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Letters to the EditorsDemocrats make for a wonderful life© St. Petersburg Times published December 24, 2002 Editor: The two individuals who switched from Democrat to Republican, Steve Simon and Kurt Browning, apparently have forgotten what the Democratic Party stands for: public education that has afforded every child in this great country the opportunity to learn, the New Deal that brought us Social Security and helped overcome the Great Depression, the GI Bill of Rights that helped educate a generation of veterans, civil rights laws, minimum wage legislation, Medicare, a woman's right to choose and more recently, the Homeland Security bill, an idea originally proposed by a Democrat, Sen. Joe Lieberman. Steve Simon and Kurt Browning also have forgotten that it was a Democratic administration that presided over the longest economic expansion: 22.3-million new jobs, highest home ownership, lowest minority unemployment, largest increase in college aid in 50 years, largest increase in health insurance for children in 35 years, first three surpluses in 70 years, 35-million people taking advantage of family and medical leave, lowest crime rate in 27 years, lowest welfare rolls in 35 years, largest land protection program in the lower 48 states since Theodore Roosevelt, 43-million more Americans breathing clean air and seven years of peace in the Middle East. Since the current Republican administration took office, we have war, an increase in the national debt, higher unemployment, no plan to improve our economy and a stock market going sideways. Given Simon and Browning's timing, I am reminded of the movie It's a Wonderful Life. George Bailey helped the less fortunate obtain home loans but wanted to commit suicide after a large bank deposit was lost and he felt like he made no difference in the world. An angel appeared to show him what it would be like if George had never been born. As it turns out, George had made an immeasurable positive difference in people's lives, but just never realized it. To Steve Simon and Kurt Browning: Imagine what it would be like if there were only Republicans in this world and no Democrats to fight for those who are truly less fortunate. It is truly sad that you failed to realize what a positive impact you actually had made while you were Democrats.
Welcome mat is rolled out for two new RepublicansEditor: Kudos to County Commissioner Steve Simon and Elections Supervisor Kurt Browning! All of us who are members of the Republican Party welcome you! Kurt Browning's statement that the Democratic Party is not the same as 25 years ago is an understatement. Many members of the Democratic Party have leaned so far to the left that they have to hang on or fall off the ship. Kurt Browning mentioned that the last straw that prompted his leaving the party was Nancy Pelosi. Who could blame him? Ms. Pelosi and the Berkeley bunch are enough to make any conservative Democrat say adios to the party. LaVaunne Miller, the Democratic chair, stated: "They think their friends will forget in a few months. But their friends won't forget in a few months." Who needs friends like that? This is typical Democratic agenda: vindictiveness, retribution, never forgive, never forget. Welcome aboard, guys. A great Republican political future lies ahead for both of you.
GOP in Pasco is strong and will get strongerEditor: After reading the unrelenting criticism published by the St. Petersburg Times, I would like the Republicans of Pasco County to read what is right with our party. The people of Pasco County and the nation have spoken, and their message is clear: The Republican Party is the party of the people. Here in Pasco, we had a Republican sweep, we are the majority party and we are growing by leaps and bounds. For the first time in Florida's history, a Republican governor has been re-elected for a second term. With our new Pasco chairman, Bill Bunting, all I can say is watch out. This is a man with a vision, and that vision is to have strong Republicans in every office. There are two types of people I found: those who sit around and loudly complain about everything that is wrong and those who quietly get the job done and change what is wrong. Bill Bunting is the latter. He and his wife, Ann, have done more for the growth of the Republican Party here in Pasco than anyone, and I believe it's time that they are recognized for that fact. We have a strong party here in Pasco, and we are only going to become stronger and more fortified. It will be my great honor as state committeewoman to work with my chairman, Bill Bunting, and my state committeeman, John Renke. Their leadership qualifications are indispensable. I encourage everyone to come out and join us. We are taking back what is ours: less government, less taxes, more freedom to the individual and protecting our Constitution.
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