Common Sense

You state that the Republicans' "demanding spending cuts to reduce our deficit is holding the debt ceiling increase hostage" ("Another cliff ahead?" Jan. 4). Really? Most American citizens would have the common sense to cut spending if confronted with a problem of paying creditors! This would be done to ensure that the problem would not have to be dealt with in the future. Cut future spending and pay future bills! Republicans and Democrats should also hold themselves accountable and prior to raising "our" debt ceiling should demand spending cuts.

Editor: In The Aegis of Nov. 28, the editor took a cheap shot at Dion Guthrie. I agree the TIF is a bad deal for taxpayers. The results of the TIF that was approved for Beech Tree is proof that TIFs do not benefit taxpayers. Boniface, Lisanti, Slutzky and Guthrie voted for the James Run TIF. Why didn't the editor criticize all four of the council members instead of singling out Guthrie? Why didn't the editor tell all four to take a jump? Boniface and Lisanti were the motivating force that got the James Run Project zoning changed to allow this project to be included in the development envelope?

Every year, some 31,000 Americans are killed with guns; nearly 340,000 more are victimized in gun-related crimes, with more than 73,000 of those treated in hospital emergency rooms for nonfatal gunshot wounds. The rate of firearms-related homicide in the U.S. is 20 times that of the next 22 richest nations combined, yet measures to reduce the loss of life and the enormous economic and social costs of gun violence have become a virtual non-issue in this year's political campaign season.

Before voting for president next week, I hope intelligent people will ask themselves a few questions, such as: Who will continue the sound, steady progress being made by the economy after saving it from the brink of a complete collapse? Who will continue to effectively use skilled diplomacy and the pressure of America's strength and influence to work with allies and the international community when dealing with world affairs? Who will continue to responsibly lead our country based on a respect for God, the rights and human dignity of all people and the protection of the health of our planet?

Speeding is not the only traffic violation committed by school bus drivers ("Area schools to monitor tickets given to their buses," Oct. 26). They also do not obey the rules for letting children depart from bus. When a school bus stops on the right side of road, puts out the "stop" sign, children depart but frequently the bus will leave before all children are safely on the other side of the road. Once the bus turns off the "stop" sign and leaves, children are left on their own to cross the street.

All of this talk about Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs playing Sunday against the Houston Texans is pretty funny. But, let's just use some common sense here. If the Ravens somehow lose their minds and put Suggs on the field, do you think it will be for more than five plays? Do you think he would have a significant impact? Now, ask this question: Why would the team put Suggs on the roster Sunday when the Ravens have a bye week coming up? It makes no sense. Suggs might have returned to practice Wednesday, but the Ravens will be very cautious when it comes to putting him on the field.

Your editorial on the new EPA standards for more fuel-efficient cars notes that "some ideas simply make too much sense to stir much controversy" ("EPA gets it right," Aug. 30). That's an accurate description of another proposed effort to reduce carbon emissions as well. The proposal, known as fee-and-dividend, would place a gradually rising fee on carbon emissions and return all the revenues collected under the proposal back to the public. This policy would induce the energy sector to embrace less polluting forms of power and boost job growth while reducing emissions.

The story of the lifeguard who was fired for helping rescue a swimmer outside of his designated zone has deservedly received a great deal of attention. Such examples of bad decisions and bad judgment make us shake our heads and wonder what is wrong with humanity. And in today's hyper-politicized climate I suppose it shouldn't have surprised me that columnist Jonah Goldberg tried (not very successfully) to make a connection between the lifeguard's firing and liberal politics ("Signs of a sick culture," July 5)

Once again our elected leaders in Baltimore have shown that you don't have to be the brightest bulb in the room to have enough common sense to appoint a search committee to find a new city police chief. Two or three of the panel members now lead their own police forces, so they know what best practices are and what it takes to lead the fight against crime. Joe Heming

Regarding Jamal Lewis' financial straights, I hope he is not allowed to take advantage of the bankruptcy laws ("Lewis bankruptcy offers a peek at former Raven's life," June 10). However, I am not without sympathy for Mr. Lewis, so I offer this advice (at no charge), which is guaranteed to get him out of his predicament: Sell your rings, bling, and other things, then just live within your means. Published reports show that would leave him a mere $4.9 million. If he has trouble living on such a paltry amount, then using nothing more then common sense I will help him develop a plan to keep him debt free.