Lifestyle taxes are outrageously unfair
The federal and state governments have launched an all-out assault on our eating habits under the guise of an elaborate campaign to eradicate obesity from the land. The party line as it relates to this zealous crusade is that each overweight citizen places a financial burden on society because of increased demands on health care to treat all related maladies associated with obesity. The politicians want to counter this trend by increasing taxes on high-sugar drinks, and there is even consideration by a congressional committee to increase taxes on those hapless souls who fall into the overweight category.
For many years, the gay community has been ravaged by the effects of the worldwide AIDS epidemic.
The medical expenses incurred in battling AIDS have spiraled into the billions. In following the logic of forcing people to pay the price for the financial burden on society by their self-induced physical problems, might Albany or Washington's next step be that gay folks be hit with a huge penalty to defray the cost of battling AIDS?
After writing the previous paragraph, I will no doubt be labeled as a heretic to be burned at the stake, but just think about the consequences of liberal do-gooders who want to save us from ourselves! If you think the gay tax idea is an outrage, why is it more so than the soda tax? Let the government stay out of our refrigerators and our bedrooms, and just leave us alone!
Joel Canfield
Treadwell
Taxes increase while wages don't
In September, I received my school tax bill. It was a little more than 22 percent more than I paid in 2008. I checked back to see what I paid in 2006. My bill in 2009 was more than 80 percent more than I paid in 2006.
They say the cost of living has not increased. I wonder where they get their figures from. I would love to get a 20 percent increase per year. But we end up with zero percent from Social Security.
Floyd H. McAdams
Davenport
Dick Miller has served community
It is my great pleasure and indeed my privilege to endorse Dick Miller for mayor of Oneonta.
I have two sons who love lacrosse and are thrilled that it has become a varsity sport at the Oneonta High School. For a number of years, attempts had been made to start a youth program in the community, but to no avail. Last year, Dick Miller took the bull by the horns and finally got the program off the ground.
The organization "Lacrosse Oneonta" was incorporated. Dick brought the coaches together and arranged for facilities at Fortin Park, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Sixth Ward. More than 40 Oneonta young people have been able to learn skills and compete indoors and outdoors under the supervision of State University College at Oneonta, Hartwick, SUNY Delhi and Oneonta High School coaches, none of whom have been compensated for their efforts. The cost of participation has been extremely low and equipment has been made available.
Dick and his wife, Andi, provided start-up funding. The program would not exist today without them. Dick's hands-on approach to problem-solving made it happen. Thanks to their efforts, the sport continues to grow at the high school and gain recognition within the community.
On a personal level, Dick Miller is a wonderful role model for the young people of our community. He has provided invaluable guidance to my family, particularly in the long and complicated college search process. I could not have asked for a better mentor for my son and I am grateful for the advice and direction that Dick has given him on many levels, especially preparing for his college career.
I am confident that if elected mayor, Dick will serve with dedication, energy and the best interests of the community at heart.
Lisa Meschutt
Oneonta
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