Saturday, October 17, 1998

Perry, Stenholm

I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I vote for the man whose background is proven and by asking a lot of questions to the ones who have known him throughout the years and were raised in the places where they were.

I never heard anything but good things about Rick Perry. And he has proved that in the past, working for our interests. Good common sense is so important in any office, and he proved that. I think he would fill the bill in any office he seeks, coming from a background of good parents.

As for U.S. Rep. Charlie Stenholm, he proved himself as a man that works harder than any congressman I ever knew. I have been following his career ever since he was with the REA in Stamford, and I've never seen anything but the good work he has done since. He's the hardest worker I ever knew, and that goes a way back.

Both are in their prime of life, and that helps. And as Charlie Colburn said in a letter the other day, after trying for so long and getting nothing done, he contacted Charlie and Charlie got on his case and got the job done. And I've talked to so many he helped when he got their case. When he gets on a case, he sees it through.

What I am trying to say is, I think we have the best congressman, the best agriculture commissioner and the best governor we ever knew. That's what we need in these troubled time, and we are lucky, lucky people to have them. I hope we can keep it that way.

ARCHIE JEFFERIES

Abilene

The right to watch

Something happened to me this past week I thought would never happen in the United States. I have been denied access to television signals that I have been and will continue to pay for, given a choice.

Some of the public may not be aware, but if you have direct satellite television, you can choose to purchase NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX from large metro areas like Los Angeles. Now, through a recently enacted law, you don't have that choice, and you must receive your signal from a local station unless they will give you a waiver.

I asked the local CBS affiliate for such a waiver and was denied because I, according to them, can receive their station by installing a rooftop antenna.

That's it. I don't get to choose what network I wish to pay for and watch!

Without a choice, I must watch what is, in my opinion, a substandard broadcast in comparison to other stations I currently watch.

I am sure others' responses will support their reasons for watching local stations, but that's not the point. I should be able to choose if I don't want to watch and technology allows me a choice.

Be concerned, people, because although our media speaks of freedom, they lobby and support laws which censor our choices in television just like China and Cuba!

SAMUEL GARCIA

Hawley

Via e-mail

Vote that counts

Let me give five reasons to vote for Rudy Izzard.

NO 5: Taxes are too high, and Izzard will vote for lower taxes.

No 4: Izzard will not go traveling all over the country on special interest paid trips.

No 3: Izzard supports withdrawal from the United Nations.

No 2: Izzard will vote against federal funding for abortions and the NEA.

And the number one reason (trumpet fanfare, drum rolls, flashing lights, etc..): Next January, Mr. Stenholm, if re-elected, will vote for Richard Gephardt as speaker of the House. That one vote is enough to negate any other votes he may make that may be in our interest.

JAMES ARNOLD

Olden

Via e-mail