Trip to Spain

I’ve read all the criticisms about our president and first lady’s vacations this summer. For some reason, people are angry that they travel and take trips. I believe that’s because of the current economy and those who feel they should refrain from spending taxpayer money.

But it’s common knowledge that the first family paid for many charges on their vacations.

To those people who are upset about all this, I point out that former President George W. Bush traveled extensively. He came to Crawford many times. His daughter Jenna spent a lengthy time in Africa and South America with security detail. All expenses were paid by taxpayers.

While the Bush family traveled, our young men and women were spilling their blood in the desert for a war that was started on bogus intelligence.

We’re all Americans. We need to support our president. I supported President Bush, and I support President Barack Obama. It is time to put the hatred and jealousy aside and work together for the common good.

Kathy Schroeder

Fredericksburg

Democratic challenger

I’m glad to see the Democratic Party has chosen a candidate to run against Brian Birdwell. Good luck, attorney John Cullar.

It’s time we Democrats raised our heads in Central Texas and became what we once were: winners.

It seems like we’re second-rate citizens in McLennan County and the surrounding areas.

We cannot even get our yellow dog to give us a lick in the face anymore. We Democrats haven’t had a good race here in a while.

To be a winner, we need to think, act and surround ourselves with winners. The time is at hand.

I believe that John Cullar can win this race. It won’t be easy. He will have to work his fanny off. But put together a great winning team and get after it! 

The old, complacent way here must become a thing of the past. Let’s get some life back; let’s win a race.

Nate Goldenberg 

McGregor

Candidate’s eligibility

The local Democratic Party is scratching around challenging the eligibility of state Sen. Brian Birdwell for the office to which he was elected by a solid majority of voters of the district.

The Democratic Party has filed a writ of mandamus and other legal actions to declare Birdwell ineligible.

That effort may be their right to do so, but it should follow the fulfillment of the Democratic obligation to the citizens of America to clearly establish that President Barack Obama is, in fact, eligible to hold the office of the president.

Gary Heffner

Woodway

Tax office closures

McLennan County Tax Assessor-Collector Buddy Skeen has threatened to shut down the county’s three satellite tax offices. I say shut them down posthaste.

If I must go all the way to West to file a forcible detainer against someone living in Lacy Lakeview, then the good folks of West can come to Waco to get their tags.

McLennan County isn’t that big, and most people have to drive to get their tags.

Jerrell Roy

Waco