Open Letter to Congressman Gus Bilirakis
Today we face a number of significant societal concerns. The list seems only to grow week by week with each new week’s headlines adding to the list. The question becomes, how do we reduce the list of concerns in a satisfactory manner.
To my mind we must find a new path that will get our society to form into a united community. Doing this will mandate everyone putting down their prepared position papers and listening to what others are saying. Often as not when there is a panel of talking heads presented on a news channel, we see one of two things.
One - the panelists compete with each to see who can interrupt the person speaking the most.
Two - the panelists are all in philosophical agreement with each other, as a result no new ideas are broached. We must value the contribution that others bring forward, even if we do not agree.
Today we hear tossed about the evil threats of “entitlements.” I have heard individuals pronounce the word as if it where either the newest obscenity or some new deadly virus. Have you spoken personally with a variety of actuaries regarding how to address the issues facing Social Security? What did these individuals tell you?
No one can pick up a newspaper or look at a news blog on the and not be confronted with a newest, latest and greatest about the cliff. It seems to me that if you were to objectively read today’s headline and the headline from a month ago on this topic, nothing has changed. We all talk about the economic impact of going over the cliff, have you spoken personally with a variety of different economists? What did these individuals tell you?
Of course the latest insult to our national being is horror of Newtown. What concrete measures do you propose to prevent this from happening once again?
Thank you for your time and thoughtful answers
Torrey Craig
The Masked Blogger
1:47 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
In all seriousness, Torrey Craig for Congress! Your letter is obviously written with intelligent thought and genuine concern, but I'm afraid we won't get an answer. The lack of outrage at THAT is a tragedy in itself. Perhaps one day our elected officials will come to truly realize holding office to represent their constituents is a privilege, not a right!
David Conkle
10:27 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Well written and I agree with you in spirit, Torrey. And when did "entitlement" become such a negative word? People who work all their lives and give through payroll taxes into Social Security/Medicare systems are entitled to have these monies returned to them in the form of benefits during their golden years of retirement. As I have ben writing to Congressman Bilirakis for many years now, I have found him to be a idealoge firmly entrenched in the beliefs of the party he represents only. When will we have representative that will stand on principle or their own two legs and legislate for the good of all? Don't know the answer to that question, unfortunately. Did you forward your blog to his e-mail. Would be interested in how he responds. I forwarded a post I wrote to his office and when his they e-mailed me a response, I posted another blog sharing his office's response with others in Patch.
Torrey Craig
10:51 am on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
David - I actually hand delivered the letter to the Congressman's office here in Palm Harbor.
hal alterman
2:22 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
A very thoughful letter. Hope Congressman Bilirakis gives the meaningful issues Torrey Craig raises here the consideration they deserve. -- Hal Alterman
joey boy
4:20 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I totally agree with Torrey... all I ever got from the congressman was his parties position omn any subject like a parrott
David Conkle
3:04 am on Thursday, December 20, 2012
His response to Gun Violence - Thank you for contacting me to share your support for enacting regulations to further control the use of firearms. I appreciate hearing from you. I support the right of law-abiding citizens to purchase and possess firearms for legal purposes. The Second Amendment guarantees our right to keep and bear arms and protects us from having that right unreasonably infringed. I believe that arbitrary restrictions on firearms are unconstitutional. A restriction on the use of firearms only decreases the rights available for the law-abiding public and does not reduce the incidence of those who use firearms illegally and choose to ignore well-meaning laws. You may be certain that I will remember your thoughts about increasing government regulation of firearms when the House votes on relevant legislation in the future. I will also share your comments with my House colleagues. I am certain they will benefit from your views. As a resident of Florida's Ninth District, your comments and opinions are an important source of information to help me carry out my duties as your federal representative. In that regard, please do not hesitate to contact me in the future on any issue important to you. Also, if you would like to be informed frequently about my work in Congress and in Florida's Ninth Congressional District, please visit my website at http://www.bilirakis.house.govto sign up for regular email or to send me a message. Sincerely yours, Gus M. Bilirakis