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Public-private projects should be used more for Virginia roads

Re: "Special session may come to nothing," June 24 Virginia news story:

I am glad to see that Gov. Tim Kaine is so concerned with Virginia's transportation infrastructure. It is clear that he has traveled the state and heard the traffic horror stories from his constituents. But I hope state lawmakers will consider and be willing to utilize new public-private partnerships (P3s) as part of the funding solution.

P3s are a cost-effective, reliable strategy to finance much-needed transportation projects. In fact, the state has already benefited from two completed public-private projects -- Pocahontas 895 and Virginia 288 in Richmond. It is one option Virginia should not be afraid to use more often.

Kaine's transportation plan submitted to the General Assembly would have simply increased taxes and fees, but that strategy alone will not fix the state's ailing transportation system. Kaine himself has already acknowledged this.

Improving our roads and bridges and keeping Virginia's motorists safe will require forward-thinking, strong leaders. We must be willing to consider a wide array of strategies -- or we can be certain our roads will only get worse.

Executive Director

America Moving Forward

Immigration panel should hear other side

Your article "Hearing looks at those who immigrate" (June 18 Virginia news story) prompted me to respond. To be fair and balanced, the Virginia Commission on Immigration should also invite families of victims violently harmed by mass legal and illegal immigration, and parents whose kids are being placed in overcrowded schools.

As an immigrant who used to prepare amnesty and other immigration applications, I wish to point out that, according to a study released by Rand Corp. in November 2006, health care provided to illegal adult immigrants costs about $6.4 billion a year nationally and that 68 percent of illegal immigrants are uninsured.

This figure does not include health care provided to illegal children or children born here of illegal immigrants, or legal immigrant families, or the costs of many other social services.

In the debate on immigration, shouldn't we also ask if we have the supply of energy and sufficient fiscal resources before we admit more newcomers?

Executive Director

Diversity Alliance for a Sustainable America

Clinton deserves a convention shot

Until the Democratic National Convention in August, Sen. Barack Obama is only the presumed nominee.

Millions of Americans from all walks of life have felt that this nominating process -- including heavy reliance on caucuses that don't accurately represent the will of the electorate and the Michigan and Florida "resolution" -- was deeply flawed. Even now, the Democratic powers that be are trying to find ways to bypass the customary roll call vote at the national convention in the interests of projecting a unified front.

Sen. Hillary Clinton deserves a fair hearing at the convention regarding her truly historic candidacy. There can be no unity behind a presidential candidate, whoever he or she may be, if democratic principles and processes are not adhered to.

I am one of those people working behind the scenes on the Internet and in local communities to ensure that Clinton, who was ahead in popular vote and close in elected delegates at the end of the primaries, receives her due at the convention.

Let lawmakers decide Tech settlement

Re: "Judge clears Tech shooting settlement," June 18 front page story:

The announced Virginia Tech settlement is just a farcical crafting by the bar association to amass a vast amount of wealth at the expense of students, donors and taxpayers.

If one does the math, millions were earmarked as attorney fees. However, the precise figure will conveniently not to be disclosed, even though there is a public need to know. Even if this settlement has merit, the legislature should decide this issue and not the judiciary.

Private charity could pick up the tab, if needed, of all financial costs of survivors.

This letter may be just a voice crying out in a remote wilderness. However, if Americans wish to live in freedom, America must disinfect itself of this menace. As it is increasingly harder for too many living from paycheck to paycheck with food, fuel and health care costs soaring, this hoarding by legal system operatives must end.

Such settlements mark the beginning of a new era: the rise of the imperial class. The only way to neuter this is to extend the ban of holding public office, which currently applies to military and civil servants, to court officers as well.

Pageant attracts good role models

Re: "Pageant contenders are hardly role models," June 25 letter:

Miss Virginia Pageant contestants are certainly role models for any young woman. I can't recall the last time that I observed 25 young women in swimsuits who did not have any trashy tattoos, body piercings or stretch marks from becoming a proud "baby mama" by some deadbeat boyfriend.

Yes, they are smart, educated, talented and promote a platform in their quest to become Miss Virginia. As far as the clothes and makeup, I'm happy to see a group of young women who take pride in knowing how to dress and present themselves in cultured society. Most of us could take a few lessons from the examples they set.

I'm delighted to employ a former Miss Virginia in my business, and I can attest to the permanent positive influence this experience made for her and our community.

Make the option too good to pass up

As an 88-year-oldster attending a recent luncheon with several retired colleagues, I was surprised to learn that only I knew that, at the outset, Social Security was optional. That it was optional is engraved in my memory by the fate of a colleague of the time who declined. Considerable effort on his part was required to alter that first decision.

Two plans for universal health care have been advanced: Sen. Hillary Clinton's mandated plan and Sen. Barack Obama's optional plan. The following comments emphasize one difference: A mandated plan is subject to the criticism of tax-and-spend, an accusation that resonates with many voters.

The optional plan is not supported by taxes; participants contribute.

For a half century I regarded the money that was withheld from my paychecks as contributions. Only later did I realize that voters regarded these withholdings as taxes. Tax-and-spend cannot apply to contributions.

Obama's optional plan needs to be good enough that only an idiot would not sign on. Further, it must provide a means for covering the children of those who decline.

Ticer might be happier in another country

In comments gathered from Virginia politicos regarding the recent Supreme Court decision on the Second Amendment ("Gun ruling mostly well received by Va. legislators," June 27 news story) state Sen. Patsy Ticer, D-Alexandria, is quoted as being disappointed because: "How can that happen when you have a common sense deterrent to everyone solving disputes with a gun?"

While some people have and always will settle disputes with violence, most gun owners have guns for reasons other than solving disputes. Would she believe that a woman shooting a man who is trying to rape her is the solution to a petty dispute? Would binding arbitration be a better solution?

Ticer further said: "It makes me terribly sad that this country hasn't learned from other countries." Where has Ticer been while reaching adulthood? The people who wrote, amended and approved our Constitution had already learned much from other countries; that is why the Second Amendment is in our Constitution. Recently we have learned because of what has happened in Australia and England that strict gun control does not solve any definable problem, although Ticer's sadness might be relieved by emigrating to acquire knowledge.