Democrats need to vote in Florida primary

After Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean told me my vote would not count in this year's presidential primary, initially I was furious. How dare the national Democrats, who were crying in their beer in 2000, tell us our votes in the primary won't be counted. Then I felt resigned, I'd find something else to do on primary election day besides go to the polls.

But I got to thinking: Howard Dean can't throw away my vote by merely threatening not to seat our Florida delegates at the national convention. Those are just words with as much weight as swamp gas. In order to disenfranchise us, we have got to vote first, then send our Florida delegation to the convention. Then, and on international television, Howard Dean (or probably some hapless flunky in his stead) has got to meet them at the door and say: "Get lost. Americans from Florida aren't wanted here."

He might be a stupid enough Yankee to do that, but if on the primary election day I and the rest of Florida Democrats stay home or go fishing, then I made Howard's job easier. He will say Florida turnout was so low the Florida delegation doesn't represent anything anyway.

Well, I'll be registered Republican and move to Iowa before I make it easy for him. I am voting on primary day. I also demand our Florida delegation take the bus to the convention, sleep in the park if they have to, and loudly demand admittance. Wouldn't it be something if more Florida Democrats vote to demand their right to be heard than all of the voters in Iowa, Wyoming and New Hampshire combined? It can happen. Just thumb your nose at Howard Dean and get out and vote!

George McDonald, Inverness

If votes don't count,say no in November

Now that Iowa and New Hampshire have spoken, it is time for the Democrats to tell Florida that its primary votes will count. If not, Democrats are beholden only to Florida's special interest groups, and for that reason we would have to deny them Florida's electoral votes this November.

While most Republican financial contributors promote business interests that need a vibrant economy, the interests of Democratic contributors are far more self-centered. Whether the groups are public school teachers, pro-Israel Jews, trial lawyers or gay rights activists, their focus is on single issues.

The new president will confront unpleasant realities. Would a new Democratic president insist that Israel take the peace terms available, or listen to pro-Israel groups? Nuclear Pakistan and Chinese competition for oil will make peace harder to achieve if delayed, not easier. Domestically, Social Security and Medicare are unsustainable as baby boomers retire. Taxes must be raised or benefits cut.

If Democrats are beholden to the people, they will allow Florida's primary to count. Otherwise we must deny them our votes in the fall.

Arthur Volbert, St. Petersburg

Put hope before fear

Hillary Clinton's jab at Barack Obama's campaign slogan in Saturday night's debate coupled with her continued commentary on his oratory skills shows her lack of understanding of the problem and how to effect change. It is additionally problematic because she is resorting to the same politics of fear she chides the Republicans for.

She claims you cannot just talk about change, but you actually must do it. While I do credit her for her accomplishments and fighting for the American people, Hillary has taken a dangerous step in the wrong direction. President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. possessed a gift for public speaking and for starting movements. For them, the two went hand in hand. And Barack Obama has given us no reason to think he is different. You must inspire hope to ask Americans to sacrifice for change.

Hillary explicitly warning Obama against raising false hopes in American citizens is not only careless but aims to bring out the worst in the electorate. Americans should not vote out of fear.

Clinton is correct when she states that "there is not a contradiction between experience and change." But experience is not a necessary precursor for change either. Clinton should stop criticizing opponents for inspiring their supporters and putting hope back into our divisive politics.

Matthew Wein, Gainesville

Cheap shot from a desperate Clinton Jan. 8, editorial

Enough nitpicking

Talk about "cheap shots." Hillary Clinton voted as a U.S. senator. At the time, Obama was an Illinois state senator. He didn't vote his conscience by any stretch of the imagination. He merely stated a safe opinion. He couldn't be held accountable as Clinton has been. With all the rhetoric and confusion, not to mention the emotions at the time, many senators realized, too late, it was the wrong decision.

To compare Obama's words with those of others who actually voted isn't a fair comparison.

We finally have a woman and a black man who have a good shot at being nominated, and perhaps elected. Let's revel in that. Support whom you like, but let's have no more taking advantage of every nuance and every tidbit to cut one of them down.

Hillary and Barack - wouldn't that make a great Democratic ticket? My money is on either one to bring our country back to the respect it once deserved.

Lilyan Dayton, New Port Richey

Jobs sink, worries rise Jan. 5, story

Economic outrage

It seems you rarely open the newspaper these days without coming upon a story about job losses and our failing economy and deteriorating cities. This news comes on top of all those optimistic reports on our troops' efforts to rebuild Iraq and create jobs there, at the cost of billions of dollars - and lost lives - so the Iraqis won't hate us so much.

I am totally in awe of the fact that there are not angry mobs, with pitchforks and torches, storming the gates in Washington on a daily basis.

Duane Bitter, Dunedin

Push for tax relief

I feel that the members of Congress have neglected their duty to our taxpayers. They need to begin to legislate bipartisan bills to allow the taxpayers to achieve freedom from the incremental encroachment of the federal government.

Unfortunately, we are forced into a system where we have to pay taxes for almost everything that affects our daily lives. There are federal taxes, Social Security taxes, state and local property taxes.

The death tax needs to be abolished! It is absurd that when we die, the Internal Revenue Service totals up estates and, in return, denies the family heirs their full inheritance.

In addition, I suggest that all taxpayers pressure our Congress to abolish taxes on capital gains, savings and investments. Furthermore, it is time for Congress to make President Bush's tax-cut plan permanent!

Let us remind ourselves that wealth is created by the working class and not by a socialistic government.

Joan Atkins, Palm Harbor

Films leave reality on the cutting room floor Jan. 7, Ellen Goodman column

Movie misstep

Listening to her inner fuddy-duddy might have guided Ellen Goodman away from the movie theater to a place better suited for her tweens.

Why is she saying yes to these movies anyway? Surely these young people will not be worse off for sitting these out, right?

PG-13 is just a guideline - but you can just say no, you know. Your inner fuddy-duddy will thank you.

Stacy Kratz, Tampa

[Last modified January 10, 2008, 20:27:26]