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Members of Congress cannot put themselves above the law

Re: Congressional arrogance.

I appreciate the Times' July 12 editorial, but you left out some crucial details in your description of congressional reaction. Not every member of Congress opposed the FBI's raid on Rep. William Jefferson's Washington office.

While I respect Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Speaker Dennis Hastert's attempt to preserve what they believe is the traditional separation of powers that our Founders created, I think their position sends the wrong message. When we object to a legitimate search in cases of alleged wrongdoing, members of Congress give the impression that they have something to hide, or want to hide things in the future. Frankly, that is not how elected members of Congress should do business. My constituents know that I am independent-minded and do not hesitate to cross party or ideological lines to do the right thing. In this case, the right thing is to stand up and say Congress is not above the law. Period.

I could not sit back and allow members to resist a legitimate search by law enforcement officials, so I introduced a resolution to state my strong disapproval. House Resolution 852 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that if there is an ongoing criminal investigation into a member of Congress, that member's congressional office may be subject to legitimate searches and seizures.

On July 10, Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan ruled that the FBI's search of Rep. Jefferson's congressional office in May was legitimate. Judge Hogan wrote, "A member of Congress is bound by the same laws as ordinary citizens." I firmly agree, as do the 25 members of Congress who have cosponsored my resolution.

Nobody in the United States is above the law - not a truck driver, a schoolteacher, or a member of Congress. Members of Congress were elected to uphold the laws of this land, not consider ourselves above them. Our constituents have placed an enormous level of trust in our actions. I, for one, refuse to let them down.

Ginny Brown-Waite, U.S. representative, Florida's 5th Congressional District, Washington, D.C.

Make candidate information useful

Re: Candidates for governor.

I appreciate the personal information you have published on the candidates for governor. However, I am not voting on their lifestyles. Please publish the candidates' plans for Florida. How do they feel on illegal immigration? How do they feel about a work program? What will they do about rates for homeowners insurance and flood insurance? How will they protect our ports? Will they pass state laws where needed because the federal government will not enforce federal laws? Will they give state or local law enforcement agencies the authority to enforce federal laws in our state? Will they follow the will of the people or be bought by big business? Will they slow down building where the water or sewers are already drastically overloaded? Will they protect our wetlands, Everglades and beaches?

These are the things that we voters need to know. Please gather all the information you can on all of the above subjects and let us readers know so we can vote right.

Albert Ash, New Port Richey

Keep immigration focused on legality

Re: In praise of noncitizen soldiers, July 15.

Your editorial concerning noncitizen soldiers is laudable in that these men serving in our armed forces do indeed defend this country, and in many cases die for it. That path to citizenship, I believe, should be strengthened, but independently from Congress' attempts at promoting the president's "comprehensive" path to citizenship, which is nothing more than a smoke screen for amnesty.

The question has always been about legality and nothing more. Congress' long history of failure to protect our borders and enforce the existing laws on immigration has driven the likes of Mayor Louis Barletta of Hazleton, Pa., to take matters into their own hands. Reportedly his constituency is heartily in agreement with his stand to punish those who are doing business with illegal immigrants.

I for one am confounded by how daunting the problem of closing our borders has become. Really, how difficult can it be?

Orfeo Trombetta, Seminole

An unseemly intrusion

Re: Bringing him home a hero, July 15.

I was shocked to see the large picture on the front page of the Metro & State section of the grieving family of Cpl. Aaron Griner after his funeral. I'm surprised that you have again invaded the privacy of a family grieving over the death of a loved one. The picture and story on Page 4 were appropriate and sensitive.

Rita Farquhar, Clearwater

Election reverberations

Re: Bringing him home a hero.

Publishing a story, with photos, for each dead fighting man from our area is a fine thing to do. It honors a family's sacrifice, and it brings home to us the terrible loss to the family, our community, and the nation. For the thoughtful, grieving reader there is a subtle message, too, one that the Times cannot say, but I can and will.

That innocent baby would have a good and loving father to grow up with; that young mother, lost in her agony, would have a good and loving husband to lie beside at night and to share the rest of her life; that soldier's mother would have a stalwart, loving son to love and cheer for as he achieved his life's successes if only the 2000 presidential "election" had been decided differently.

Bud Tritschler, Clearwater

There's no promise of a job

Re: Not enlisted, and not employed, July 16.

I am a former Marine. I want to thank the young man who served our country. However, I am certainly not going to have a pity party for him. I did four years of active duty 1985-89. Nobody offered me a job making $30,000 a year when I got out. I went back to work at the job I had before I went in at Publix supermarkets for the balance of my 10 years and retired from that company. I bought my first house with that retirement check.

The armed services of our country are a great opportunity for young people from all walks of life. They can lift you up and out of poverty or they can humble a rich kid who just wants to get out of the house and not go to college. There is an extensive program for people leaving the military. They will tell you it's not easy. There are also huge re-enlistment bonuses and promotions for people who choose a military career.

This young man just spent a portion of his life volunteering for his country. The military offered him a career he chose not to follow. He has to start over. No different than you and I starting a new career at this time of our lives. It's the American way.

Andrew Day, Seminole

A Redner reminder

Re: Strip club king goes to church looking for votes, July 17.

I just read the article about Joe Redner's political visit to the Without Walls International Church. It appears from the article that other candidates will be invited to speak as well. No problem there.

However, as a Christian, I would like to remind other Christians that Joe Redner, himself, is a threat to our environment while he propagates filth and stench in our society with his flesh businesses. Remember that as you applaud for him.

Kristine Moss, St. Petersburg

[Last modified July 19, 2006, 22:29:07]