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On Your Mind is the Herald/Review’s telephone opinion line and is intended as a public forum for our readers. Comments represent the opinions of callers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper or any specific knowledge that we have. Readers may share their opinions by calling 458-0332, or by e-mail to svhoym@transedge.com or regular mail at 102 Fab Ave., Sierra Vista AZ 85635. Due to the volume of submissions, comments will be limited to 150 words or fewer. Comments are edited. The Herald/Review’s also has a policy regarding On Your Mind comments due to the primary election on Sept. 2. On Your Mind comments on the primary were accepted until 5 p.m. on Aug. 20 and were printed on Aug. 25. This policy is to allow candidates time to answer any comments that might be made.
Aug. 15
The donkey pulling the mass transit streetcar in the Aug. 15 political cartoon aptly demonstrates the empty energy proposals the Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid led Democrats have offered to solve the problem of high gas prices. An excellent cartoon that said it all.
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Moscow always uses a sledgehammer when a pointy finger would suffice. By the way, I know I’ve asked the question before, but who on this planet appointed our country to be the Earth’s hall monitor? I thought that was the responsibility of the United Nations. Bin Laden’s terrorists attacked us in Saudi Arabia twice, our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, Tower Two in NYC and the US Cole in Yemen all under the protection of the Taliban government of Afghanistan , What did the U.N. do? Nothing. Let’s move the U.N. to Geneva where it belongs since it replaced the League of Nations there. I’m certain NYC could find better use of that real estate.
Glad to see I’m not the only one who has called the sheriff’s department innumerable times about speeders and nothing has ever been done. But the sheriff’s department has time to sic the Border Patrol on law-abiding people who are doing nothing more than stopping at the San Pedro or hassle a handicapped individual who was riding along the side of the road on an ATV because they couldn’t walk easily. Gee, maybe if the ATV rider had been speeding there wouldn’t have been deputy there. If the Sheriff’s Office would spend more time doing their job and not the Border Patrol’s, we might catch a speeder or two.
The OYM in the Aug. 15 Herald who regarded John McCain as “eight more years of Bush,” must have been living on another planet. Anyone with an ounce of political acumen knows that McCain is a political maverick. Ask Democrats Ted Kennedy and Russ Feingold. That McCain was the first to call for the successful surge in Iraq is to his credit. That he doesn’t want to tax Americans to death is to his credit. That he wants to eliminate earmarks is to his credit. That he wants to develop all sources of energy to crack the energy crisis is to his credit. That he offers a realistic health care plan is to his credit. That he has reached across the aisle more than any other U.S. Senator is to his credit. That he is a legitimate, patriotic war hero is to his credit. And that he appeals to many Republicans, independents and moderate Democrats is to his credit.
I read that the Legislature and our governor, Janet Napolitano, are pushing the TIME Initiative, a one cent sales tax which is supposed to produce over $42 billion over the next 30 years. This money is supposed to be used exclusively for our roads and rapid transit and possibly a rapid rail between Tucson and Phoenix. As a driver on our state secondary roads, I can attest they are in deplorable condition. My problem with the initiative is how will they be able to earmark this money for transportation and not let it get intermingled in the General Fund where it will be easily sidetracked to other pet projects of the legislature and the governor. If the legislature will give us a rock solid guarantee that they will not use our gas tax money for anything but transportation and supplement it with this new TIME funds, I will be willing to vote for it.
Aug. 16
If you are a bigot and a white supremacist, you will love Jerome Corsi’s new book. It is filled with lies and deception. It is truly amazing that people will buy that crap. The truth doesn’t have any value to the twisted and perverted mind. Just getting one’s own way. It is terribly sick. It is totally narcissistic. I suppose Corsi could retort (like Rush Limbaugh) that his publications are really just entertainment. What’s one more lie among so many?
I watched the current Gabrielle Giffords’ political TV ad, telling us she supports our troops in Iraq, and thought the ad was tainted with hypocrisy. I’m reminded of the headline in the April 10, 2008, Herald: “Giffords: U.S. should pull troops out of Iraq.” She opposed the view of Gen. (David) Petraeus, the architect of the successful surge, that a hasty withdrawal would have dire consequences. Giffords has showed herself to be a faithful camp follower of the arch-liberal Nancy Pelosi, voting with Pelosi 93 percent of the time. And Democrat Giffords has the sorry distinction of serving in the do-nothing, Democrat-controlled Congress that the American people give a 9 percent public approval rating.
