Letters to the Editor for Oct. 4, 2013


Government priorities

Once upon a time, the government had a vast scrap yard in the middle of a desert. Congress said “someone might steal from it at night.” So, they created a night watchman post and hired a guy.

Then the politicians said, “How does the watchman do his job without instructions?” So, they created a Planning Department and hired two people, one person to write the instructions and one person to do time studies.

Again the politicians said, “How will we know the night watchman is doing his task correctly?” So, they created a Quality Control Department and hired two people: one to do the studies, and one to write the reports.

Then the politicians said, “How are these people going to get paid?” So, they created the following positions: a timekeeper and a payroll officer and hired two people.

Then the politicians said, “Who will be accountable for all these people?” So, they created an administrative section and hired three people: an administrative officer, an assistant administrative officer and a legal secretary.

Then the sequester took effect and they had to cut back on overall cost. You guessed it, they laid off the night watchman.

Our wonderful government at work.

Frank Hogan



I am a veteran who receives Veterans Affairs benefits and medical services. My wife and I receive Social Security. My wife receives Medicare. It is easy, therefore, to make a decision about which side to support on this government shutdown.

I support those folk who wish to improve and broaden the health care system, and that is not what the ideologues on the right want to do.

So, sadly, Congressman Richard Nugent, to me you appear to be anti-veteran, anti-Social Security, and anti-fix the health care system, and that means you will not get my vote.

Jim Hill


No skin in the game

During this period of time when everyone in the United States is doing his or her part in working through these budget cuts that sequestration has brought to America, some are ignoring its problems.

Our military may be hurt the most with these drastic budget cuts at a time when we are still fighting a major conflict in Afghanistan where Americans are dying each and every day.

Every program that has been set aside to help our federal, state and local governments that provide for our people has been cut to the bone. We are eliminating programs that have been on the books for years that provide work for millions of Americans. Instead of building our roads and bridges and putting our people to work, we are shrinking our economy. Our workers are earning less money and paying less in taxes, which reduces the funds that we need to keep our country running.

Regardless of what you have lost, whatever you have given up, there is one group of people who is able to continue its lavish lifestyle. These people feel they are above the law of the little people because they made these laws that we all have to live by. I am talking about the Congress of the United States of America. They are a selfish group of individuals who have no skin in the game, no accountability for their actions because they only answer to their largest campaign contributors.

What can we, as voters, do about these people who do not have to sacrifice the way we do to survive and try to support our families? Could we elect a new Congress in 2014 that believes in representing what’s best for all Americans?

Jerry Segovis


Drive-in victory

Congratulations, Ocala! By voting through emails for our only remaining drive-in theater to receive funds for new updated digital projector equipment, it has once again been saved.

Ocala was in competition against other communities MUCH larger than ours, and we should all be proud of what a difference each of our emails made to the future of this unique venue.

Now, that is the first step in continuing to enjoy this nostalgic family-oriented activity. We should support the owners’ commitment by going to a picture show with friends, family, or groups we may be involved in to show our appreciation and love of movies in this unique setting.

Pamela Stafford


All about the money

Face it, passing “Obamacare” is nothing more than a disguised increase in taxes.

Do we hear of a delay in any of the tax increases located within “Obamacare?” No. All we hear about is the delay in the implementation of certain scheduled events such as signing up with the exchanges, etc. Not one of the 41 new taxes has been delayed.

The Democrats in Congress are urging passage of the current budget because they want the money. They don’t really care about “Obamacare” because they are exempted from it. Harry Reid says pass the budget bill first, then we’ll talk about fixing “Obamacare.”

Do you really believe they will? I don’t, because history tells me nothing kicked down the road is ever resolved.

Larry Biddle

Lady Lake

Obama’s fault

The House of Representatives passed a budget many times continually toning down their requests for adjustments with “Obamacare.” They passed a budget!

Harry Reid, upon orders of his majesty President Barack Obama, refused to even meet with House members to work out an agreement.

Obama caused the government shutdown!

My only question is: Does this affect Michelle’s 23 assistants? Will she be able to have her hair done? I guess this will cause a meltdown for our first lady.

David Dillard

Spruce Creek Preserve


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