Famous atheist finding out how wrong he was Re: “Christopher Hitchens, militant pundit, dies at 62”, Dec. 16
After a long battle with cancer of the esophagus, hardened atheist Christopher Hitchens, author of “God is not Great”, finally went to meet his omnipotent Maker. To the end, Hitchens held steadfast to the human pride that for many years made him a hero in the eyes of the world’s unbelievers.
Hitchens, who had a certain kind of courage, was unable to find it in himself to reach down and acknowledge the truth before his time was up and God’s mercy ran out.
Herein lies a lesson for us to “stay awake.” (Mark: 13, 33).
Paul Kokoski
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada
Another reason to take my business elsewhere
Re: “Maryland lawmakers put higher taxes on the table,” Dec. 15
Maryland legislators and Gov. Martin O’Malley seem determined to cover their profligate spending by imposing an array of new taxes. In a small state like Maryland, many citizens can avoid these taxes simply by doing business in another state. Ironically, Maryland is making that option more attractive.
For example, gasoline is already about 10 cents-per-gallon cheaper in nearby Virginia. It will become even more attractive to buy gasoline there if O’Malley adds another 15 cents to Maryland’s already high gas tax (with the prospect of an additional 15 cents later).
Imagine: Virginia’s transportation projects funded in part by Maryland’s drivers.
Maryland’s sales tax is 6 percent, and 9 percent on alcohol. Virginia’s sales tax rate is 5 percent, including alcohol.For those living in the northeast part of Maryland, Delaware has no sales tax.And you won’t be charged a nickel for each bag you use, either.
Those of us living in border areas where we can escape Maryland’s elected kleptomaniacs can take some satisfaction in knowing that those most affected by increased taxes and fees live in Baltimore, which is the electoral base for the high tax-and-spenders in the General Assembly.
Maryland is a prime example of what it takes to encourage business … someplace else.
Roger Johnson
Kensington
MARC’s claims don’t fool passengers
On Dec. 1, MARC released the 2012 Brunswick Line schedule for public review and comment. Trying to soften the blow of these changes, they claimed that Brunswick Line passengers haven’t had a significant schedule change since 2001.
However, in October 2008, they cut the P871 Monday-Thursday service. On my calendar, 2008 is after 2001, and we passengers consider that service cut major.
The new schedule makes even more service cuts. A train by train and station by station comparison reveals CSX/MARC’s solution to “increased” ridership issues is to eliminate 39 stops at 15 stations and get most of us to our destinations later!
I would like to publicly advise them that their reality check bounced.
Doreen Turczyn-Toles
Gaithersburg