Where is the United Nations with regards to the problem regarding the little country of Georgia? Absent as usual, I guess.
I can remember when the Olympics were an amateur sporting event, and I thought they still were. Sadly, this morning I tuned in to watch the basketball game between Spain and the U.S. Sadly, the players were all from the NBA. I guess I’ll watch cartoons instead.
The last two times Americans went to the polls and voted for the president of the United States, the results were devastating to our country. GW Bush has been the worst president in history, and I’m sure history will prove this. Please people, think, think, think before you vote this November and don’t make the same mistake a third time by voting for McCain. McCain is very much out of touch with the American people. The economic trouble we are in, is truly a direct result of Bush’s war in Iraq. Remember, Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11. And the real enemy bin Laden has gotten. McCain has done nothing for the state of Arizona. Arizona is at or close to the bottom from everything from public education to health care. McCain as president would be great in leading the United States into the ranks of the Third World countries.
Aug. 17
How can the evangelicals justify the lies, greed, corruption of the Republican Party and still be of the opinion that the GOP represents God? The Bible says all liars have their place in the lake of fire. Is that literally true? How will Bush and Cheney fare at the end, liars that they are? Will McCain repair all the damage by continuing their same policies? How can you support truly evil doers and not find yourself grouped with them? Truth is a law just like gravity; it always works. Obfuscate, deceive, lie, murder and then blame the opposition. I hope you are proud of yourselves. I am certain Jesus isn’t.
In Point-Counterpoint (Aug. 17), Gail Griffin asks “What did Barack Obama have to say (about our energy policy)?” and answers for him “that energy policy is really just making sure we all properly inflate the tires on our cars.” This is the kind of intellectual dishonesty elections are all about in the USA. Do some Republicans really think there are enough stupid voters detached from the vast world of information available to us that we would accept that a candidate for the presidency would build his energy policy for the largest resource consuming nation on Earth around proper tire inflation? I think not, and if the Republican Party thinks so, we definitely need a change. And when it comes to drilling for oil at home, the question is, when all of our home-grown oil reserves are used up in our high-consumption lifestyle choices, how much will oil from the Middle East cost then?
1-20-2009 — the date that hopefully some people will regain their sanity. Perhaps after then, people will drive using their turn signals, stay more than two feet from the vehicle ahead of them and stop making U-turns in the middle of South (Highway) 92 from the far right shoulder across all lanes of traffic. And hang up their cell phones while driving. Yes, I am looking forward to that date.
Aug. 18
On a positive note, we would like to thank the man who we see out working hard at Apache Middle School on Fry Boulevard. We no longer have children in school, but we have noticed how this school in particular is kept well maintained. It is a wonderful example for the city and other schools in the area. It is also an exceptional example for children to see good work ethic and the quality of work being done. Thank you to whoever is keeping a school that is highly visible a pleasure to drive by. We appreciate it.
To the person or persons who stole my driveway lights, thank you so much. Now I don’t have to worry about them since you’ve either sold them in Mexico or junked them somewhere. I hope the police catch you with all the ones you’ve stolen. You’ll get yours someday.
I’d like to ask someone out there to tell me just one thing that John McCain has done for the state of Arizona since we made the mistake of electing him senator. Do we really believe that electing him is going to change anything? He’s going to follow right in Bush’s footsteps which have led us to a war we never should have been involved in, businesses that have been outsourced to other countries, homes that have been repossessed at a record level, people are losing their jobs, food and gas prices are out of sight and this is a Republican administration that perhaps, hopefully not, will be run by another Republican. I have been a Republican all my life, but I’m no longer a Republican. I’m not particularly fond of Barack Obama, but I consider Obama the lesser of two evils. Please think twice before you elect John McCain.
Here is a question for all of your Republican callers. Why do you never mention the destruction George Bush and his cronies have done to our country for the last eight years? Why do you only attack, attack, and attack Obama over and over again? Come on, tell us about your guys.
