Charged councilman is not District’s only problem Re: “Thomas quits after charged with theft,” Jan. 6-7
I have often used this forum to voice my displeasure with the present D.C. Council. But this article truly saddens me, as it appears there is enough incriminating evidence to warrant a conviction of Councilman Harry Thomas Jr.
My concern relates to all the individuals who, for whatever reason, did not have the temerity to challenge the councilman about his alleged misappropriation of government funds. How could that amount of money have been “misdirected” without being questioned? Were the individuals who knew about it more interested in saving their jobs than being good stewards for the city?
My former teacher, Flora A. Washington, often talked about “teachable moments.” This is a perfect time to reinforce honesty and accountability, which have both been sorely lacking within the walls of the Wilson Building for a long time.
If Councilman Thomas is convicted, he should not bear this burden alone. Everyone found to have any knowledge of the alleged misappropriation should be given stiff sentences and/or penalties as a deterrent to current and aspiring city workers. Absent that, the corruption we have seen before will undoubtedly happen again.
Marvin E. Adams
Washington
Rebirthing space program requires more Big Government
Re: “China’s JFK moment,” Jan, 4
Cal Thomas, a Big Government Democrat!
Who knew?
We now have to pay the Russians (or, horrors, the French) for using their launch rockets? That’s free-market capitalism.
How much will “a rebirth of the U.S. space program” cost?
Don’t know, but the trillions of dollars over decades can be financed with the old canard, “reduction in unnecessary government spending”.
Thomas seems to be promoting NASA as a government jobs program so that “scientists and technicians” don’t “retire or find jobs in other industries,” as they should do in a free-market economy.
A robust space program is very worthy, but shouldn’t strong government leaders plan, budget, tax if necessary for the greater good, and partner with business to establish and maintain a viable space program over the long term? Not going to happen in this toxic and petty political and economic environment.
Dennis Eschete
Manassas
Red lights in Arlington need to be adjusted
There are numerous traffic signals in Arlington that are not set up in accordance with logic. They turn red against traffic on the main road without cause — and without detecting approaching vehicles from the crossroad.
These signal-light menaces should be repaired ASAP. They are quite annoying, to say the least. But they also impede traffic flow, waste time and fuel, and add to noise and air pollution from the reacceleration of the stopped vehicles. Being delayed at the intersection next to vehicles with thumping, exaggerated-bass audio is a further annoyance.
Remember: Whenever vehicles have to come to a stop, such as the case with red lights, there is an increased
potential for accidents.
The irony is that Arlington County government’s website says traffic signal lights are “helping to reduce vehicle emissions and manage congestion.”
Richard S. Otto
Arlington
