Editor, Times-Union: I wrote what I thought was a letter to the editor reply to a Monica Boyer letter, but in reality turned out to be a direct response to her. She responded with good information and a pleasant, friendly manner. The gist of my letter to her was that the Supreme Court has decided the gay marriage issue, abortion laws, etc. Those boats have sailed, a constitutional amendment or the Supremes overturning their own decisions are the only hope to change these issues. The most important part of that letter to her was about specifics, i.e. rejecting “happy” speak, meaningless platitudes, etc. Aside from the District 22 race this election is relatively calm, but in two years we'll be electing Obama’s replacement. Now is the time for all of us voters to reject politicians generalities. Hold their feet to the fire and make them tell us exactly what they're going to do and how. Say you're going to balance the budget? Fine, but exactly how are you going to accomplish this? Raising taxes? If so which ones? Cut spending? If so, what exactly are you cutting? Some people talk about cutting military spending. I agree there's probably some money to be saved there, but let's not return to the Clinton days where my squadron had “hangar queens” for months on end due to a shortage of parts. For those who don't know a hangar queen is, an aircraft awaiting a part that you have to strip more parts off of to keep other aircraft mission capable resulting in aircraft that are mere skeletons for months at a time due to budget cuts in parts procurement. So again say you're cutting military spending? OK, how much and from where exactly? Don't worry about your opponents attacking your plans. If they do, demand that they provide their alternatives. If they can’t, then they should not be in a position to criticize. As a flight sergeant in the military what I told my subordinates is come forward with a problem you have with procedures, etc. but have a plan to fix it or else keep your peace. Bomb throwing is easy, coming up with workable solutions not so much. I would urge other frequent letter to the editor contributors to do the same. I’ve seen Tom Metzger write letter after letter slamming the Dems and Repubs, but have not seen him propose a solution to the problems he's raised, and no, Tom, we're not making you dictator for life. My solution to the budget deficit is simple ... legalize marijuana, sell it in the liquor distribution system and tax the crap out of it like they do cigarettes, but don't increase the cost so much that illegal pot is cheaper, and legalize and tax prostitution like Nevada and Europe does. It’s the world’s oldest profession and all of law enforcements efforts through the years have been essentially moot. Make the prostitutes get quarterly medical examines and only those with clean health certificates are allowed to participate. At the very least you'll be getting income tax from a revenue source that is currently untaxed. Thank you for your attention. Tim Brown Warsaw, via email
