Published: October 06, 2008 01:03 pm            

Letters to the Editor for October 5

Helicopter contract tie-up disgraceful

To the Editor,



For victims caught in the 110 mph clutches of Hurricane Ike, the muffled sound of an approaching rescue helicopter must have sounded as sweet as a choir of guardian angels (“Nearly 2000 brought to safety in Texas after Ike,” Sep 15). In my experience of flying similar “Chinook” helicopters in rescue operations in Desert Storm and Afghanistan, a timely aerial rescue is often the difference between life and death for our troops – much as it was for folks stranded in Galveston.

Unfortunately, that lifeline has been snapped in Washington, D.C., where they are postponing indefinitely a contract for desperately needed new Combat Search And Rescue (CSAR) helicopters. Although most defense experts agree that the Pentagon’s original choice – the “HH-47,” which is similar to the Chinook – is the fastest helicopter with the longest range and largest cargo capacity, the losing defense companies have exploited a minor discrepancy in cost calculations to tie the contract up in legal red tape, hoping to grab a share of the billions in tax dollars at stake.

The delay would be warranted if it were discovered that the Pentagon was wasting taxpayer dollars on a poor quality aircraft. However, the HH-47 is the best helicopter by a long shot and doesn’t cost much more than the alternatives.

More delays simply mean that the whirring of rescue rotor blades may never make it to that soldier wounded behind enemy lines, or the family that is surrounded by rising flood waters. It’s a tragic case where a government bottleneck ends up costing lives.

Richard Krell CW4 (Ret)

Bushland, Texas

Richard.krell@us.army.mil



Vote Democrat in November

The November election is only a few weeks away. Early voting begins Oct. 20 and ends Oct. 31. Following shortly thereafter is our national voting day on Nov. 4.

I emplore you to take advantage of this historic opportunity to elect Democrat Barack Obama the next president of the United States. Sen. Obama is uniquely qualified for this office. He is the only candidate who can effectively bring much needed change and reform to our government.

I urge you also to vote for the local Democratic candidates: Re-elect State Rep. Chuck Hopson, a tried and true veteran of the Texas House.

Judge Dwight Pfifer, a learned, fair and impartial judge, should be re-elected district judge of the 2nd District.

Mr. Moody Glass Jr., who has served as commissioner of Precinct 3 in an exemplary manner should be given another term.

I am also going to cast my vote for newcomer Deborah Shreve for tax assessor/collector. Mrs. Shreve will bring a wealth of experience, talent and dedication to that office.

It is also time to elect Mark Green, a veteran of several political battles, to the constable position in Precinct 2.

Lets vote for Barack Obama and give him a team to work with by voting the “straight Democratic ticket.”

Please vote!!!

Caesar A. Roy, Chairman

Cherokee County Democratic Party

        

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