There appears to be some "shock and awe" over the $700 million price tag and the $60 million annual operating cost for the 9/11 memorial ["Price big hurdle for 9/11 memorial," Sept. 10].
What is shocking to me is how much money is donated to elect a president. This year alone, more than $500 million has been donated to the presidential race, and donations continue to pour in. Really, $500 million? In today's digital world, just how much money does it take to get your message out to the people and let them know what you stand for?
I'm tired of all the rhetoric and the ads pointing fingers. It's just too much, and what a waste of good money.
Want to make a dent in covering the annual operating cost for the 9/11 memorial? As a start, I suggest changing the question on the federal tax form, "Do you want $3 of your federal tax to go to the presidential election campaign fund?" to direct it to the 9/11 memorial fund. The money would be better spent for a memorial that represents the true meaning that all Americans feel and understand, without all the finger-pointing.
Tom Morrissett
Stafford