The Arizona Republic

New York cheers, then jeers hooking Amazon prize

- STEVE BENSON

It is amusing to watch and listen to New York liberals celebrate the success of wooing Amazon to locate its second headquarte­rs in their state.

Wait, they’re not all celebratin­g. New York offered $1 billion in incentives to attract Amazon. Now many are suggesting they should retract the incentives and put the money into infrastruc­ture projects.

They also believe Amazon will stress New York’s existing infrastruc­ture without bringing any benefit.

Therein lies the dilemma. I don’t like tax incentives to attract business but it is a reality.

My best estimate is Amazon would add about $500 million annually in additional tax revenues. If New York does not want these high paying jobs that will no doubt attract similar jobs, I look forward to hearing from the politician­s as they explain how they will fund infrastruc­ture and other needed projects. Joe Heintz, Surprise

There was a time when Americans could all rally ’round the flag

Remember when we were all proud to be Americans?

I still am.

Remember when tragedy brought the country together for more than just a few days?

When, no matter what happened good or bad, we didn’t immediatel­y look for a political party or person to blame or credit?

If you don’t remember these things, I feel sad for you.

I still do, but it’s getting harder and harder.

Here’s my plea, and please pause for a few seconds before trying to figure out my real message.

This is it.

Can we please, just stop hating. Ron Nimmer, Gilbert

First came the campaign ads; now comes the double whammy

After years (I mean months) of irritating political ads, I was looking forward to some peace and quiet.

Not going to happen!

I am now being overwhelme­d by Christmas music played on multiple radio stations and at McDonald’s; by Christmas merchandis­e displayed and sold everywhere.

Come on people, it’s only the middle of November!

What happened to celebratin­g Thanksgivi­ng?

Please enough of Christmas so soon. Wait until after Thanksgivi­ng. Joseph Drosendahl, Phoenix

The White House shames itself by skipping key memorial services

Disgracefu­l. Donald Trump should be ashamed that he did not participat­e in France in the celebratio­n of the 100th anniversar­y of Armistice Day.

Even more disgracefu­l, the president and vice president did not attend a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery. To say they honor and respect the veterans is disgracefu­l. Luis Bones, New River

Where was the nice and bipartisan Sinema during the election?

I read your triumphant cover story on Kyrsten Sinema. She proclaims she is a proponent of bipartisan­ship and niceness now.

That’s funny considerin­g the countless hundreds of TV attack ads on Martha McSally in the last month. Full of hate and lies.

Sinema is the best senator money can buy. Arizonans deserve the leadership they vote for. Say goodbye to any tax cuts. Larry Given, Gilbert

About those soldiers you’re sending to the U.S.-Mexico border

Let us not waste our precious resources. Send the border troops to fight the California fires. Enough said. Sari Perlow,

Scottsdale

The writer is a retired major in the United States Marine Corp Reserve

 ??  ?? Contact him: You can reach Steve Benson at 602-444-8035 or steve.benson@arizonarep­ublic.com
Contact him: You can reach Steve Benson at 602-444-8035 or steve.benson@arizonarep­ublic.com

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