October 09, 2006 04:24 pm
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Edwards has a few problems
Dear Editor:
As a disabled veteran, I am aware that U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards has a following in the district for his efforts on our behalf. However, he has several problems in my eyes with his past voting record in at least two areas that far overshadow any good he has done. You can learn more by visiting www.ontheissues.org/TX/Chet_Edwards.htm. Readers who favor unlimited abortions and are against hunting and private gun ownership can stop here and go read something else. Here is just a small sample of his voting record, which doesn’t seem to be very helpful to the elderly or the lower-income working taxpayers the Democrats have always claimed to be helping:
No on banning partial birth abortions.
No on prescription drug coverage under Medicare.
No on limited prescription drug benefits for Medicare recipients.
No on eliminating the “marriage penalty.”
No on reducing tax payments on Social Security benefits.
NO on making permanent an increase in the child tax credit.
Rated 23 percent by the Christian Coalition, indicating an anti-family voting record.
Rated 0 percent by For American Immigration Reform, indicating a voting record loosening immigration.
Rated 26 percent by the National Taxpayers Union, indicating he is a “Big Spender” on tax votes.
Favors seeking United Nations approval for military actions.
Strongly opposes the absolute right to private gun ownership, i.e., the Second Amendment.
Rated F by the National Rifle Association, indicating a pro-gun control voting record..
With the possibility the Democrats could gain control of Congress over the next two years, hunters and gun owners certainly don’t need somebody like Chet in office to continue voting as he has in the past with the congressional gun grabbers such as Feinstein, Kennedy, Boxer, Schumer, Waxman and Pelosi.
While both Chet and Van Taylor graduated from Harvard, Van then joined the Marines and served in Iraq. This alone should give him an advantage over Chet in knowing what help our modern day veterans need.
W.V. Bonds
Cleburne
Vote for Van Taylor
Dear Editor:
Patrick Barkman, The Local Crank, must really be worried about the upcoming election, otherwise why would he spend an entire column slamming the Van Taylor campaign with snide, sarcastic comments and childish remarks. Like most liberals, he knows that they lose on the issues, and so must resort to crude juvenile attacks on their opponents. By the way just who is the Crank to ridicule a decorated war veteran? I think he should apologize to Van Taylor for such degrading remarks in his column.
Chet Edwards’ liberal voting pattern is a matter of public record. Of nine North Central Texas congressmen, Edwards voted with Eddie Bernice Johnson, another liberal democrat, 100 percent on four pieces of legislature recently put before the House of Representatives. On three of the four issues, the other seven Texas Representatives were in unison, all opposite of Edwards. Chet Edwards does not represent the values and concerns of the majority of District 17 citizens. He is liberal democrat, pure and simple.
Chet Edwards voted against requiring proof of identification to vote in federal elections; the bill passed in the House. That is an undeniable fact! I consider my right to vote as a scared right, and I personally would prefer that only legally registered voters be allowed to vote. We require proof of identification to cash a check, yet we allow people to vote with only a copy of a utility bill. What’s wrong with this picture?
Illegal immigration is a serious problem, and most illegal immigrants coming in through Mexico are Mexicans. To call Van Taylor a racist for taking a strong position on illegal immigration is ridiculous and typical of the Village Idiot.
With regard to some of the support expressed by veterans for Chet Edwards, the veterans I know, including myself, support their commander in chief in time of war. The Democratic Party leadership has done everything they can to undermine President Bush in the war on terror. Those veterans I’ve seen commending Edwards seem to be only interested in their benefits. As a disabled veteran, (I served two tours in Vietnam) I can appreciate their concerns. But we cannot allow the desire for improved veteran’s benefits to overshadow the more important issues of our time. By the way, during Democrat President Clinton’s terms, the military was virtually gutted as he pursued his socialist agenda for the American people. Van Taylor is an Iraq war veteran and will not only support veterans issues, but will support our active military as well. If we want to allocate more money to veterans, lets stop pork barrel spending and recollect those funds where they will benefit those who served their country in time of need.
Speaking of pork, I find it amazing that so much federal money is finding its way in to Johnson County and is trying to buy our votes? My vote is not for sale, Mr. Edwards.
This election may be one of the most critical off-year elections in our nation’s history. Liberal Democrats want to return to their socialized agenda, abandoning the war on terror and raising our taxes to support their failed social engineering projects. Their agenda includes higher taxes, gay marriage, socialized medicine, control of the classroom, gun confiscation and not surprisingly, health and education benefits for illegal immigrants. There is no mention of the Second Amendment to the Constitution in the Texas Democratic Party platform of 2006.
Typical of Democratic scare tactics, Democrats forecast a $25 billion deficit for the state in their 2006 Democratic platform. By April 2006 Texas had an $8 billion surplus due to the strength of the economy under this administration. Unemployment in Texas is around 5.1 percent, almost full employment. (Anyone who really wants a job has one.) Home ownership in this country is at an all-time high. Inflation is below 4 percent. Average wages in Texas are up 7 percent from a year ago.
