&letterheadTax base

too high

TO THE EDITOR: In regard to Steve Oullette's "You Had To Ask" column of Sept. 7: I read his column from time to time and find him to be a good writer. He always injects a lot of humor in his writing. In the USA, I guess the media has to take a slap at politicians; it makes good copy.

However, if, as he writes, that presidents age four years for every one served, he must figure that Sen. McCain would be good for two-plus terms to be 114 years old in his final year. Take a look at McCain's mother at 96, if that runs in the genes, at 72 he has a good chance of running the course, especially in light of the fact that he survived five grueling years as a prisoner of war.

As far as Gov. Sarah Palin, she seems to be capable of making sensible, hands-on decisions, and she is not afraid of taking on the establishment. Granted, she is not the Washington "cocktail sipping set" but has good moral and old-fashioned values, something needed in this country. I have never seen a trained muskrat, but I do know that muskrats are vegetarians and have survived centuries of evading the wily fox. I am sure both vice-presidential candidates figure they can do better than a trained muskrat.

It is OK to express opinions, but facts should be reported as well. I think the media should leave candidates' personal lives out of the news. Maybe check the National Review to get the picture on both sides.

As for me, I will vote for anyone who gets the WPA (Works Progress Administration) back that FDR instituted in 1939. This would help the welfare and unemployment situations and hopefully get the tax base down.

Jim Rochester

Rouses Point

&letterhead

Sizeable

tax bill

TO THE EDITOR: It seems the Flat Earth society has expanded to East Setauket. A typically misinformed member wrote a letter which appeared in the Press-Republican on Sept. 5 in which the writer echoes the view of that paper relative to the taxable status of Lake Forest.

One hopes that the writer has read Fiona Gregory's recent letter in which she outlined in a succinct manner the true facts of this matter. Lake Forest is not continuing to resist paying taxes in that it pays a sizeable tax every year.

It's a shame that our local newspaper does not print the entire story. I thought the purpose of journalism was to present a complete picture so as to perform its duty, i.e., inform its readership.