Letters to the editor, July 2

Transfer tax would set city on right path

| The New Mexican

7/2/2008 - 7/2/08

It's extremely important to be reminded that although selfish, greedy values are in vogue in current times, moral, ethical and spiritual values speak with a different voice and lead us in quite different directions.

Many thanks to Mayor David Coss and others who remind us of our responsibilities to our community, one of which is to make it possible for people who work in Santa Fe to be able to live here. Would we choose to live in a community that doesn't support diversity and affordable housing? I would not.

Sandra Oriel

Santa Fe

Community first

While the real-estate transfer tax is debated at City Hall, let's review terminology. To paraphrase the late, great Kurt Vonnegut, it's perfectly ordinary to be a socialist; if you believe in public schools and a fire department, you're a socialist and the only question is to what degree.

Real-estate broker Ashley Margetson decried the measure as "communist" because she fears it threatens her income. She needs to contemplate what this town will look like when teachers, artists, policemen, firemen and all the normal working folks are driven elsewhere.

Our local economy is uniquely skewed. We have a responsibility to pay attention. There's no rising tide that can lift any boat whatsoever if we lose sight of community. As this nation tries to decide whether it wants a viable middle class — or overlords and underbelly — we can show leadership in our town. The transfer tax is fair and appropriate.

Sasha Pyle

Santa Fe

Reversal of fortune

In his June 27 column, "Obama U-turns toward center," Charles Krauthammer slams Barack Obama for flip-flopping.

What he conveniently didn't mention were the incredible reversals of Republican candidate John McCain, who spoke out publicly against torture, then was instrumental in passing the Military Commissions Act; who loves the troops but was vehemently against the new GI Bill, and in fact did not attend the Senate vote for same.

But McCain proved himself king of the flip-flop derby when he broke the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Law by accepting public financing for his campaign, then illegally opting out of the program once private money started flowing in. Did I mention that McCain voted against Bush's tax cuts for the rich, and now wants to make them permanent?

Republicans should refrain from starting a food fight over candidate reversals. They will lose.

Judy Carr

Santa Fe

Changed his spot

Due to unforeseen circumstances , the spot on the street where I usually sell The New Mexican has changed for a while. I am now on N. Guadalupe at DeVargas Mall and the national cemetery from 7 am. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (break around 11:30 a.m.). I would like to thank my loyal customers, and let them know I hope to see them soon.

John O'Donnell

Santa Fe