Letters To The Editor, June 16, 2009: Fan of James River enjoys weekly articles

Fan of James River Enjoys Weekly Articles
Editor, Times-Dispatch: Reading this newspaper has been part of my daily routine since I moved here in 1985, and I feel fortunate to have the news delivered to my doorstep every morning. Lately, the loss of so many wonderful features has been disheartening and I'm sure it has been devastating for the newspaper staff. However, one thing I look forward to monthly is the James River Journal by Rex Springston. These thoughtful and informative pieces are a real asset to the paper.

I visit James River Park daily, and always mention these interesting articles to other park visitors who may not subscribe to the paper, but make a special purchase to read these fascinating stories. The articles make the Monday paper worth reading. Keep up the good work. Molly Dellinger-Wray. Richmond.

Blaming the U.S. Insults Our Military
Editor, Times-Dispatch: I appreciate and honor the office of the president of the United States. And even though I did not vote for him, the incumbent, Barack Obama, deserves the respect of the office he holds. Having said that, I cannot possibly support his remarks apologizing for any actions of the United States as it relates to our operations in any military actions that we have entered into in the past.

The bottom line is simple. The U.S. does not apologize to anyone, especially for military actions we have been involved in, or are in now. This shows a total lack of respect for those Americans who have lost their lives or were wounded or disabled in those conflicts. The president owes this nation an apology for trying to impress others with his remarks.

I am sure that the families of those who have lost their lives or were injured in the defense of this country will agree.

Frank Herrelko Jr.
Richmond.

The House bill includes a declining limit, or cap, on carbon pollution. A cap will spur investment into research and development of clean energy sources, which in turn will create green jobs. Allen's plan is to just keep using the same resources we're using now -- more oil, more coal. But Virginians know the status quo isn't working.

Like many opponents of a carbon cap, Allen tries to scare us by saying a carbon cap will make our energy bills go up. But we've been using his preferred energy sources for decades now, and our power bills have skyrocketed anyway. Plus, the most reliable study showed a carbon cap would cost the average household $98 a year -- or a dime a day per person -- not the hundreds of dollars a month that Allen claims.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act gives Virginia a chance to be a leader in the clean energy economy of the future.

Peter DuMont.
Richmond.

The sad thing is that the people who complain the most about our elected officials are often the ones who don't vote. If one wants the right to complain, then one should get out there help elect the person he or she thinks is best qualified to do the job. My candidate may not win, but I know I at least tried.

Some people in my family say they only vote once every four years for the presidential race. Yet, we have elected officials in our own state who can affect the outcome of the presidential race.

There is also that famous line: My vote doesn't count. Of course it does.

I'm very disappointed that an important primary like this just doesn't matter to a lot of people.

Karen Delancey.
Prince George.