Published: April 28, 2008 11:49 pm            

Readers' Forum: April 29, 2008

Eliminate dynasties from presidency

There are only two requirements to be the president. You have to be at least 35 years old, and you must be born in the United States.

The 22nd Amendment placed term limits on the presidency, thusly, stopping us from electing a monarch. There is nothing in our constitution prohibiting electing dynasties. Personally, I think it is bad for our democracy to elect dynasties, i.e. siblings, perhaps John, Bobby, Teddy Kennedy; parent and child; or husband and wife. We are faced with a real possibility of a husband, wife, and daughter (Chelsea will be 36 years old in 2016).

There is either nobody in the world who is really qualified to be president or there are hundreds. Consequently, I don’t believe that the country should elect immediate family members of a past president.

The current situation is as it is, but I suggest that an amendment mirroring the 22nd Amendment be enacted, thusly, eliminating elected dynasties.

— Mike Somerville

Terre Haute



Hillary failing job interview

Hillary Clinton has asked us to consider this campaign as a job interview. OK, let’s do that.

First of all, she does have a great resume with plenty of experience. But I have to ask what kind of employee she would make. The Bosnia story shows us she embellishes the truth with ease. Note that each successive time she told the story, it became more and more elaborate. How could I (as an employer) trust her to tell the truth? Does she, indeed, know the difference between the truth and a fabrication?

Next, there’s the management question. Her campaign (which she is responsible for) has been plagued with internal management problems, and more worrisome, her campaign has deep financial problems. My question: How could she be trusted to run the economy when she couldn’t handle the economy of her own campaign?

Then I have to ask, “Would she be a team player?” Based on her performance with her same party opponent (her admitted “kitchen sink” strategy), I must say “NO”.

Another question of honesty and trustworthiness relates to her ongoing changing of the guidelines for selecting the final candidate. “Fuzzy math” would not convince me to hire this candidate. Sorry Hillary, I won’t be hiring you.

— Juanita L. Morris

Terre Haute



We have earned SS money we get

My letter is in response to Ann McCammon’s letter of Sunday, April 20. I do agree with much of what your letter states, but I disagree with your statement that Social Security is welfare. Yes, a great number of people collect more than they have paid in, but also, a great number of people never collect a dime after paying all their lives.

My husband and I have been self-employed for most of our working years. His business has employees. We deduct SS from their paycheck and then we match that amount. These monies go into their Social Security account. Also, by being self-employed we match our own amounts — yes — we pay double into our account. After paying this for close to 40 years (and we aren’t retiring yet) please, don’t tell me that this is welfare.

I agree that there are way too many giveaways, especially to illegal aliens. But to say that monies that I have paid for 40 years are not my due truly upsets me.

So, Ms. McCammon, take a breath and rejoice — you have earned the money you are collecting. I just hope some is left in a few years for me.

— Sheila Easton

Terre Haute



Volunteer efforts keep ballpark alive

On April 19, Terre Town Baseball League kicked off our 40th season of baseball in the Wabash Valley. The weather looked questionable, but approximately 400 players were present and excited to start our season.

We would like to thank the Tribune-Star, WTWO, and WTHI for covering this milestone event. We would also like to thank special guests Rep. Clyde Kersey, Mayor Duke Bennett, Police Chief John Plasse, and Fire Chief Jeff Fisher for taking time from their busy schedules to participate in our ceremony. Thank you to Sparky the Fire Dog, Wendy, and The Busy Bee for their participation and entertainment.

Special thanks to the Terre Haute Police Department Color Guard for presenting our flag, and Marine Corps League Joseph A. Bray Detachment 471 for donating a new ballpark flag.

Terre Town Baseball League is a volunteer ballpark. Our season could not be possible without the help of local businesses to sponsor and provide donations. Though we cannot list all of their names in this forum, we would like to extend a special thank you to these businesses and individuals.

If you are a sponsor, prior volunteer or player, or just enjoy watching baseball games, please come out and watch a game this season.

— Loretta Carson, secretary

Terre Town Baseball League

        

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