Letters to the Editor for Jan. 10, 2013

Last Modified: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 4:41 p.m.

What's so funny?

A reporter recorded this exchange between then-candidate Ted Yoho and a supporter in the latest edition of The Atlantic:

" ‘I don't know how you expect to win with a name like Yoho,' said Lee Childers, a sales manager at the lumber mill. ‘I had to look you up to make sure you weren't a Jap.' Yoho laughed. He told me later that he'd added his photo to campaign bumper stickers to clear up any confusion about his ethnicity."

Why is it OK to laugh at calling people "Japs" and why did he feel it was important to clear up to voters that he was not a "Jap?"

James Bishop,


Haile likes trees

People who claim that Haile Plantation residents aren't environmentalists haven't done their homework. Haile citizens want their trees and landscaping to remain. I wonder how those that claim that Haile Plantation residents have "Not in my backyard" syndrome would react if they looked in their own backyard to find trees removed.

I was named The Sun's environmentalist of the year in 1998. We Haile residents like our environment of trees and landscaping. Running a trail through Haile would remove these environmental assets.

We already have three trails, including one across the street from the proposed trail. We use these trails for walking, running, biking and walking the dog. We also use them to meet our neighbors. As a planned unit development community, they also don't want a trail through Haile.

Why do they want to take the expensive route, when running it along Archer Road will cost less and serve the same purpose?

Jeanne Rochford,


Ordinance is remedy

I was happy to learn that Alachua County commissioners will consider a wage theft ordinance, similar to those enacted in other Florida counties. This is not a partisan issue. This is an issue of fairness.

Any sub-contractor, vendor, or employee cheated of money due for services rendered can have recourse to the courts, but a civil action is not possible for people who earn a minimum wage, like those who work at part-time jobs and migrant farm workers.

A remedy to this situation of unfairness is the proposed wage theft ordinance, which would provide a remedy by allowing both sides to a wage dispute an impartial hearing.

I understand that the Alachua County Office of Equal Opportunity is prepared to take responsibility for this program, so no new agency will be created or new personnel hired.

I encourage all fair-minded citizens to support this program

Eve MacMaster,

Pastor, Emmanuel Mennonite Church,


Dairy is healthy

A recent letter questioned the wisdom of consuming dairy foods. However, the majority of nutrition experts and government health officials disagree with the claims that were made.

The dairy food group (milk, cheese and yogurt) is a substantial contributor of nine essential nutrients. Milk is the No. 1 food source of three of the four nutrients the USDA identified as lacking in the American diet — calcium, vitamin D and potassium.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage consumers to increase their intake of healthy foods, including fat-free and low-fat dairy products.

The federal government's MyPlate illustrates the five food groups — including dairy — that are the building blocks for a healthy diet. It recommends 2-3 cups daily of fat-free or low-fat dairy. And at just 25 cents per glass, milk is one of the best options for consumers looking to stretch their grocery budget while incorporating healthy choices.

Matt Lussier


Florida Dairy Farmers

Owner, Lussier Dairy,


Poor decisions

I saw pictures of an airport runway and side lots filled with 250,000 cars destroyed by flooding during Hurricane Sandy. For the week before Sandy hit, the TV showed where it was going to hit and areas that would be flooded.

I don't understand how something that is easy to move was left in a place that was going to flood. I also don't understand why I kept seeing people asking for food and gas one or two days after the storm. They had time to stock up on both.

I've seen many people making poor decisions and now they want us to send billions to bail them out. I'm sure I'll be paying with my car insurance and federal taxes for their thinking that someone else will pay for their inability to make good decisions.

For those who did make good decisions, you have my sympathy and support.

Charles E. Shorten,



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