I always look forward to Diana West’s column and was perplexed and saddened to read the Herald is considering canceling it. Why? Diana West gives stimulating insight into the mindset of the fanatical jihadists, an insight that is totally absent in the liberal mainstream media. We are fighting a war against the fanatical jihadists. I know the political Left has lost sight of this fact. Has the Herald, too?
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Diana West column will continue to appear in our Tuesday editions.
When I’m taxed heavily, I obviously have less money to spend. If I follow that simple economic principle, I know then instinctively that when a presidential candidate talks about raising taxes of only those people who earn more than $250,000 to benefit the middle class, this spells not only class warfare but these heavily taxed people have less money to invest. And they happen to be small business owners, the prime source of jobs in America. When businesses, small and large, have less money to invest because of higher taxes, they’re automatically going to cut costs by cutting jobs. Therefore, there will be higher unemployment — the law of cause and effect. High unemployment can readily send the American economy into a tail spin and who gets hurt the most, the middle class. I wish Barack Obama would take notice. “Obamaomics” can be disastrous for our country.
Aug. 19
I guess Bandit was only a dog. And we’re (first person) all “true” Christians. And Buddhism is just another story. As is Islam. Well, yeah, as long as we’re telling the story, what part don’t you believe?
Today, in talking about the Russian pullout from Georgia, a spokesperson said Russia is sounding much like the old Soviet Union. I guess like many such talking heads he does not know that Russia was the Soviet Union.
Keep the Diana West column and dump the (Maria Elena) Salinas column. When it comes to common sense she just doesn’t make the grade.
So what’s up with this? I thought church and state was supposed to be separated in the American system. Wasn’t that the whole reason that America began was to have separation of church and state? Why is that a big issue about what religion any politician is? It should be totally out of the equation, especially this interview by an obviously Christian pastor in front of a large Christian crowd. What about going in front of other religious people and having to be interviewed? Just keep religion out of politics.
During two recent surgical experiences at the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center, my family and I were treated with as much care and compassion as anyone could ask for. From the moment we registered until we were discharged, the staff was attentive, friendly, knowledgeable and professional. All our questions and concerns were addressed in a manner that made us feel comfortable and relaxed. Save your gas and time. Tucson can’t beat the customer service and care you’ll receive in Sierra Vista.
When I arrived home this morning there was a message on my answering machine. The caller identified herself as being from Chase Bank and told me to call and have my bank card number ready. I checked on the Internet and Chase bank does not list that number anywhere. I called the local branch and they said they did not recognize the number and not to call it. I didn’t intend to call because I know already that the bank already has my card numbers and do not need me to tell them what they are. I called the Police Department and informed them of what had happened. They said too many times people call them after they have been scammed. So this is just a reminder, do not give out information to anyone who calls you asking for it. Banks don’t do that, and neither do credit card companies.
Aug. 20
Here are some recent examples of questionable Sierra Vista school district spending in view of their claim of a shortage of funds. The district spends $249,500 for two new air conditioners at the high school. This was reported in the Sierra Vista Herald, and Mr. Click the construction supervisors stated “for the first 10 to 12 years they were neglected so they just ran on their own,” so we ended up replacing them early with taxpayer money because they were not being maintained. Fifty-thousand dollars was spent to install cameras in all the school buses. Bus monitors would do the job for free. The district also was willing to pay out $8,000 to the new superintendent to get the override passed. No override is needed just smarter and more effective use of funds available is the answer, not higher taxes.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The board recently voted, at the new superintendent’s encouragement, to take away the part of his contract where he could receive a bonus if a budget override passed.
The school district isn’t living up to its promises. The board promised this was to be a one-time “fix” in 2004, yet here we are already asked for another override. Is there any credibility with the board? The current override already brings in more than $3 million, well above the $2.6 million we were told in 2004. Where has some of the money gone? Well, some waste went for a public information officer immediately hired after the 2004 override, and some went to raise the last superintendent’s salary from $98,000 to more than $120,000. Does this look like a district being frugal with the budget? Vote “no” on the budget increase.
