Merced Sun-Star

Editor: What irony to open the Sun-Star on Thursday and find an article about our homeless population here in the Merced area.

Poor Supervisor Kathleen Crookham.

Editor: In the recent presidential campaign there were hours and hours of debate about a "fair tax" -- take from the high-wage earners and give it to the lower-income people.

Editor: Should we send an invitation for contractors up and down the state to come and do our work for us? Will this signal that we do not need jobs in our local economy? Will we overlook the obligation to support area construction businesses in this collapsing economic environment?

Editor: Boy, what a mess, huh? I am referring to the "housing crisis," of course. There is plenty of blame to go around.

Editor: Re: The photo caption Saturday, "Cupboards are bare."

Editor: I am writing as a disgusted football fan who witnessed the childish fracas at Don Odishoo Stadium on Saturday night. I don't believe that I have ever been to a game more littered with poor sportsmanship and cheap shot play in my life. The referees threw flag after flag after flag for everything from gutter mouth dribble to late hits. I think at one point during the whole mess the refs were ready to call the game.

With the passing of Councilman Joe Rivero, the Atwater City Council faces two options to consider to fill his seat.

Yosemite National Park Superintendent Michael Tollefson is leaving his post after six years, and his tenure over the crown jewel of the nation's parks saw many advancements, including millions of dollars worth of improvements in buildings, roads and trails.

Editor: As a member of the Merced Boosters Club, as well as a business owner in Merced County, I am writing this letter in support of the Wal-Mart distribution center. Once fully operational, Wal-Mart promises over 900 full-time jobs with medical, retirement and vacation benefits. This does not include the part-time positions that will be available, nor the construction jobs that will exist during the construction phase.

Editor: I recently received L.L. Bean's catalog of women's clothing. L.L. Bean is known for quality merchandise at medium to high prices.

President-elect Barack Obama's attention on the nation's economic problems and the war in Iraq should not divert him from getting a comprehensive immigration reform package through Congress and signed into law during his first year in office.

Editor: Re: "State budget needs adults" editorial. I agree that this year's state budget was an unfortunate fairy tale, as was last year's. That's why I voted against both. My loud and frequent budget-deficit warnings were repeatedly ignored.

Editor: The letter, "Save a turkey" fascinated me. The letter writer states that turkeys are sweet. I've always known them to be a little dry myself.

Editor: In response to a letter printed on Nov. 13 in which the writer reminded us of Barack Obama's words: "America is the greatest country in the world; help me to change it."