Despite Mistakes, VCU Boosts Richmond

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I am a homegrown Richmond man. I have never spent more than a few weeks away from Richmond in 63 years. I was educated in Richmond, live in Richmond, and work in Richmond. It has been a wonderful place to live. I not only love Richmond, I take an active role in many volunteer and philanthropic activities. I could not care less about what U.S. News & World Report thinks of Virginia Commonwealth University. VCU has been the savior of my city and if it disappeared tomorrow we would have a major disaster that would make Hurricane Katrina seem minor. If you live in Richmond or the surrounding areas and your life is not directly or indirectly affected by VCU, you are an exception.

VCU made some mistakes. Am I happy about that? No. But let's put things in perspective. No person or institution is perfect, and I for one am willing to focus on all the positive things the university has done. It will continue to contribute to our community. VCU will learn from its mistakes and be better. VCU will continue to be a benefit to us all.

Baxter Perkinson Jr. Richmond.

Obama's 'Change' Offers More of the Same

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Over the past several weeks I have read some letters that show a lack of understanding of how things work. The latest was titled, "Obama's Tax Rebates Will Help Families."

Barack Obama has stated that he will give families a $1,000 "rebate" and pay for this by imposing a "windfall profits tax" on the oil companies. Even a basic understanding of economics should tell you how this will work.

Any business incorporates into the price of its product several factors. One of these is taxes. In the end it is the consumer who pays the tax.

So a windfall tax is levied. The government takes this money and gives it to families -- who in turn give it right back to the oil companies that have raised gas prices to cover the tax. One big circle.

All we heard from the Democrats in 2006 was to vote for change. The approval rating for the Democrat-led Congress is at the lowest I have ever seen, and the only major item it has passed is the minimum-wage revision. Other than that, Democrats have spent their time on witch hunts of just about anything they could.

It is time for change, but not with any of the current politicians. They are more interested in self-serving projects than the public they are supposed to serve. We are slowly becoming a nation with its hand out to the government for something. What ever happened to self-reliance and responsibility for oneself?

Alan Cox. Richmond.

Outrageous Lawsuits Help No One

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

I am extremely sorry for the loss of Mr. and Mrs. James K. Taylor. It is impossible for me to know the pain and sorrow the family of Wesley Taylor has felt since he was killed in a car accident caused by Sarah Ann Haislip.

For a parent, it combines two of the worst nightmares possible into one event. One set of parents lost a son; another set of parents has been irreversibly damaged as well. A 16-year-old made an undeniably bad decision and it cost a man his life.

Now that Haislip is out of jail, the Taylors are seeking $10 million in compensatory damages and $350,000 in punitive damages. Is this a fair trade? I think not. No amount of money will bring Wesley Taylor home from work on that New Year's Day. None. No doubt the Taylors have suffered. However, $10 million is not going to change anything. I cannot understand a court system that would even entertain this lawsuit.

There is no objective way of putting a price on pain and suffering. With $10 million the Taylors may live in a different area or drive different cars or live more lavishly, but they will still miss their son. They will still grieve when they hear a song on the radio that reminds them of him. If the money will not relieve their grief, why should they receive anything? We, as a society, should not encourage the trading of grief for financial gain.

Civil suits should be brought when there are verifiable and calculable damages. Filing lawsuits for outrageously large amounts of money does not relieve pain or suffering and does not advance the greater good.

Sean Cusack. Glen Allen.

Card-Check Bill Is a Disgrace

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Regarding the letter, "Card-Check Bill Would Help Virginians":

Let me see if I've got this correct: A free and secret ballot (similar to what is supposed to occur in November) is intimidating but a (paid thug, volunteer representative -- choose any combination) "requesting" my choice to join a union is not!

This logic would be hilarious if it were not so sad that some people believe it.

William Keller. Richmond.