Why would a kindergartner need an iPad?

(PNI) I believe all citizens overwhelmingly support education.

However, in Saturday's article, "Schools brace for end of temporary sales tax," it was astutely pointed out that one of the reasons overrides and Proposition 204 failed in this election cycle is that citizens believe that the money goes to "frills."

All you have to do is look at the article's photos to support this theory. Why on Earth does a kindergartner need his or her own iPad provided at taxpayers' expense?

Kindergartners!

I never would have dreamed this was happening in any school in any district.

Thank you for making my decision easier the next time an override appears on the ballot.

-- Carla Benkosky,

Scottsdale

Loughner sentence wise

Last week's sentencing of Jared Loughner and the Pima County attorney's subsequent decision not to pursue additional prosecution may bode well for the criminal-justice system in this state and in our nation.

It has been recognized that society is safe with Loughner locked up for life and that there is no need to seek capital punishment.

Perhaps this mind-set will prevail and Arizona will join the growing number of states abandoning the death sentence.

-- Dan Peitzmeyer, Phoenix

Sentence was an outrage

I am angry. What right does Jared Loughner have to a long life? How dare a plea agreement be made for him?

I am angry because I and the rest of the country will have to provide care, food, an exercise program, dental care and all the other "perks" he will receive while in prison.

This is not just a money issue but the incomprehensible reason to give him seven life sentences. He could possibly live for decades.

This is so wrong.

Yes, I am angry! And everyone else should be, too!

-- Rose Frantz, Mesa

Others bear weight now

I have for some years now carried a weight on my shoulders that the elected officials I have voted for over the years had spent my future money and my children's future money.

Now, with the young vote helping elect President Barack Obama, I don't feel the burden any longer. Your money will be spent here shortly, but now it is your fault.

-- Dominic Foanio, Gilbert

Glad I voted for Obama

Sometimes, I do something and then wonder if I did the right thing. Such was the case with the 2012 election.

During the campaign, I became convinced that there was more at stake than the economy and jobs, so even though I have been a Republican for more than 60 years, I voted for President Barack Obama.

Did I do the right thing?

I am indebted to Donald Critchlow for confirming the wisdom of my decision. In his My Turn column Saturday ("McGovern Commission changes led to gridlock"), the professor blamed the gridlock in Washington on six groups of Americans, which he calls left-wing activists, who finally found the path to having their voices heard through actions of the Democratic Party.

The Republicans keep talking about the American dream as though they have a lock on it. Isn't it part of the American dream that all Americans have a right to be heard and taken seriously?

Thanks, professor. I really feel much better about my vote now.

By the way, it really does take two to tango.

-- Tyler Soine, Scottsdale

Stop the political banter

I am a Canadian snowbird and therefore neutral to American politics. Upon seeing this election, it makes me wonder why you don't have six weeks of campaigning like we do or restraint on money spent.

Four years was so long and drawn out, with all the divisiveness, mudslinging, dirty politics and media frenzy.

The $2billion could have been put toward reducing the deficit or given to charities. Now that it's all over, let's all sigh a breath of relief.

Some of my American friends say the campaign was too long. Even the gurus now say they have to put their differences apart and work together for the good of America.

So, could somebody please tell Fox News and MSNBC to stop their divisive bantering. They should be done in for sedition.

-- Gulzar Hallman,

Scottsdale

Paper hounding Horne

The perseverance of The Arizona Republic's criticism of Attorney General Tom Horne reduces this paper to a tabloid level.

Horne's record has been exemplary in representing Arizona on consumer fraud, civil rights in housing and employment, and reclaiming $1.6billion in the mortgage settlement, among other achievements. He has represented the state before the U.S. Supreme Court on multiple occasions.

Rather than focusing on real issues, The Arizona Republic has fixated on unsubstantiated gossip and innuendo.

Horne should be recognized for his accomplishments.

It is time to get back to real news.

-- Mark Winograd,

Paradise Valley

Pssst! Come on over here

Hellooo! You over there, way to the right. C'mon over here, closer to the rest of us, or you're going to be completely out of the picture.

C'mon, get out of our bedrooms. You don't belong there anyway.

Get off the ledge before you hurt yourselves. Join us in the middle of the room.

Yes, most of us are in the middle, but you don't realize that because you're afraid to even look to your left.

Don't be afraid anymore. Stop watching Fox News, listening to Rush Limbaugh, Karl Rove, Ann Coulter, and just get a good night's sleep. If you do, you'll really feel so much better in the morning.

So, c'mon over here and join us.

Together, it'll be OK.

-- D. O'Connell, Tempe

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