Todays Letters: Statement taken out of context

Re: Wrongheaded remark warrants swift apology Feb. 3 editorial

The attacks against U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite are totally unwarranted. These Democrats who have a beef against her to begin with, and the Times, are distorting the intent of her statement.

I agree with the congresswoman. Why should anyone who has not paid into the federal income tax system of the U.S. get a rebate? This is just a logical statement. She did not imply that Puerto Ricans are not U.S. citizens. As a Hispanic born in Colombia, South America, I get tired of people telling me what Hispanics think.

I know because I have many relatives and friends who are from many Latin backgrounds. My Puerto Rican friends do not find fault with what the congresswoman said.

The issue is this economic stimulus package.

The Democrats in the Senate wanted to load it up with pork instead of just doing what the president asked for and the House passed.

Ana Trinque, Chairman, Hernando County Republican Executive Committee, Brooksville

Pay attentionto social studies

In the Guam newspaper, there was an article about a comment U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite made in a news release referring to the people of Guam and Puerto Rico as "foreign citizens." It further stated that she opposed including the territories in a recently approved economic stimulus package because they do not pay taxes.

I am surprised at her lack of knowledge in this area and can say, unfortunately, that it places her on the same level as most ignorant Americans who did not pay attention in their social studies classes during their formative educational years.

Let me educate her on a few things about Guam. We are born U.S. citizens. We are required to utilize, like all Americans, Social Security cards, as well as U.S. passports.

Guam hosts U.S. military installations. Some of these installations had only, in the recent decade, returned land to the original Guam owners, a few who are luckily still alive, or to the few descendants who were/are on the island. These same owners had gone without paid compensation in the form of, say, back rent, for its use by the military as far back as possibly before 1950.

The U.S. government is conducting a base realignment of a major military installation in Okinawa, Japan. Guam is targeted as its new home due to its military strategic location.

A number of Guam's people have served and continue to serve and die in battle serving in our American military. You will find both veterans and active duty Guamanians based in, and now residing around, Jacksonville.

It is my hope that should Brown-Waite truly be a woman believing in continuing education, that she will do so about her knowledge of Guam and the U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico. I do believe that a number of Puerto Ricans and possibly Guamanians are members of her district and it would be in her best interest, as an elected official, to provide an apology for her lack of thought, or for the lack of thought of the staff member who was responsible for putting his foot in her mouth.

Maria R. GonzalesDededo, Guam

Re: The 'foreign citizens' fallout Feb. 1 story

When in doubt, contact a teacher

U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite's comment about Puerto Rico is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read. Ginny, next time, you should think before you write.

About the history of any country, it is better for you to consult Hernando County Commissioner Jeff Stabins. He is a school teacher and a very intelligent politician. He will let you know the right dates of history.

Puerto Rico has belonged to the USA since 1917. Puerto Rican residents have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. Therefore, they are entitled to have all American benefits.

Do me a favor: Porque no te callas?

Rachael Rodriguez, Spring Hill

Re: Brown-Waite out of touch Feb. 7 letter

Residents of glass houses, keep still

As a native New Yorker and a 14-year resident of Florida, I humbly request an apology from the writer regarding the reference to U.S. Rep Ginny Brown-Waite and New Yorkers as "arrogant and ignorant."

Remember, "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones." His smear proves him guilty of what he accuses New Yorkers - arrogance and ignorance. And, I add, "intolerant."

Most of us have had the fortitude and strength to ensure a decent and comfortable retirement. Does the fact that we accomplished our goal bother the writer? If so, he's going to have to live with it!

Dolores Amoriello, Hudson

Your voice counts

We welcome letters from readers for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.tampabay.com/letters and fill in the required information. Type your letter in the space provided on the form, specify that you are writing the Hernando section of the newspaper, and then click "submit." You also may cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer.

If you prefer, you may fax your letter to (352) 754-6133, or mail it to: Letters to the Editor, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613.

All letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and telephone number. When possible, letters should include a handwritten signature. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. The Times does not publish anonymous letters.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste, length and accuracy.

[Last modified February 11, 2008, 20:28:08]