The Times-Union recently reported that Jacksonville loses $4.1 million per year on recycling garbage. Why not cancel the recycling program and pick up garbage, recyclables and green waste all in one truck, all on the same day? The green waste all ends up in the landfill anyway; the contractor can't give stuff away, no one wants it. It's a win-win all around. The city saves money and fuel from one truck route instead of two, and there will be half the noise and diesel fumes in our neighborhoods.

Poll workers are steamed

To Jerry Holland: About 2,100 patriotic, hardworking poll workers made the Tuesday, Aug. 24, election run smoothly and without a hitch. We all worked 14- to 15-hour days, and all we asked for in return is that we get paid as promised and that we are shown a little respect for a job well done.

And what have we received instead? A slap in the face! We are being told that the "earliest" we will be paid is Sunday, Sept. 26 - more than a month after the election. We usually receive our pay two weeks after the election. And the reason? Some ill-conceived "audit" to make sure we actually worked, even though we had multiple visits from the election staff on Election Day.

This is an outrage! Don't be surprised if a large number of poll workers resign before the November general election.

Fountain upgrade a waste

What is wrong with our city leaders? The economy is bad; everyone is having tough times making ends meet. Yet our illustrious city leaders gave away $4 million (which the city needed) to a for-profit company plus bought $43,000 worth of [Jaguars] tickets to give away.

And now they are spending $3.1 million renovating Friendship Fountain. For what purpose? Our property taxes are going up, our water bills are going up and our water is being rationed to the citizens of Jacksonville, yet the city has enough money to renovate a fountain, wasting volumes of water to evaporation as well as to watering the new grass and shrubbery that are being planned. The citizens of Jacksonville cannot afford this type of wasteful spending. Just these two items alone could have stopped the impending property tax increase. This is insanity!

More self-flagellation

In yet another incredulous display of its addiction to self-flagellation, the Obama administration submitted its "Report of the United States of America" to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC). In its report, the Obama administration cites the recent Arizona immigration law as an [affront] to human rights, again bowing to foreign interests against its own people. This brings to mind the Democrats applauding Mexican President [Felipe] Calderon when he addressed our Congress and rebuked Arizona for attempting to protect its "legal" citizens.

The U.S. report (confession) will now be reviewed by the HRC, which includes such zealous proponents of human rights as Cuba, Russia, China and Saudi Arabia. This group of hypocrites will make recommendations for remedial action by the U.S. That makes me feel so proud. How about you?

Skyway not worth it

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority says the Skyway averages about 2,000 riders a day? If you believe that - in fact, if you believe even half of that - I know a courthouse to sell you. Basing a decision to close the Skyway on a "careful analysis" or any other statement from the JTA is opening a door to feed a fox, then closing the door to the hen house.

To rant or rave about something, e-mail rantsandraves@jacksonville.com or or drop items at the Times-Union office at 1 Riverside Ave.