Published: September 01, 2008 09:53 pm            

Letters to the editor - Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008

Will they cut their salaries, benefits?

It seems that all elected people, regardless if it is for the local, state or federal government, agree on one thing: The government is here to serve the American people.

Since this is an election year, there will be speeches, town hall meetings and debates. Usually people from the media – TV, radio and newspapers – are the ones who ask the candidates the questions. The questions asked are general in nature, and the candidates usually spend 90 percent of their allotted time blaming the opposing party. While offering no solutions on how to fix the problem and how to pay for the solution, our so-called moderators allow these kinds of answers.

There have been thousands of people who have lost their jobs or have a reduced or no pension who are asked to pay more for health insurance. These people, along with those still working for reduced wages, are also asked to reach in their pocket and pay more taxes so the government can continue to serve them.

Here are some questions that should be asked of all people running for an elected office or who are still in an elected, government position:

• Since the government is here to serve the people, would you be willing to take a 20 percent pay cut, a cut in your retirement benefits and pay an extra 20 percent in health-care premiums?

• Would you take a pledge to not talk about who to blame for what is wrong and only talk about solutions and how to pay for them?

I’m sure these questions will not be asked, but we know the answers. The only way the American people can take back government is to vote against any incumbent starting at the local level and continuing to do this for the next 20 years. Since the people have never done this and probably never will, then all I can say is ... people keep digging into your pocket.

Robert Maxwell

Galveston

Former POW will fight for U.S.

I support Sen. John McCain for several reasons.

First of all, because of his stand against abortion. Also, he was a POW, and for that I hold deep respect for him. His being a POW signifies that he is willing to fight for America.

There are other reasons, as well, but I don’t want to talk smack about Senator Obama here.

Joanna Charles

Kokomo

        

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