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To the Editor:
You gotta believe!
State Sen. Joe Haynes and Rep. Gary Odom have cried "foul" [Guest commentary, Dec. 21] because they and other Democrats in the General Assembly are accused of ignoring numerous "situations" recently concerning some of their fellow Democrat officeholders.
They point out that since "four Democratic" state senators have resigned their offices, we the people ought not be offended at the rest of the Dems for not speaking out against them or against their other colleagues who still insist on holding onto their seats even though it would seem their honor and integrity would demand outrage and public declaration of such.
However, we on the other side of the aisle, in this generous season, want to extend every opportunity to our good friends to receive that time-honored "benefit of the doubt."
With that in mind, Senator Haynes and Representative Odom, you have rightly proclaimed that we want our "legislators to match their actions to their words." Further, gentlemen, you are correct in stating that we "want democracy in action — not hypocrisy in action." Thus, I am fully confident that you, as well as your esteemed, Democratic colleagues will do everything in your power when you come back into session to bring Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 127 to the floor for a real vote.
No longer will you allow Speaker [Jimmy] Naifeh to hamstring the entire state from having our say by stacking House committees so that this legislation never sees the light of day! You will let Speaker Naifeh know this is necessary legislation that will save lives and must be voted on by the people!
Only then can the people of Tennessee, once and for all, have our right to vote and say whether we want abortion to be totally unregulated in our state, as it is now, or if we want commonsense restrictions such as licensing of abortion facilities, informed consent, parental permission for minors, and so forth.
We agree, Senator Haynes, and Representative Odom that “neither party has a monopoly on morality!” Now, prove that you believe it too.
37072
E. Lee Bailey
To the Editor:
U.S. in failing health
I used to think this was a great country. But over the years, HMO’s have come to determine our lives because of the all mighty dollar.
As long as the politicians keep getting their pockets padded and as long as they are able to afford health care, things will never change. It is depressing to know even though my parents were wise with their money my mother is not able to retire just because she cannot afford health care.
When will things get better in the USA?
37211
Esther Atencio
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Maybe things will get a start in getting better under the Democrats in 2009 Esther.
Lee you are asking that the Democrats in the state legislature do the right thing in your estimation and do exactly what the Republicans in the US Congress have refused to do the past seven years out of loyalty to a criminal.
You think the HMO's are bad wait until the government is in charge if the dems get their way and they have to start rationing care.
Ester, there are two sides to the health care issue. While I agree that there are some less than honorable practices by the HMO's, you must concede that much of society's ills are self inflicted. Smoking, drinking and being so fat that you can't look down and see your feet contribute to the problem as much as the bureaucrats. Gov't intrusion will only encourage more irresponsible behavior since health care will be perceived as being "free". Therefore, the gov't will be expected to take care of folks no matter how much they wreck their body and the wait to get into the doc's office will be months instead of days. Self destruction by self indulgence.
Mr. Bailey points out State Sen. Haynes' and Rep. Odom's failure to push for passage of a resolution concerning abortion, but they cannot even address a much easier to understand issue of inequity and hypocrisy...our state sales tax.Representative Odom, who has served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Optometric Association for over 20 years, holds $500 per plate fundraising dinners at Morton's...but Optometrists aren't required to collect sales taxes for their services.Senator Haynes, a lawyer and member of the Tennessee Bar Association, who receives significant campaign contributions not only from the Bar but from its members...members who likewise are not required to collect sales taxes for their services.Then there's old Joe, owner of Schmuckatelli's Garage, who must collect sales taxes for every hour he bills one of his customers...perhaps because he doesn't belong to the same clubs as Rep. Odom and Sen. Haynes.They write of courage. How much courage does it require for State Legislators to take from the common man so that lawyers, doctors, accountants, and other members of Tennessee's Elite Service Sector don't have to pay?It's also interesting to note that Governor Bredesen and Speaker Naifeh were the ones mentioned in the original editorial, yet the response comes from two others...others who have their own special interests.Where is the "democracy in action — not hypocrisy in action" here?Where is the walk to go along with their talk?
Excellent post, Royce.
Dear Royce, poor Royce, doctors and engineers and lawyers who would be "taxed" by said proposal will merely (pass the cost on to the consumer/user) and you think your doctor bill is high now? Get a grip on reality. Doctors' services are not a luxury item.... last I checked.
Neither is food, last I checked.
If we really want to discuss who should and shouldn't be taxed, what about Lifeway and their prime piece of real estate for which they do not pay taxes, even though they sell goods (books, etc.)?
Amen Royce! Excellent editorial Mr. Bailey.And Dooley, please! Dems are already controlling the House and Senate, and what a mess. Their public rating is lower than the man you hate so much, Bush.I want a state official (R or D) that will consider the average Joe first and not those who grease his or her palms.
Many people will miss and continue to miss the point that the sales tax on auto repair is an income tax since it taxes labor as well as the parts consummed.
It is not an income tax because the laborer is not being tax. Ya'll forgot about those elitist hair-stylists and barbers. They are exempt from charging sales tax also.
It is true Congress has a low approval rating. However the Republican members' approval rating is much lower than the Democratic members' rating.
I told you many people would miss it. The sales tax is applied to the total bill. That makes us have a tax on some labor. I know it is not an income tax in the progressive sense. Income taxes are usually forged in the fires of Marxism. If you tax labor, you create an incentive to get rid of labor(jobs). Since we live in a material world, the materials for the stuff we like to consume are rather hard to eliminate. The labor, however, can be reduced through productivity. I noticed that the state does not tax labor used to grow agricultural products direct from the farm. Does anyone want to eliminate that tax exemption...for the children?
Not only many people, everyone but you, dnewton. By definition, an income tax is paid by the person or business that is making the income. The customer is obviously not the one being paid. No one but a complete idiot would call a sales tax, an income tax.