Letters to the editor for May 13

• Published May 13, 2008

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Local levy dollars go a long way in our district — about 16 percent of the operating budget! If the levy fails, $17.5 million dollars would be lost the first year and many programs — like music, sports, languages and even special education — might no longer be available. In addition, at least 200 teachers (including specialists), paraeducators and other dedicated staff might lose their jobs, impacting the local economy and workforce.

The result would be larger class sizes, and the quality of public education would suffer in the long run.

Please vote "yes" May 20 to continue the levy! It's important for not only the schools and community, but for all children and future generations who will pay the price for our shortsightedness if we don't vote "yes." Take pride in the children of our district — vote "Yes" in the upcoming levy. I know I will.

David Parsons, Olympia

Blame Republicans fordebt and poor economy

A recent letter writer used that political myth of Democrats being the party of "tax and spend." If that weren't so ridiculous, it would be good evidence that the writer was not paying attention. One could respond by saying the Republicans were the party of "spend and pray."

The indebtedness built up by Reagan and the Bush team is shocking. It suggests mathematical stupidity. Those who want to lower taxes seldom point to the government expenditures they would cancel. Unfortunately, the items cut from the budget too often are those that make us a humane country. For some reason spending $10 million for one airplane for the military is a necessity while education is a luxury. NASA experiments to go to Mars are vital to our supremacy, but health for the poor is insignificant. It is embarrassing to note how ineffective our superior military weapons have been where insurgents wage war with us.

I have searched the voting records of the prominent Republicans and note they secure earmarks for their constituents, which pad the budget irresponsibly just as much as any expenditures promoted by Democrats.