BusinessReport.com

Money talks

To the editor:

I highly resent your comparison of Louisiana legislators to drunken sailors [“Every legislator a king,” Businessreport.com, June 19]. As a highly experienced drunken sailor (Newport-Ensenada, Key West Race Week, Lake Pontchartrain race circuit, etc.], I can assure you that drunken sailors spend their own money.

The analogy of Louisiana legislators to drunken sailors is therefore inapplicable, inappropriate and highly insulting to drunken sailors everywhere.

J.P. Barr, Baton Rouge

To the editor:

I went to the Capitol for the first committee meeting on ethics and observed the body language and whispering between the power players and the new legislators. I came away thinking the only changes would be those forced on them by Gov. Bobby Jindal with the backing of the voters who put him there.

This stunt of holding our legislation and Jindal’s legacy hostage for a price reveals the only change we will get is the change we demand day in and day out. Every time we turn our back, the corruption will resurface. You cannot spray for termites once and be done.

[Legislators] are counting on short memories, our ignorance of the issues, and our history of throwing our hands up and saying there is nothing we can do about it.

Robin Cook, Baton Rouge

To the editor:

Voting yourself an immediate pay raise is both arrogant and unethical since it is a direct conflict of interest. Of course, I will remember this in the next election.

John Ducote, Leesville

To the editor:

I oppose the legislative pay raise, and it sickens me this could get such fast approval with little discussion on the congressional floor. It sickens me even more that many of my representatives voted for it [including many Republicans for whom I will never vote again). But the worst thing about it? The fact Bobby Jindal will not veto it. That truly saddens me the most about the whole thing.

I e-mailed the governor and my reps and senators. I called their offices, and shared my opinion. I voted enthusiastically for the governor. I have a picture on my desk of him, my brother, my father and I at a fundraiser, sincerely thinking Bobby was going to be different.

Now I think we see his true colors. Just another politician like the rest of them.

Sam C. Terito, Baton Rouge

To the editor:

Bobby Jindal knew he was being elected to the office of “commander in chief” of this state, which gave him the powerful veto ability.

A true leader will not be bullied, but it seems that with this crucial legislators’ pay raise, Bobby is unwilling to hold on to the respect he earned from Louisiana citizens by using the veto.

This is a sham and a shame. It looks like Bobby will buckle in less than six months of taking his gubernatorial oath.

We deserve better.

Suzanne McAndrew, Baton Rouge

To the editor:

My biggest disappointment is in our “progressive” governor. What an example to set: “I don’t like what you are doing, but I’m not going to do anything about it because you might make my job harder. So let me do what’s easiest for me—nothing.” I wonder if this is the type of example he is going to set for his kids—do nothing [even if it’s wrong] if it makes it easier to get your way. I have supported the governor from his earliest run, but this move does not inspire confidence.

Jay Labarre, Denham Springs

To the editor:

I’m a state worker. I wish I could decide to give myself a 300% raise! I get a 4% raise if I do my job. I haven’t gotten a cost-of-living increase in—what?—15 years. Some radio talk show hosts don’t seem to comprehend what my job has to do with any of this. Aren’t we all “public servants”? Aren’t we government employees? Give me a break.

Lynn W. Champagne, Baton Rouge

To the editor:

With the state’s serious problems in education, health, roads, etc., the legislators are trying to line their pockets and are spending valuable time voting for a “state cocktail” instead of solving those problems. Shame on them and those of us who voted them into office.

Jerry Baldwin, Baton Rouge