LETTER: Don’t trade morals for money

First, we could make Winder the “Prostitution Capital of the U.S.”

After legalization with its regulations, many empty downtown buildings could be developed into first class establishments with an historic flavor. The old county court house could become a shining red light on the hill, attracting paying customers from all over.

Second, we could make Winder the “Video Poker Capital of the Southeast.”

After legalization, video poker machines could line every floor in an upgraded Peskins, and fill up Holly Hill Mall. Legalized gambling could be a “tax” on the poor who are not paying their fair share. Like the Georgia Lottery, where poor folks pay mainly for rich folks’ kids to go to college on HOPE scholarships.

These ideas are unique in creating jobs. Support businesses would also join in to boost sales and property tax revenues. Think of the strip clubs, bars, taverns, restaurants, hotels, new houses, etc.

I do not support either idea! While one or both might make sense to some, there are major moral problems and economic downsides (crime, greater demands on government services, social decay) to each.

Yet many who would not support these ideas inconsistently support equally damaging social proposals, like government-run health care, cap-and-tax global warming sham legislation, perpetual taxpayer subsidized passenger rail, and a general philosophy that says more government and taxes are the answers to our problems.

Government programs, control, regulations, high taxes, and dependency are a major source of our societal problems. Everything costs more than it should because of regulation or devalued money. Our nation is headed to bankruptcy.

With government intrusion, we have crippled the basic building block of society (families) and weakened our security. It’s past time to cut government spending and services, especially at the federal level. If liberals want to give their money voluntarily to government to address problems, great! The rest of us cash-strapped folks will applaud you. We’re tapped out.

Sincerely,
Ken Young
Winder


Council takes needed new direction

Dear Editor:

Thank you for your outstanding and courageous reporting of the local news in Winder and Barrow County. Your paper always states the truth and the facts, and no one is above reproach.

First of all, let me thank the Mayor and City Council members for all that they do for the City of Winder. I attended many work sessions and council meetings last year. I have to agree with Susan Norman that the meetings were quick, and very little, if any, discussion about agenda items was made. Usually a motion was made, and a unanimous vote was taken. Mr. Mingus himself clearly stated that in 24 years as a councilman only one time was there a 3-3 vote on an item that ultimately had to be decided by the Mayor.

Bob Dixon and I were the only two citizens in attendance when Leslie Ginn presented the city budget for 2010. Neither the Mayor nor the City Council members were in attendance. Why?

The meeting for public discussion of the budget was also supposed to be presented by Leslie Ginn, but due to the efficient work of the Barrow Journal, it was discovered that it is state law that the Mayor and City Council members must be in attendance at this meeting. Thank you Barrow Journal and Susan Norman for searching for the truth and reporting it. Kudos to Susan Norman for attending all city council work sessions and meetings and courageously reporting the truth.

I attended the March work session, and I left feeling much better about the City of Winder. Our newest council member, Bob Dixon, asked numerous questions and gave his input on many issues. Also, during this meeting David Maynard, Sonny Morris, and Ridley Parrish asked questions and gave comments.

I strongly believe that the city council members are ready and willing NOW to tackle the problems of Winder and no longer just raise their hands to agree with everything that is proposed. Just remember — as Susan Norman often reports — the citizens of Winder need to come to the city council meetings in order to know what is going on in our community and to voice their opinions. If the citizens of Winder had attended the city council meetings last year, they would know that Susan Norman owes no one an apology, but Mike Mingus owes her one.

Sincerely,
Kay Pierce