Speak Out

Re "Doing the right thing" (Speak Out, Oct. 5):

I am a retired 71-year-old who smokes a pack of cigarettes a day, which I enjoy. In fact, I would smoke a log if I could get it lit.

I also am a supporter of SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program), but to single out one group of our society to pay for it is ludicrous. Why can't all Americans pay for SCHIP? Adding 61 cents, for a total of $1 tax, per pack of cigarettes only hurts the middle class and the poor. That is why the president vetoed it. Rich people don't care how much cigarettes cost.

Consider the following paying extra tax for SCHIP: Those who buy Japanese-made vehicles, those who buy alcoholic beverages, or those who won't vote — also ludicrous.

Perhaps letter writer Paul Frachiseur would like a $1 tax added to a product(s) that he frequently purchases. Regardless, please vote. I shall!

Gene Bradford
White Plains

Thanks to veterinarians

I want to thank the Animal Medical Center and the staff of the Anniston center for the love and care they gave my sweet little dog, Cricket, the love of my life, and for the kindness showed me in his death.

I will always remember them all. Anniston can be proud to have such a wonderful place to take their pets.

Thanks to Dr. Susan LeCoq and Dr. Barry Nicholls.

Lorene Winkler
Anniston

McCain's confusion

Do you want a president who thinks there's an Iraq/Pakistan border? Or that Czechoslovakia is still a country?

McCain seems confused about chances of success in Iraq. For years he has supported increasing U.S. troop strength in Iraq, saying he believes the strategy is working. "I'm not positive we can win in this fight," McCain said. When asked to clarify later, he told a reporter, "I believe we can." Is this the kind of leadership America needs?

Think about it, voters. We can't have senility in the White House. He has spent the last four years spouting rosy and empty rhetoric about the Iraq war. He has constantly offered overtly positive observations of our role and progress while simultaneously changing his position on strategy and needed strength.

In addition to his rhetoric, McCain has also managed to miss 22 votes on the Iraq war while he traveled the country running for his Republican presidential nomination.

McCain says he supports American troops but votes against their interests. He vocally worked to defeat the new GI Bill, but once it passed he tried to take credit for it.

He voted against requiring Iraq to start paying its share of defense. Come on, McCain, we need to stop sending billions of dollars daily to Iraq when people in America are suffering.

Senility is not what we need today. Vote for Obama, who has a young and active mind. He will remember what he voted for and will not fall asleep while negotiating with enemies.

Gesna Littlefield
Gadsden