LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Why Stop at Smokes? Raise Taxes on All
Editor, Times-Dispatch:
Raising taxes on cigarettes would certainly help Gov. Tim Kaine raise revenue. In addition it will discourage youngsters from trying that first cigarette. When I was 15, I remember carefully considering the cost of cigarettes before I swiped a couple from my Uncle George. As a curious and reckless teenager, I coldly disregarded the economic effect on my uncle and swiped them anyway.Raising the tax on scotch is something else the governor should consider. An additional $30 per quart would produce a good deal of revenue. This may seem cruel and confiscatory but scotch drinkers are a small percentage of the general population, so who cares? Teenagers would never, ever want to taste whiskey that costs so much. In addition, health care costs driven by consumption of scotch would be slashed dramatically.
While the governor is at it, why doesn't he raise taxes on candy, gasoline, soda pop, all fried foods, marijuana, ice cream, etc.?
Kaine should be sure to ask Mayor Bloomberg how his anti-tobacco jihad has worked in New York City. That poor man just can't understand why New Yorkers buy bootleg smokes.
Craig Gilkison. Hopewell.
Things Aren't Changing For the LGBT Community
Editor, Times-Dispatch:
It would appear that President-elect Barack Obama has another preacher problem -- and this one is totally of his own making. I fail to see what is the difference between the ego-driven black pastor who ranted against his country and the equally power-crazed white one who advocates discrimination toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community -- unless it is that the latter is being gifted with a national podium on Jan. 20.As the proud parent of a gay son, and an ardent contributor to, and volunteer for, the Campaign for Change, I am appalled that the Rev. Rick Warren will be delivering the invocation at the inauguration. If this man were openly refusing membership in his church or actively opposing the civil rights of any other minority group in this country, he would have been cast off as political suicide.
This is shameful. We and our president-elect still have a lot of growing up to do.
Susan Corbett. Richmond.
Bush Recanted Pardon, Cantor Should Return Funds
Editor, Times-Dispatch:
Despite Rep. Eric Cantor's raising a reported $4.5 million during his 2008 congressional campaign, I recently read that Cantor will keep the rather minuscule monetary amount (comparatively speaking) of $2,300 from Robert Toussie, father of Isaac Toussie, whose recent pardon by President George Bush was nullified by the White House.Isaac Toussie was convicted of various charges, including mail fraud in 2001 and 2002. The White House negated the presidential pardon upon learning that his father had contributed in excess of $30,000 to the GOP and candidates. Dana Perino, White House press secretary stated that with the news reports uncovering these facts, "Given that, this was the prudent thing to do."
It is interesting that apparently Cantor was the only representative to receive a Toussie contribution and is refusing to return it to sender or donate it to a charitable organization. This recently re-elected official, the second most powerful Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives -- and the one who represents all citizens of Virginia's 7th District -- has, in my opinion, demonstrated questionable judgment and decision making.
Carol Bonbright. Midlothian.
. . .
Editor, Times-Dispatch: It would be easier to accept Rep. Eric Cantor's claims of a new direction in political conduct if he were more open to giving up the $2,300 campaign contribution donation he received from Robert Toussie on Oct. 30, 2008.Robert Toussie is the father of Isaac Toussie who was convicted in 2001 and 2002 for real estate loan application fraud and tax evasion. President George Bush gave second thought to his recent pardon of Isaac Toussie but Cantor seems insistent on following the same old political behavior he pursued when he accepted $2,000 from Jack Abramoff in 2003. Cantor reluctantly, only under considerable pressure, released the Abramoff funds.
It's a pity Cantor has not fully internalized the importance the electorate places in appearing above reproach when it comes to public service. Imagine what it might really be like to have a representative of the 7th Congressional District who practiced the political ethics he espouses. William W. Fraker. Richmond.
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