Our Readers Write… Posted: Friday, December 21, 2012 7:00 pm Bi-partisan resolution needed to end the fiscal cliff crisis To The Editor: Right now, we are not Democrats, Republicans or Independents. We are simply “Americans,” and as Americans we must stand up for what is best for our country at a critically important time. For far too long, a “fiscal cliff” has loomed over the U.S. The issue is serious, and CEOs across the nation are working together to encourage Congress to demonstrate that principled compromise is alive and well in this country. Many employees of Frontier Communications live in Tennessee. I have asked them, and I ask all who read this piece, to reach out to their congressional members and support bi-partisanship resolution of the economic issues that demand immediate attention. As we all know, our country is capable of great things; when the cause demands it, we can work together on any issue. The time is long overdue for Congress to do just that. I am proud to be part of a campaign led by CEOs across the country to encourage Congress and the administration to do the right thing. We are asking our elected officials to work together to prevent the significant negative economic, employment and social consequences of going over the fiscal cliff and the resulting across-the-board tax hikes and dramatic spending cuts scheduled to take occur on Jan. 1, 2013. A failure to act will be devastating to the U.S. economy and will harm future generations. Our country will be diminished, as well as our standing in the world. The United States, once a proud leader, will be perceived as unable and unwilling to put its own house in order. Unfortunately, Congress has achieved very little over the past few years. Partisan politics, rhetoric and pettiness have stalemated many issues. If this inaction continues, the U.S. economy, which is only starting to recover from a terrible economic crisis, will fall back into recession. It is imperative our elected officials join forces and come up with a balanced solution that will include revenue growth and spending reductions. Thank you and God bless America. Maggie Wilderotter Chairman and CEO, Frontier Communications ——— Consider volunteering as a response to school shooting To The Editor: Earlier this week, I watched something that encouraged people to take the emotion they have about the school shooting and get more involved in their communities, especially with children. Volunteer because maybe there is a child in our community who isn’t getting something at home that your positive influence could provide. Just being a positive role model can go a long way. The Martin Kiwanis Club members work side-by-side with kids in the local elementary, middle, high school and disabled adults at CDS. We always need more volunteers with our programs and to help us find new ways to serve kids in Martin. As we say, a new member equals two more hands for service. Please visit our website and download an application for membership. If you don’t consider Kiwanis, then consider one of the other fine service organizations in Martin or Weakley County. There are also local Rotary, Pilot, Lions Clubs and many others. In my eight years with Kiwanis, I can’t say that I was able to save all the kids I’ve been associated with because of Kiwanis. But every year there seems to be one that I know that I made a difference in their life. And if I can be a good role model/friend to a young person, then it’s worth all the time I put into it. I’d be glad to share or answer any questions. Misty Menees Martin Published in The WCP 12.20.12 |