Show more respect
for police in A.C.
The residents of Atlantic City accusing police officers of being disrespectful should take a good look at how they treat the officers who are trying to protect their community. Maybe they should watch the YouTube video that was taken after an officer fatally shot 18-year-old Derreck Mack.
This video shows the crowd screaming at officers, making threats, being hostile and disrespectful. The fact that a life was lost is certainly a tragedy, and my heart goes out to this boy's family. But this tragedy was the result of bad decisions made by this individual who chose to carry a weapon and run from the police.
I do not believe for one minute that any Atlantic City police officer would take a life unless there was no other choice. These officers risk their lives every day in the line of duty. Where is the respect they deserve? I, for one, would like to thank each and every officer on the Atlantic City police force for serving this community.
SHARON ZIMMER
Egg Harbor City
Rein in the perks
for members of Congress
Here's how to fix Congress. Elect representatives and senators for one six-year term. This way we get six years of work, with no running for re-election until they have been out of office for six years.
And while they are in office, they can get health care for themselves, but if they want coverage for their families, they should pay the full cost of it. And no pension or travel allowances, only a minimal office staff, and no reduced-cost meals at the cafeteria.
Of course, this will not happen. They would have to vote on it.
LENORA WALKER
Cape May
Armed school guard
would not have helped
Gov. Chris Christie is right. The answer is not to put armed guards in schools. If there had been an armed guard in Sandy Hook Elementary School, there would be a dead guard. He would have been the first person shot.
The answer is to fund treatment for disturbed children and adults. Also, there is no justification for a civilian owning an assault weapon. They should be banned.
SAMUEL GILBERT
Galloway Township
Buena coach Meyrick
made a difference
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to retiring Buena Regional High School field hockey coach Barbara Meyrick for her storied 37-year career.
I recall her telling me, her brother, that the honor and recognition belong to her current and former players. This is because they were the ones who sacrificed and put in the hard work to build this successful program, both on the field and in the classroom.
Barbara made a career out of teaching and mentoring young people, doing what she loved to do the most.
It was never a job to her and never did she look to attain personal gain or money for herself. Her priorities were, and still are, with her students. Coaches like her don't come along every day.
One man or woman's absence is another man or woman's opportunity to continue the excellence of success Buena has become accustomed to having. I wish the school and its programs continued success both on and off the field.
Enjoy your retirement, Coach Meyrick. You've surely earned it.
BILL APPLEBY
Chehalis, Wash.
Make politicians pay
for own health care
Health care in America has been a major problem and an issue in every House, Senate and presidential campaign for as long as I remember. Now we are being told that the solution is called Obamacare, which stands for "who really cares?"
People with underwater mortgages and those who are struggling to pay their mortgages, or both, are told we must buy health insurance. When we cannot afford to pay our mortgage, how can we incur yet another monthly and costly bill for health insurance?
The answer has never been simpler: A grass roots effort needs to be started to put an end to health coverage for every member of Congress and every governor and president. How do they fix a problem when in fact they don't have the problem? We must also ban campaign contributions to these fat-cat politicians from the pharmaceutical and insurance companies and anyone else who reaps excessive profits from the health care system.
I believe the best way to stop the outrageous increase in health care costs is to create a level playing field by making the politicians pay the complete cost of their coverage. Then and only then will health care begin to reform.
JOE VENEZIA
Estell Manor
Joe Venezia is the mayor of Estell Manor.
Judicial nominee's race
shouldn't be a factor
Regarding the Dec. 24 column by Brigid Callahan Harrison, a professor of political science and law at Montclair State University, "Christie should have picked African American for court": Since when did the color of one's skin become a consideration in a job application? That's against the law. Harrison reflects the mentality of too many of our country's college professors. Too bad.
LEE VIETI
Margate
