Friday's letters to the editor

November 23, 2012

Don't count tea party out

I have been inundated by liberal friends gloating about the defeat of the Republican candidate for president. Moreover, they are enjoying what they see as the demise of the tea party. It is true that the media successfully caricatured folks like me as socially conservative, dumb, racist idiots. So be it.

Because less than 24 hours after the election, every major network was discussing the tea party principles of fiscal responsibility and how to deal with the debt.

It's now acknowledged by both sides of the aisle that raising taxes doesn't come remotely close to solving the nation's fiscal problem. The only genuine solution is to cut spending.

All the made-up social issues the Democrats successfully used to divide the electorate and turn out their base have been rapidly swept aside by the issues the tea party was born under.

President Obama, you have claimed the mandate. Show us the plan to reduce the debt. It's in your court now. No more excuses.

I'd say the tea party did just fine in this election cycle. We still control the conversation on what actually matters in our federal government.

Henry Kelley, Fort Walton Beach Tea Party

Mitt Romney the onewho stooped low

Regarding the letter writer from Boynton Beach who talked about how low President Obama had stooped in the election:

The question is: What planet are you living on?

There hasn't been a "clean election campaign" from any party in as long as there has been television — or as far back as anybody of this generation can remember.

As a matter of fact, Obama did explain his stance and asked you, the viewer, to compare the records. In another ad, he also used Romney's own words to show he wasn't exactly stable regarding his stance on the organization, Planned Parenthood.

You talked vaguely of Romney's successes. Did you know his successes came at the expense of shutting down American businesses and shipping those jobs to China and elsewhere?

Talk about the uninformed.

Bill Andrews, Hollywood

Out for political points

If all the House Republicans who have voted against increased funding for security at U.S. consulates and embassies were declared ineligible to participate in the upcoming hearings on the embassy attack in Benghazi, the ranking minority member would have to adjourn the meeting for lack of a quorum.

I don't know which is worse -- this shameless hypocrisy after their funding votes or the upcoming attempt to score political points on the corpse of a murdered ambassador. But I do know who has blood on their hands.

W. Rick Garr, Fort Lauderdale

Damage done by Tampa housewife

I am disgusted to read about the likes of Jill Kelley, who with her 15 minutes of fame and want-to-be celebrity has brought down a good man like Gen. David Petraeus and threatens the career of Gen. John Allen.

Most people have some weakness and theirs was allowing this woman to be involved in their lives.

What exactly was Ms. Kelley's purpose in making her revelation? I understand we don't want secure information to get out, but didn't we rush to judgment on Gen. Petraeus? Besides, the FBI and CIA have always been rivals and don't always share information. I think the real culprit in this whole thing is Ms. Kelley.

Susan Feig, Boca Raton

West hypocritical on spending

Allen West has repeatedly said he thinks government is too large and spends too much money. Does that mean he will repay the government for the voting recounts he kept demanding?

Joseph Leff, Delray Beach

Another idea for early voting

Here is a simple solution to solve the challenges with early voting. For federal elections, create a 28-day period for early voting. The first two weeks, anyone whose last name ends with A through N can vote. The last two weeks, anyone whose last name ends with O through Z can vote. People can still wait until Election Day, if they so choose, or send in an absentee ballot. Problem solved.

Lawrence Schneir, North Miami Beach

Remember real meaningof the holidays

America was founded by people who wanted to escape religious persecution or simply start a new life. Our Constitution guarantees everyone freedom of choice, but somewhere along the line we have become irreverant and greedy, and the meaning of holidays has been lost.

Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans' Day and Thanksgiving. All these holidays were designated for a special purpose — not to go shopping at stores having special sales.

Too many holidays have become nothing more than a day off, shop until your credit card is maxed out, then grill a hot dog and have a beer, if you have any money left.

Does anyone remember the days of old when you worked until noon on Christmas Eve and your boss handed everyone an envelope with cash, his gift to you? Then you went to the five & dime to spend the money on whatever trinkets you could find, and then rush home to wrap them as presents for your family. How sweet and satisfying that was.

Vera Tischler, Dania Beach

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