesses if they are using it to pay unfair, high taxes.
Ed and Jan McCall
Traverse City
Keep the spirit
Father Fred loved the Thanksgiving dinner. He wanted it to be not only good food but a dinner for the community. The mayor, U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, state Sen. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City, and many other dignitaries served the dinner and mixed with the guests.
Each guest had a special invitation from the Father Fred Foundation (founded by the Rev. Edwin J. Frederick) and often had to be encouraged to attend. It was a little intimidating to go to the upscale Park Place for dinner. Volunteers often helped them pick out a new outfit from the clothing department. One of Father's beliefs was if you look good, you feel good and you act good.
Many folks are alone and some don't have ovens or know how to cook a turkey. All the food was donated and the volunteers cooked, washed dishes and cleaned up and a great time was had by all. It wasn't just a turkey dinner, it was a time of joyous sharing, caring and listening.
Times change and traditions go, but hopefully the spirit that was felt at the Foundation dinners will be kept.
Barbara Lehnhard
Traverse City
The writer worked as secretary to Father Frederick for 10 years.
Hearts are playful
Thanks for the upbeat reporting on the hearts that have appeared around the city. But I am annoyed with the negative editorial in the Oct. 21 paper.
There is some depressing graffiti in the city, but the Record-Eagle chooses to condemn playful, smile-inducing hearts, hearts that no one in the article has a real complaint about.
The only comment close to negative in the article was the InsideOut Gallery owner, Mike Curths, felt they were "too cutesy." This is understandable since nothing in his gallery is "cutesy." He suggests making the hearts a logo for the city, and that seems positive.
The silliest item in the editorial is that some hearts are "a rather ominous black." Goodness! Were they so ominous that the reporter flew from scene, tossing his pen and note pad toward the heavens?
Incidentally, there is only one work that has black hearts, and it's in the plaza across from Horizon Books. It has an equal number of silver hearts, which are not mentioned by the editorial writer. These black and silver hearts seem to dance before your eyes. Ominous? Give me a break!
Too bad the editorial got hearts mixed up with gang graffiti.
Jerry Solanics
Traverse City
Defending rights
I take offense to Mr. Parsons' Nov. 3 reference to concealed weapons permit holders as " crackpots." They are in the top percentage of society with background checks, no misdemeanors or felonies, fingerprinting, classes, written and practical exams, 21 years old. Legally anyone can carry a weapon exposed? The difference is concealed weapon permit holders can carry concealed as to not alarm bystanders.
CCW holders are exercising their constitutional right to defend themselves if the need arises. If we are to start taking away rights, start with free speech. Let's outlaw free speech in parks, public buildings, employer parking lots, and yes, college properties. We can expand from there.
Mr. Parsons stated he was going hunting on Sunday. Sunday hunting has been outlawed in some states. That right has been taken away from him by those who do not agree. If you don't agree, don't do it.
Could many mass murders have been prevented if someone would have immediately defended themselves? Who'd think you need self defense on military bases or schools? We don't pick when the need may arise.
Wayne Schmidt and Michelle McManus are doing what they were elected to do, defending the constitutional rights of their constituents.
David Ransom
Traverse City
Proud of membership
This is in reference to a Nov. 3 letter from Grant W. Parsons, "every crackpot with a concealed weapons permit will be allowed to carry guns into classes and dormitories."
Is Mr. Parsons suggesting all people that have concealed weapons are crackpots or that crackpots are able to obtain concealed weapons permits? Maybe he thinks all gun owners are crackpots!
I think Mr. Parsons is totally ignorant of existing laws governing firearms. "Crackpots" who obtain firearms illegally or due to someone's carelessness and enter a school or dormitory to do their evil work can do so with impunity knowing no one in the building is armed to defend themselves.
Obtaining a concealed weapons permit is a difficult thing to do. Mr. Parsons should brush up on a few facts before he makes such rash statements.
I am an 83-year-old World War II veteran, having served in North Africa, and have belonged to the National Rifle Association for many years, along with presidents, countless professional people and average law-abiding citizens (more than 4 million).
I am proud of my membership and service to my country and thank God the Minute Men had guns or we would not have a United States.
Thomas R. Urban
Traverse City
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