We need to dump liberal Democrat Chet Edwards and elect Van Taylor to represent District 17. Elect someone who will support the president in the war on terror and represent the conservative values held by the majority of residents in this district.
Harry C. Kennemer Jr.
Burleson
Be aware of cancer risks
Dear Editor:
One out of two men and one out of three women will be diagnosed with cancer in his or her lifetime. If you are not already one of these statistics, you don’t want to be. I am among those who have heard those dreadful words, “... you have cancer.” In spite of living through a rigorous cancer treatment, I am a survivor, and I attribute this fact to research that has produced aggressive treatments and follow-up medications.
The U.S. government has been significantly funding cancer research for a large number of years, and the American Cancer Society Relay For Life contributes the second largest amount to the research. Some members of Congress are in favor of cutting the funding of this research and for treatment and services for those who cannot afford to pay, and this is unacceptable. I don’t want anyone, especially my children and grandchildren, to hear that alarming diagnosis, and only by continuing the funding for further research can this be prevented. Terrific strides are happening, so let’s continue the fight together.
U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, who represents the 17th House District, is committed to continuing this battle against cancer. Edwards lost his mother to breast cancer and is, therefore, faithful to continuing the research support. I urge you to consider the importance of this question in your decision to support Congressman Edwards in his re-election. Please consider how Congressman Edwards’ support might impact you or your family.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, is also steadfast in continuing the funding for cancer research. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is non-committed.
Please keep these thoughts in mind as you prepare to mark your ballot in November. Which part of these statistics do you want you and your family to be a part of? These members of Congress can make all the difference. It is within their power to impact thousands of lives. Chet Edwards and Kay Bailey Hutchison are willing to make a difference.
Mary Ann Wheatley
Cleburne
Thanks to Cleburne fire, police departments
Dear Editor:
We would like to express our appreciation to the Cleburne fire and police department employees who came to our rescue Monday, Oct. 2.
We were traveling on the U.S. 67 loop and wrecked our pickup and trailer. Thanks again for coming to our assistance. You were marvelous.
Ben and Bobbie Mosley
Grandview
Everyone should get out and vote
Dear Editor:
This is the time of the year we get caught up in politics, and we should, as it concerns the future of our nation. Losing to an opponent fair and square is not hard to take but, losing because of apathy is hard to comprehend. Encourage everyone you know to get out and vote. Having said that, I wish to encourage all registered voters to consider the following: Let’s look at the big picture that affects our nation and not on the local or certain advantages that are thrown our way. They say that when you throw a bone at a dog he’ll hush for a while even during an invasion by an intruder. We all know Chet Edwards; he’s a man of action. Has he helped the veterans? Yes! Has he kept the Waco vet hospital from closing? Yes! Is he a nice guy? Yes! Does he seem to be a moral man? Yes! Does he seem to be a dedicated family man? Yes! If all this be true, then what’s the argument? I’ll tell you what that is. There is an eight-letter word that destroys the yes and that word is “Democrat.” Now hang in here with me. Being one of those you have to admit it shows comrade-ship with the likes of Nancy Palosi, Ted Kennedy, Chuck Schumer, etc. — some of the most diabolical liberals who ever walked the face of the earth. Why are mothers careful who their children play with? Why don’t you put a good apple with a bad apple? Why do we nurture our plants with bug repellent? Of course, you know why. To prevent bad influence, that’s why. It’s obvious that the vets for Chet are not seeing the whole picture but only their own back yard. Sorry, but I’m one vet who is not for Chet because of the above reasons. Chet needs to quit rubbing shoulders with those who wish to destroy our nation and giving audience to the likes of the American Civil Liberties Union, gay and lesbian groups, and not to mention the murder of thousands upon thousands of unborn children. So in summary, Chet is too nice of a fellow to be associated with that crowd and he doesn’t need endorsements from preachers to prove the point.
E. G. Frey
Cleburne
Thanks to Edwards
Dear Editor:
I want to express my genuine appreciation for U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards and the way that he looks after the citizens of this district. Congressman Edwards has lived among us for quite a while and he knows us, and we know and trust him.
I don’t think an outsider like Van Taylor, who has freshly moved into our district, could possibly know us, but I think I know what he is about, and I don’t want to entrust our wellbeing to an outsider.
I will continue to support our proven congressman who has stood up for all of us, whether we are just a concerned citizen, a veteran of the wars, or small business people.
He makes a point of maintaining contact with all his constituents, either at town hall meetings, the offices he maintains in the counties or by mail or by phone. Yes, he may be reached by phone if you need him.
The fact that Democrats and Republicans alike know that they can depend on him to do what is right for the people of this district should be the best recommendation that he could have.
I sincerely urge everyone to consider all these points and vote for Congressman Edwards.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Furr
Cleburne
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