State Can Also Cut Spending, Y'Know

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

After four years of Democratic Gov. Mark Warner (who brought us the largest tax increase in Virginia's history) and two years of Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine, the expenses of Virginia's government have doubled from $17 billion to $34 billion per year. I am sure both are proud of that record; it is only exceeded by the doubling of gas prices in the last year.

What fascinates me about Kaine's transportation bill is that everyone assumes there are only two alternatives to fund it: taxes or tolls.

Every business head knows that there is a third option: cut expenses. Since the Virginia Senate has now indicated that there are 21 dubious members in that body, I have two alternative suggestions for the legislature to consider:

(1) Cut every state agency's budget by 3 percent, which would generate slightly more than $1 billion in revenue that could be reallocated to transportation.

(2) Cut out some unnecessary programs, such as conservation easement tax credits, which are currently costing $100 million per year (that would fund one-tenth of the transportation bill).

Conservation easement tax credits raise the taxes of the average taxpayer in order to provide a boondoggle for a few wealthy landowners. I already pay too much in taxes.

Perhaps it is time for the taxpayers of Virginia to unite and reintroduce our state government to fiscal responsibility. Anyone else ready for a tea party?

G. Edmund Massie IV. Ashland.

For Jews in 1947, Israel Was Only Choice

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Mark W. Siegel stated in his letter that if he could turn back the clock, he would not support the 1947 creation of Israel.

In 1947, dozens of Arab states had the opportunity to wrap their arms around their Arab (Muslim or Christian) brothers and take them into their countries. Jews did not have that option.

If "disenfranchised" is a euphemism for "slaughtered to within an inch of existence," consequently "enfranchise" would mean "to save from extinction."

For Jews, and the world in 1947, there were no other options.

Helene Grossman. Midlothian.

Before Voting, Study Up

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

The current Congress will undoubtedly go down in history as another "Do Nothing" Congress. I get so disgusted when all of our senators and representatives cannot seem to reach a compromise on any issue crucial to the welfare of all of their constituents.

Does the country have to be run into the tank before any action is taken? Senators and congressmen need to be reminded that they were elected to serve their respective constituents, not political parties or lobbyists. They also need to be reminded that their constituents voted them in -- and can also take them out, if they feel that inferior work has been performed.

This November, no matter what party or what level of government one is affiliated with, vote smart. Find out how the incumbent and each challenger stands on each issue and how they would resolve them to your satisfaction. Don't be the person who always votes for the Democrat or the Republican or whatever. Don't be afraid to call them, send them an e-mail, or send them a letter.

If the candidates want your vote, you will get an answer. Remember to look at each candidate very carefully before you cast your vote, so you will really know whom you are voting for. Voting just for "change" is not always for the better!

Gary Allen. Colonial Heights.

God's Love Doesn't Exclude His LGBT Children

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

In response to the recent discussion over God's feelings about homosexuality, I must say that God does delight in us all. For most of us it is common knowledge that we are born gay or straight by God's own design and He shares in our many joys, including entering into a loving and committed relationship. Consider Genesis 1:30 -- "God saw everything he had made, and indeed, it was very good."

To categorize the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individuals with the list including thieves, slanderers, swindlers, and adulterers is ludicrous. It is no coincidence that all of these, excluding homosexuality, are addressed in the Ten Commandments. And to date there are no documented spoken words of Jesus regarding homosexuality. Were it such a sin would He not have made a point of telling us so?

The fact that 30 years ago the Metropolitan Community Church established a place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals to worship in a non-judgmental and non-threatening environment further shows how our various religious denominations have failed us. The good news is that since that time some, although not enough, houses of worship are making an effort to welcome the GLBT population into their congregations. Is that not what God intends for us to do?

I would invite those on the other side of this debate to get to know the hearts of people who are LGBT, listen to their stories -- and they will likely soon celebrate with God His love and acceptance of us all.

Lori Plumley. Richmond.