Rep. Vern Buchanan helpful to veteran, but not Sen. Bill Nelson

Last month I wrote a letter to Sen. Bill Nelson. I asked him for help resolving a problem I was having with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I never even received the courtesy of a reply.

I then sent two emails to Sen. Nelson. Again, I received no reply. Evidently, the senator has no use for veterans — maybe doesn’t consider us worthy of his time.

On a positive note, I sent a letter to Rep. Vern Buchanan. I received a prompt reply and a referral to a veterans/military liaison.

I voted for Sen. Nelson! Bet he doesn’t get my vote again!

He could take a lesson from Rep. Buchanan in courtesy and how he treats his constituents.

Unwanted pit bulls overcrowding Manatee County animal shelter

Once again in the news recently was a tragic pit bull mix attack on its owner, 52-year-old Brenda Guerra, as she tried to put a sweater on her pet. The pit bull attacked her, grabbing her arm and not letting go.

The animal was then stabbed in the head and neck by her son in an attempt to free the owner. The owner had adopted the pit bull mix about 30 days prior.

Animal control shelters/rescues etc. are overcrowded with pit bulls — mostly, over 1-year-old. It only makes logical sense to put down all pit bulls in the shelters if they have not been adopted in 30-60 days!

Nobody wants these dogs and taxpayers should not have to pay to support and care for animals that nobody wants. The shelters would then no longer be overcrowded.

In fact, I propose that county animal control should be in the enforcement business, not the adoption business! Privatize the animal adoption part of animal control. That way the county won’t be crying all the time for more money and volunteers to look after the unwanted critters across the county.

Blame automation for job losses; work force needs retraining

Make this country great again.

Let’s face it, one of the main themes of the last election was, and is today, “Bring jobs back to America.” This is a big order, as it’s not going to happen by lowering taxes.

Let’s consider some of the reasons why jobs vanished. One of the biggest factor was, and is, “automation.” Then comes the cost of labor.

But one of the things that no one is talking about is that a vast number of the unemployed are not qualified to perform the functions in this automated world. Therefore, without a qualified work force, industry is not going to come home.

ITT had better gear up to handle and assist the demand for the new work force. And if needed to receive the support from all levels of government as needed. That is, if we want to be great again.

This story was originally published January 8, 2017 at 3:32 PM with the headline "Rep. Vern Buchanan helpful to veteran, but not Sen. Bill Nelson."