Printed letters, Aug. 16

By Staff
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Daily Sentinel’s reporting on Wright wrong
The Daily Sentinel’s reporting of the Jared Wright issue is appalling. Wright was 18 minutes late for work, and this was because he was testifying in court about a police matter. Wright thoroughly explained this at a press conference, and the Sentinel just reported on things such as the Brady law that made Wright look guilty.

The Sentinel had a write-up on Wright’s financial matters, such as his car and house being repossessed and his filing for bankruptcy. This is no different than my situation or dozens of others who have fallen on hard times.

I don’t understand this character assassination of Wright by the Sentinel. It seems all throughout our country newspapers sensationalize to sell their papers. In my opinion this reporting by the Sentinel is some of the worst journalism I have ever read.

ALAN R. STORY
Fruita

GOP could have better
vetted its candidate

Colorado GOP Chairman Ryan Call did what is expected of a loyal party member in laying a good part of District 54 House of Representatives candidate Jared Wright’s financial problems at President Obama’s feet. Call’s comments centered on the “Obama economy” instead of calling a spade a spade. What else was Call going to do, as he was one of the people responsible for vetting the candidate?

In reviewing Wright’s financial problems, none of his financial debacle was the fault of the current administration or anyone else. The facts point out that Wright’s financial woes were totally his responsibility. The conservative candidate for the House was anything but conservative in his financial dealings and should take responsibility for his own greed in what he calls “putting together the American Dream.”

I call this simply a person living in the moment and attempting to satisfy his need for immediate gratification. Come on now, how many of you at the age of 29 felt you had to have a new home, a $26,000 ‘67 Camaro, a 2004 Mini Cooper, a 2007 Toyota Prius and a one-year membership in a tanning salon? I certainly didn’t.

Again, I emphasize that no part of this can be laid at the feet of the current administration, so let’s remove that from the equation and let Wright take total ownership of the problem.

I would also point out the reason for ever letting this man become a candidate to begin with lies at the feet of the Mesa County Republican Party for not properly vetting its candidate.

With a little encouragement from the party, Republicans could have had Laura Bradford, a much stronger candidate.

REESE “SKIP” HUGHES
Grand Junction

Leane’s leadership skills 
evident on ball field

I love playing softball. Our church team started playing in a Christian league, but soon found many more benefits playing in the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Softball League, currently at Canyon View Park.

For more than 30 years our church has enjoyed wonderful manicured fields, good officiating, great schedules, clean facilities, and, most importantly, a great family atmosphere. The park even provides a clean, protected play area for kids. How many places can people go nowadays and not have to worry about their children?

This does not happen by accident. Before the first game of each league, John Leane and his crew make it a point to lay out the rules in the park. Neither profanity nor poor sportsmanship is allowed. These rules are consistently enforced. Without strong leadership, the softball fields would quickly cease to be a place where people would feel comfortable bringing their families.

It takes strength of character and guts to hold to the values that Leane consistently enforces. Through his leadership, not only is playing on the fields enjoyable but just being in the softball park is wonderful.

I know when I vote for a commissioner, I’m voting for someone who really cares about family and sportsmanship. You can vote for someone who just talks about the importance of family, or you can vote for someone who has already shown his loyalty to family values.

Leane has already proven his value to our community. Let’s put him in a position to help us even more.

MURL SEELEY

Grand Junction

President’s tax plan
will hurt retirees

President Obama claims that his tax plan will not affect a couple earning less than $250,000. That statement is far from true.

Many seniors have earlier company retirement plans (1990 and earlier) that don’t contain cost of living adjustments. What they receive today is what they received the day of retirement. More recent retirements plans are based on 401k contributions made by the employee and the employer. For shortfalls in their income needs, retirees have to depend on returns from invested savings and/or 401k withholdings. The gains received are dividends and capital gains.

Obama’s plan affects taxes on dividends and capital gains will increase rates from 15 percent to 20 percent, a 33 percent increase. Most retirees who pay these taxes have adjusted gross income far below the $250,000 level.

Come on, President Obama. Let’s be honest.

A. HANSON

Grand Junction