The foreclosure crisis solution? First, determine by accepted industry standards if a borrower could afford the mortgage on the day it was closed. If so, compute the current payoff amount, free of default and foreclosure penalties.
Re-amortize the payoff amount over 50, rather than 30, years at a fixed interest rate that reflects the prevailing cost of money, say prime plus 2 percent. Reassess the borrower's present ability to make this new, lower mortgage payment.
If able to afford, then execute a new loan and mortgage with no pre-payment penalty, but a generous assumption fee for the lender should the borrower sell the property.
— Michael P. Finney
Pensacola
For all of us
In regard to America's first black president, I believe my 9-year-old grandaughter said it best: "He's not black, he's mixed, he's for all of us!"
— Cindy Millines
Milton
Praise is due
This letter is being written to praise all local law enforcement who serve and protect our community.
As an ex-felon, I am clean and sober today and live a drug- and crime-free life. It appalls me to hear the public outrage when a law officer has to kill a suspect before the suspect kills the officer.
Granted, it is sad when anyone has to die, but law officers put their lives on the line every day. But when do you hear public outcry when a law officer is killed and leaves behind his or her loved ones?
All law enforcement must be aware of every situation they encounter and use the necessary force to protect themselves and the public. Sometimes, it may result in a death, but again, those who live in the criminal element choose to risk their lives.
Law enforcement personnel are only doing their job, so let's show our appreciation for a job well done. They keep our streets safe, and in my opinion deserve to be praised.
— David Sims
Pensacola
They'll be judged
I believe the majority in Congress are criminally complicit with the current illegal and criminal administration in the White House.
There are probably a good number who are being essentially blackmailed. I could count on both hands the number (e.g., Wexler, Kucinich) who are willing to do what is just and also the will of the majority of Americans (even it was a small minority, they should still do what is just and right).
History and our Creator will judge them for being criminally complicit.
— Cameron O'Connor
Gulf Breeze
The real "Joe"
Maybe the real "Morning Joe" is coming out ("'Morning Joe' drops a bomb live on national television," Nov. 11)! If he talks (and thinks) like that on the air, how about when not on the air?
Remember, he is the quitter who left the House. He was not there when the most tragic event in American History happened — 9/11. I noticed his column did not appear Nov. 12. That's a good start. Hope one day soon we can say "Morning Joe" as he heads out the door!
— Jimmy Bishop
Pensacola
Take heed
Hopefully, Mike Papantonio will now follow his own advice of Nov. 11 ("Drop that political ad and slowly back away") and grace us with the cessation of his caustic derogatory remarks about Republican candidates, particularly Gov. Sarah Palin.
One wonders why the choice was made to practice one's profession as columnist and lawyer in an area known to be inhabited by a large number of us country-bred, red-necked, red-blooded, red-meat-eating hunters and fishermen. Perhaps it could be classified as blue-blooded evangelism, but then that word evangelism is an anathema to blue-bloods, isn't it?
— Martha Dickson
Pensacola
