Letters to the Editor

Social democracy not the answer

Your editorial (“The War, the Depression and the economic redline” published Aug. 4) is another example of “journalists” attempting to express their opinions without really understanding how the economy works.

First of all, we grew out of the Depression due to mobilization for World War II, not government policies during the 1930s.

Secondly, there are no real cuts in this legislation, merely infinitesimal reductions in the rate of growth of federal government expenditures.

Thirdly, I recommend you research the percentage of total federal income taxes paid by the top 1 percent of taxpayers and even the top 5 percent. Almost 50 percent of citizens pay no federal income taxes and many receive refundable tax credits that refund most if not all of the payroll taxes they pay. Current tax total receipts are down due to the economic downturn. Adopt policies that foster real private sector economic growth and federal income tax receipts will increase. This country collected record federal income tax receipts in 2006 and 2007 under current rates. Interesting too, those families who have $250,000 in taxable income are considered millionaires and billionaires. I don’t think so. Jobs will be created when businesses are convinced of demand for their products and that the cost of salaries and government-mandated benefits still allow for a decent return on investment.

You, President Obama and his allies want this country to mirror the European social democracy model (government direction and intrusion) that features high taxes, resulting capital flight, low economic growth, high unemployment and lower standards of living for a far less affluent middle class. Our country’s history of economic growth is due to our model of free market-directed capitalism.

—Bob Secrist

Winter Park

Finding a good home for opera

Re: Louis Roney’s column of July 28 (“Overflow from an overcrammed cranium”)

I appreciate the juxtaposition of liberal-leaning Chris Jepson and ardent conservative Louis Roney on the same page in the weekly Observer. Makes it easy to read both. I really enjoy reading Mr. Roney’s musings of his past exploits in the world of music, and I like Chris Jepson’s still-expanding views of the world, based on extensive reading. Both contribute much to the Observer.

I have expressed myself, on occasion, to Mr. Jepson. He has always been gallant in his replies. Now, it is time to express myself to Mr. Roney. I moved to the Orlando area (to Winter Park, to be exact) from Houston, Texas. Orlando’s growth reminds me a lot of Houston’s during my sojourn there. It was exciting to watch the erection of magnificent buildings designed by architects known worldwide, accompanied by an awakening of the value and essence of the arts by the community. That is what I expect of Orlando in watching it go through similar growing pains.

I, too, am an opera lover and did have season tickets to Orlando’s opera, as I had to Houston’s. However, as I’m sure Mr. Roney knows, the Bob Carr was not suited to opera. I think the city fathers were right in restoring it for the use of theatrical productions (The building probably would have been demolished in Houston), and I expect opera to return to Orlando when Orlando has properly prepared for it, as in the new facility under construction. I look forward to once again attending operatic performances in the new hall. I fully expect to see Mr. Roney there, too, God willing for both of us. (Judging by his date of graduation from Harvard, he and I are of comparable ages. We will need God’s benevolence.)

Re: Mr. Roney’s musings on Presidential change, I question every one of his declarations. ‘Nuff said.

—Joyce Van Denburgh Doty

Cornell ’48 and ’50

Formerly of Winter Park, newly of Bay Hill

Planned giving: the panacea for a charity’s woes

With the economy in shambles, donations to charities have decreased and fundraisers are scrambling to meet the budgetary needs of their agencies. Most charities depend on their annual campaigns, grants and special events to meet their budgetary needs. With a decrease in the number of donors, coupled with a decrease in the quality of the donations, it has become very challenging to raise the funds needed for operating expenses. Planned giving appears to be a panacea. Agencies with large, unrestricted endowment funds are better equipped to handle tough economic times.

It takes time and special skills to develop a planned giving program. While most agencies have a planned giving program on their websites and in their brochures, few feel that they have optimized their planned giving efforts.

Marina Nice will address this topic at the monthly meeting of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, 1050 W. Morse Blvd. in Winter Park. Networking will begin at 11:15 a.m. followed by a buffet lunch at 11:30 a.m. and the program will begin promptly at 11:45 a.m. The price for members is $20, $40 for non-members. Anyone who does business with the nonprofit world is welcome.

Marina Nice is the Senior VP Client Advisor for SunTrust Bank, Central Florida. Prior to serving with the Winter Park Private Wealth Team, she served as Regional Fiduciary Services Manager for SunTrust in its Central Florida market. Marina practiced law in Central Florida before becoming a charitable gift planner and investment officer for several charitable organizations over the last 17 years. She is a recognized speaker and teaches courses at Rollins College’s Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership Center to professionals involved in planned giving roles with many charitable organizations.

To register for the luncheon, visit tinyurl.com/afpcharitablegiving

—Nancy Ludin

Publicity Chair,

Association of Fundraising Professionals

Have an opinion?

Send your thoughts (400 words or less) to Managing Editor Jenny Andreasson at [email protected]