Letters to the Editor for June 30, 2014

Published: Monday, June 30, 2014 at 6:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 3:04 p.m.

Go the speed limit

The driving in Ocala is crazy as many of us have witnessed. However, there is one practice that is extremely dangerous.

While driving when the speed is posted as 55 or 45 this means to drive that speed. I know you think you are safer driving 5 to 10 or more miles under the speed limit, but you are really a danger, especially when you are driving in the left lane or going around a curve, for those that are behind you. If you can't see well enough to read the speed or you choose to drive under the speed, you need to get off the road. How many more people have to die or be hurt from you not following the speed limit?

If the police would stop these people and ticket them, then they would stop this nonsense because it is just as dangerous as speeding. Please, please just drive the posted speed limit!

Olga Cross

Silver Springs

A thankful non-Republican

I have been reading the comments of a few disgruntled tea party Republicans blaming the president for everything under the sun from bad weather to the lack of action by the Congress and have concluded that I should hold their feet to the fire as well. So I have found a list of 10 reasons why I'm thankful that I'm not a Republican (in no particular order):

1. I respect the civil rights of all Americans, not just those I choose to agree with.

2. I understand basic economics that consumer demand creates jobs, not tax breaks.

3. I know that while mental health does play a part in gun violence, guns are still part of the problem.

4. I understand that science isn't some form of liberal magic trick.

5. I know that women deserve the same rights in the workplace and everywhere else as men.

6. I know that racism isn't natural, it's a learned behavior — and skin color says nothing about the content of one's character.

7. It doesn't matter if John wants to marry Jane or Jake, it's none of my business.

8. I know Christianity is about hope, love and compassion — not fear, hate and judgment.

9. When someone needs help, I ask “What can I do?” not “Why?”

10. Health care is a right, not a privilege. Our ability to live healthier lives shouldn't be determined by how much we can afford.

As a Marine I understand that the president is the commander in chief of the United States and deserves the respect associated with that office, whether you like him/her or not.

Larry Hamelin


Our beholden governor

We have forgotten what it is to have a real leader to stand for things that help people and our state progress.

Change is hard, but it is the only way life becomes better. We live in a state with sunshine 350 days a year, so why doesn't solar technology play a bigger role? For that, you need leadership — not back-room deals with entrenched oil and gas interests.

In contrast, the governor of California shows his leadership in ways that benefit his state. Gov. Jerry Brown has actually gotten California out of bankruptcy and even produced a surplus — after Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger threw in the towel. Brown's health care version of Obamacare is a great success, and his actions on cap-and-trade are up and running. Next he will improve California with a high-speed rail system. He has bold ideas, which will pay huge dividends in the future!

We are stuck with a governor mired in 20th century thinking. Rick Scott has refused government money for a high-speed rail system, refused to accept enhanced Medicaid and starved the public schools. Since he has no ideas, he is interview-shy and seems to pass minor bills.

We have a secretive governor beholden to the corporations, banks and Wall Street.

In a fairer climate he would have been punished for his theft of Medicare and Medicaid funds. A fine is no punishment for the wealthy. He has no vision to improve Florida and its citizens. Let's not make the same mistake twice. We need and deserve a governor with progressive ideas!

Estelle Siegel


Bonus outrage

Would someone please explain to myself and other veterans why anyone in government employ should expect to have a monetary bonus just for doing the job that they were hired to do?

I worked in nursing during my working years and never once got a bonus just for doing my job. My husband worked in manufacturing and also never got a bonus, unless you call a turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas a bonus.

I somewhat understand this practice in the private sector, but in government employ — where, by the way, the salary and bonus is actually my money?

Barbara Bartlett


Don't waste your time

The June 22 Ocala Star-Banner had an article about Bobby Genovese wanting to help make Marion County “explode” in a few years? Well, don't waste your time and money, because the Marion County commissioners will not let that happen.

We just lost the New York Yankees baseball farm team that would have brought in a lot of jobs and tourists. Now they want to shut down Wild Waters in three years.

There are no full-time jobs in Ocala, and Silver Springs Park has no more animals or rides. They shut down the Internet cafes, now seniors have nowhere to go!

“Slocala” is not for you, Bobby.

Mildred Whitehouse



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