Vote by mail<\/p>\n
We enter a time of some turmoil, and for reflection in many areas. Changes some accomplished, some still to develop are often met with uncertainty. We look for means to address and calm concerns and have, and should express, hope for certainty in the future.<\/p>\n
Either to solidify a position or advocate for change, our voice is heard and recorded in the single most effective way the opportunity to cast our vote. Its easy. Call your Supervisor of Elections at 352-374-5252, email kbarton@alachuacounty.us<\/a> or go to http:\/\/www.votealachua.com<\/a> and have them send you your absentee ballot in the mail.<\/p>\n And theres no postage due to return it. Just ask then vote.<\/p>\n Bill Salmon, Gainesville<\/p>\n What took so long?<\/p>\n In the span of six days, the first African-American leader of a U.S. military service was confirmed (General Charles Q. Brown as Air Force chief of staff), the Navys first black female fighter pilot completed her training (LTJG Madeline Swegle), and the first woman joined the U.S. Army Green Berets (unnamed for security reasons). These are tremendous accomplishments, and should be lauded as such.<\/p>\n I have just one question: What took so long?<\/p>\n The ban on women in combat was lifted almost 30 years ago, in 1993. The U.S. military was desegregated more than 70 years ago in 1948.<\/p>\n While the accomplishments of General Brown, LTJG Swegle and the unnamed Green Beret deserve recognition, it is with a heavy heart that we must also acknowledge that these achievements come far too late for a nation that espouses the equality of all mankind.<\/p>\n Will Atkins, Gainesville<\/p>\n Questionable decisions<\/p>\n I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at a few recent letter writers claiming the Obama administration was scandal-free, because that statement is untrue.<\/p>\n Barack Obama also wasn't free from some questionable decisions. Remember when the Benghazi tragedy started from a video? Do the IRS scandal, Operation Fast & Furious, leaving Iraq and allowing ISIS to be born, the moving Syria \"red line,\" waging war on Libya without Congress consent, ransoms paid for hostages with foreign currency and an unmarked plane in the middle of the night, the Bowe Bergdahl swap, the veto of the 9\/11 crime bill, claiming Affordable Care Act coverage and doctors wouldn't change if you wanted to keep them, his 2008 and 2016 apology tours, the Veterans Affairs scandal, the Colorado environmental disaster and commuting the sentences of Chelsea Manning and Oscar Lopez Rivera ring any bells?<\/p>\n When the current investigation by John Durham is completed, we may have to add the spying and criminalizing of Michael Flynn.<\/p>\n Cathy Anderson, Williston<\/p>\n Significant achievements<\/p>\n A recent letter writer complained about what he considers a lack of significant achievements during the Obama administration. So let me educate the author of this letter.<\/p>\n Despite the fact that President Obama inherited a terrible economy during the great recession, the stock market tripled and the unemployment rate decreased from over 10% at the beginning of his administration to less than 5% at its end. Significant legislative achievements include the Affordable Care Act, through which 20 million people received health insurance; the Dodd-Frank Act, which limited the ability of banks to participate in the risky financial transactions that caused the great recession; and establishment of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Regarding the war on terrorism, many al-Qaida leaders, including Osama bin Laden, were terminated during the Obama administration.<\/p>\n President Obama also tried his best to combat climate change and improve environmental conditions for future generations.<\/p>\n T.J. Ronson, Micanopy<\/p>\n Write a letter<\/p>\n Letters to the editor should be emailed to letters@gainesville.com<\/a>. Letters should be 150 words or fewer and include the writers full name, city of residence and contact information.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n