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Admit election loss, get over it

While I do not presume to speak for all voters, I am sure there are many folks out there who are as sick and tired as I am about the complaints and lawsuits from candidates who lost during the last election.

While I voted for Nancy Robinson (then District 2 Hernando County commissioner), once the election was over, she should have graciously bowed out instead of filing a legal action to try to regain her seat because of a supposed residency requirement not being met by Rose Rocco. It kind of smacks of the old dodge by former President Bill Clinton of what the meaning of "is" is.

Then there is Christine Jennings bemoaning her loss to Vern Buchanan as unacceptable because of the allegedly large undervote in the 13th Congressional District. In a campaign as negative as this one was, it is surprising that anyone wanted to vote for either one of them. Perhaps the ballot really needed a place for voters to mark "None of the above."

Now, we see John Russell (who lost by more than 14 percent - some 6,000 votes) in the 5th Congressional District complaining that Ginny Brown-Waite did not really win the election because of an alleged minuscule discrepancy in a few districts.

So, how about it, losing candidates? Can you suck it up and just admit you lost? Can you try to simply accept the fact that more people voted for your opponent than voted for you?

Or would you just like some cheese with that whine ?

Dave Haney, Spring Hill

Social Security is meant for citizens 

Re: Social Security belongs to working Americans Jan. 8 guest column

Hurrah for Ginny Brown-Waite! We are totally with her on this issue. It is good to find out we have enlightened and outraged members of the U.S. House who feel the same as so many of us do about how our Social Security money is being squandered on illegal immigrants.

Our 42-year-old, completely disabled daughter-in-law, who passed away in July, was refused Social Security disability. She was a U.S. citizen, born and raised in this country. She contributed to Social Security, but yet she was denied. The little bit she would have received each month surely would have helped with the medical expenses.

Illegal immigrants are already getting enough of our money in food stamps and other government programs. Many do not even speak English, yet they go into our government offices and are given benefits.

We believe in helping people in need, and we do help through our church and other organizations. But our Social Security is meant for U.S. citizens.

Carl and Janet Johnson, Spring Hill

My goodwill lasts past New Year's

The new year has barely passed, yet for the most part, it appears most people have already resigned themselves to the reality of returning to the routine of their jobs and the daily chores necessary to maintain their homes. Whether anyone has made resolutions for 2007, and taken it upon themselves to honor and follow through on them, is a personal attitude of respect.

My observation is that there's a typical loss of the true meaning and spirit of the holidays once the new year has set in.

As I make necessary trips to places of business, I find a sense of pleasure in continuing the spirit of a new year. Simple offering of a "Happy new year" to store attendants and fellow consumers the past few days has, for the most part, resulted in a positive response or acknowledgement. Not everyone can accept or understand my demonstration of compassion and goodwill, but that's okay; it's those who respond with a smile or display a sense of appreciation that make my day brighter.

Ron Rae, Spring Hill

[Last modified January 10, 2007, 08:26:43]