Monday, November 30, 2009
The privatization of ABC stores would hurt schools
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The privatization of ABC stores would hurt schools
A recent op-ed article, "Privatize Virginia's liquor stores" (Nov. 23), laid out some convincing arguments for privatization of Virginia's ABC stores. It was also a centerpiece of governor-elect Bob McDonnell's plan to help fund new state transportation projects. It will almost certainly be a big topic of discussion in the coming General Assembly.
As someone who has served a number of years in local government, I urge our state lawmakers to do their homework on this issue. Over the past five years, ABC profits of $1.5 billion have been returned to localities, primarily for schools. The money is distributed on a per-capita basis. If the ABC stores are sold and the money funneled into transportation, the localities will be forced to make up the difference at a time they are already under dire financial stress.
More than 4,000 state employees would lose their jobs, and the state will have to figure out how to pay off millions of dollars for unused lease space in many of the 332 stores around Virginia. The legislature has a poor history of forcing unfunded mandates on local government. Loss of ABC profits could be another nail in the coffin for localities.
Plastic bags are greener than paper
Re: "Cornershot," Nov. 24 Extra section:
The race to find the most green grocery bag is over. Plastic bags won this race as compared with paper, hands down.
According to a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed piece, paper bags cost five times as much as plastic to make and take four times the energy to produce and almost 100 times the energy to recycle. So, which of the baggers, politicians and naturalists Tom Angleberger mentions as eco-friendly wants to line up and apologize to him for being wrong?
Contrary to popular myth, paper bags don't degrade much faster than the plastic ones. Garbage is compacted; in some landfills one can find well-preserved, decades-old newspapers.
Angleberger should be proud of using those sorry plastic bags. Of course, the jury is still out on the high-priced reusable grocery bags as cost-effective alternatives. It may come down to how you value your time.
Health care bills would kill jobs
I have written numerous letters to Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb and Rep. Tom Perriello asking one simple question: How many citizens of the commonwealth will lose their jobs because of the penalties and tax increases associated with the pending health care reform legislation? I have received no answers except the standard boiler plate.
Perriello has already made his lack of concern for the jobs of citizens of the commonwealth obvious with his recent vote. This is bad legislation. It is bad for jobs. It is bad for health care. It is bad for the commonwealth.
Now, we the voters must see what our Virginia senators believe. If they support the current legislation, I urge the voters of the 5th District and the commonwealth to toss them out at election time.
Palin's son was not dressed for the season
Re: "Palin -- up close and in person," Nov. 23 news story:
When Sarah Palin came to Roanoke for her book signing, did anyone notice how she dressed her son, Trig, in the 39 degree weather? There was a picture of Palin stepping off her tour bus with Trig in her arms. She was wearing a nice long-sleeve jacket. However, her son was not wearing shoes, socks, a hat or even a jacket.
If you happen to be a conservative Republican, you might rationalize that the child lives in Alaska. He has probably adapted to cold weather. Well, I happen to have a horse that was shipped to Virginia from Montana. I've noticed that this horse gets cold in Virginia.
Palin doesn't demonstrate enough common sense even to dress her child for cold weather, and you think she could run a country? All Democrats should hope that she is the only Republican choice for president in 2012. If Palin is the best candidate the Republicans can offer, I predict President Obama will easily win the White House for four more years.
