Two-party system finally working again

America is a great democracy. Why? It has strength in a two-party system that is truly representative of our people — conservative, liberal and in-between.

However, since President Barack Obama was elected, the "party of no" (the GOP) disregarded the people’s legislation, such as help for 9/11 victims, the nuclear treaty, "don’t ask, don’t tell," etc. Republican leaders said no to everything. Unfortunately, moderate Republicans refused to speak out until now to break the stalemate.

Thanks to middle America, the people’s legislation passed and miracles have happened. The two-party system is working again.

‘Special funds’ are just political slush funds

The report by Laura Thielen, the state’s former land and parks director, was sorely needed and long overdue ("Facility decay is ‘deplorable,’" Star-Advertiser, Dec. 10).

Park users have long known of the deplorable condition of these state resources. Probably the most valuable, although inadvertent, piece of information from this report is the ineffectiveness of "special funds."

Politicians have used the special fund tag many times to create their own slush fund. Witness that the "sewer special fund," "hurricane relief fund" and "roads special fund" are used any time the so-called public servants want money to do things they should have done or funded in the first place. In the future, when these servants of the people tell you how this new fee/tax they are proposing will only be used for whatever, know that they have no intention of keeping their promise.

City and state must live within their means

I have been reading about how the mayor and governor are going to do this and that. Great ideas but, please, the bottom line is not to raise our cost-of-living expenses.

The economy hasn’t fully recovered and we don’t all have six-figure salaries. Contracts for unions are coming up — please don’t promise things that the taxpayers can’t afford.

For once, can government operate within its budget? Don’t spend more than you have. The past governor and mayor tried to hold down costs, very unpopular at times but necessary.

Remember, this is the people’s money.

Cabinet appointee was welcome development

I could not believe my eyes when I read of the state health director being named. For the past 10 years, except for Gov. Ben Cayetano, I have waited for someone, somewhere, a Filipino, to be recognized in a higher government position. I read with interest as every Cabinet appointee was announced. It was worth the wait.

Reading the credentials of Dr. Neal Palafox made me smile with such joy and prayer that he will be worth his appointment to the people whose health services will greatly depend on his leadership.

Thank you, governor. Congratulations, Dr. Palafox.

One’s sexuality should not even be an issue

Being a frequent visitor to your wonderful country, which I truly love, I am totally stunned by the fact that time is spent, wasted, in a Congress voting about homosexuals joining the military.

What century are we living in? This is 2010! It is too ridiculous for words.

Sexuality is everywhere. Gay people are no more a "threat" than any male or female working together.

America, grow up and do not put yourself in the ranks of the backward countries of this world.