Both sides need to respond with facts

Published 2:35 pm Friday, September 19, 2008

A Thursday letter complained about Larry Simoneaux’s recent column where he used terms such as “moonbat” and “wacko.” He then purported to report his version of fact about VP candidate Sarah Palin. I support the writer’s right to criticize Mr. Simoneaux, but when he criticizes Mrs. Palin, he should at least confirm facts.

I am distressed by the false information coming out regarding political candidates in this election on both sides of the party lines. People are spreading rumors and presenting them as fact when (in fact) there is nothing to substantiate what is said.

The city of Wasilla has put their city budgets online for all to see. During Mrs. Palin’s tenure there was no major tax increase, there was an increase in expenditures commensurate to an increase in revenue due to commerce and population growth — this is development of infrastructure to accommodate a growing population (called responding to a need). I can find no evidence of a “soared” city debt (in fact their assets over debt are in excess of $71 million) but I do find bond issues to improve the infrastructure (roads, sewer, water). This is called government responsibility. I find a bond issue to build a multi-use sports complex which will pay for itself when completed and I see improvement in parks and recreation. This is called providing recreation opportunities.

Abortion rights, though important, is not a litmus test for me to rate governing ability. Global warming, the sweetheart of the media, is actually questioned by many of the top scientists in the world and is not necessarily proven fact. Oil exploration is something which we probably will have to do to feed our “thirst for oil.” We cannot continue to sell our country to the oil countries.

Research facts, then respond.

Jim Brauch