There is plenty of money coming into the school district, but it’s not being spent in the classroom. More is going for administration. These numbers are from the Arizona Auditor General Web site. The district is still not getting near the national average of dollars into the classroom. In fiscal year 2007, on average per pupil, the district spent 55.5 percent of their budget dollars in the classroom. The national average is 61.2 percent spent in the classroom. No override is needed. Overhead/administration costs can be cut, but the mindset of the school board is more money, more money from the taxpayers. Much easier than making the hard decisions that cuts and reductions involved. Vote “no” on the override.
From the way Putin and Medvedev are playing the current game, I would not be surprised to hear from them that they want Alaska back since their government at the time of its sale to us did not have the authority to do so. Georgia was a part of their former empire, as were Poland, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. So what else is new?
Attention guys. After you “see Alice” for 36 hours and have an erection that won’t quit at 2 a.m., do not “call your doctor right away” as directed by the Cialis TV commercial “so you can be ready when the moment is right.” After office hours you will get an answering service, who will tell you call 911. That is unless you drive yourself to the E.R. and are triaged behind the gunshots, heart attacks, drunks, and overdoses of the evening while you sit in a hard chair next to screaming babies who might have a contagious disease — or throw up on you.
The Sierra Vista Natural Foods Co-op Membership chair stated they will feature many of the same products as the Sierra Vista Farmers Market. Does this mean they will be purchasing from some of the local vendors at the Sierra Vista Farmers Market? If so, would they not have to sell these items at a higher price in order to make a profit? A lot of these vendors accept prepaid orders and arrange for convenient pickup or delivery. Also, it is stated they also will stock all the items expected in a grocery store. Will they be able to offer the competitive pricing available to the two major local grocery stores on these items and still have profits (patronage refunds) to share? Check out the inventory and prices at the Bisbee Food Co-op.
Once again voters are going to be asked to approve another override. Remember how the last override was approved? Remember how that money was spent? I wonder if our local newspaper “donated” all of the advertising space the Sierra Vista school district placed or if the school district footed that bill. Was all of this advertising placed by the district knowing fully they would be placing another override on the ballot before it was public knowledge or announced? The two registered voters in this household will not vote in favor of this measure. Let the district quit buying and displaying the Mexican flag in some classrooms and quit spending dollars on all of this advertising if indeed the space is not donated.
Our leaders in the White House did it again. Russia’s answer to the missile defense system caused the invasion of Georgia. The Iraqi invasion and the war have caused over 4,100 soldiers lives. Hundreds of thousands Iraqis were killed, left homeless with millions fleeing to neighboring countries. Their home and cities destroyed by war. Havoc and failed policy. Now Georgia. The White House with their bullish attitude installing a missile defense system has upset Russia. An old trusted friend (Putin) has warned the White House numerous times from doing so. The warnings were pushed aside. Copy cat Russia used the invasion in Iraq as an excuse for wanting also a regime change in Georgia. Our newly gained friend and ally Georgia is now paying dearly for Bush’s failed foreign policy. Again it shows the “don’t care” attitude, disregard, ignorance of our leadership the misunderstanding by our leadership the misunderstanding by our leaders toward other nations reasoning and wishes.
It appears Cochise County and Sierra Vista are not on the same page for recycling. Sierra Vista only wants to do newspapers and aluminum cans. The county is going to use bins and take plastic, paper, cans, cardboard — you name it. And they’re not going to charge. But Sierra Vista is going to give us these wonderful cans and charge us extra. Wonder if I can withdraw from the city, move to the county and participate in their program instead? City, you need to wake up and take a lesson.
Someone called in Aug. 11 saying isn’t it easy to blame Republicans for everything wrong in America. Well, how come the Republicans always blame the Democrats for everything wrong in America? Democrats blame Republicans and Republicans blame Democrats. Why in the world can’t they get together and work together for the benefit of the country instead of always bickering? They sound like McCain and Obama, always fighting. I can’t see why these people can’t get together. We voted them in. Why don’t they work for us instead of fighting all the time and blaming each other? If they’d get together and work, maybe the country wouldn’t be like this. They need to pull together and work for the country.
LOOK FOR more On Your Mind in Friday’s edition.
Jen wrote on Sep 6, 2008 8:17 PM: