Northpinellas: Racist comments didn't warrant firing

Her comments regarding black people were inappropriate and racist. Whether they represent her feelings or were said in a misguided attempt to be one of the boys, it is not reason enough for her dismissal. She is entitled to her personal opinions.

What she cannot do is represent her personal comments regarding race as the policy of the Largo Fire Department. Unless that is what she did, and that doesn't appear to be the case, then her punishment is inappropriate and extreme.

I agree that she should be censured and there should be some sort of departmental charges regarding her conduct while on duty, but the city has overreacted and the firefighters union should appeal her dismissal immediately.
-- Thomas J. Lorio Jr., Largo

This isn't a hate crime

Re: Largo fire lieutenant terminated over racial slurs, story, Nov. 23.

I believe hate crimes should be punished to the full extent of the law. But this isn't a hate crime, just poor use of words that we hear every day in our society. People shouldn't live in fear of freedom of speech.

If a black person calls a white person honkey, whitey, cracker, etc., how is it any different?

The wrong will be in destroying this woman's career.
-- Tony Cantillo, Clearwater

She simply chose the wrong word

It seems Lt. Jeannine Horton is guilty of improper use of the English language if she meant to describe someone of any race. According to Webster's Dictionary, the word she should have used is "niggard," which is defined as a stingy person and is a perfectly acceptable word.

So I suggest Lt. (or now Ms.) Horton use proper English in the future. However, she may refer to Caucasians as "honkies," for no one would ever notice that.
-- Bob Coffey, Clearwater

Hardly 'the gravest of injustices'

I refer -- with some hesitancy, I admit -- to the story Center reaches out to Hispanics in the Nov. 22 Clearwater Times. With hesitancy, I say, because it is not politically correct to rain on somebody's parade, particularly a Hispanic one.

Senor Angel Romo, according to the story, "decided he wanted to head to the United States," "sneaked into the United States," and "began a relationship with a Polish-American woman and they had children." "... Romo was here illegally," "hadn't married the woman," and "was forced to sneak back into Mexico and enter (the United States) legally so he could adopt his own children."

Please note that (1) "sneaking" into the United States is a violation of U.S. law; (2) one illegitimate child can easily be an "oops," but more than one is usually carelessness or lack of education or even lack of personal responsibility; and (3) "sneaking" into Mexico would seem to be a violation of Mexican law. Also note that all the described actions were done willfully, willingly and deliberately by Senor Angel Romo. And he was still able (finally) to enter the United States. So, okay.

My problem is the anguished statement of Peggy Sanchez Mills: "That was the gravest -- the gravest -- of injustices," Mills said of her grandfather. Who forced him to violate international laws and the law of common decency? Why try to blame "others" for injustice, when every action was instigated by the man himself, not by any governmental official or law enforcement officer?

"Injustice?" Lady, he brought it on himself.
-- R.J. Radford, Clearwater

Prayer at Trot didn't apply

Since moving to Clearwater in 1989 I have thoroughly enjoyed your paper. I read it each morning on the Internet and search it constantly for items in which I have a special interest.

However, at the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, a race you sponsor, I was amazed to hear a prayer that ended with the all-too-familiar words "In Jesus' name, we pray."

Unfortunately for the writer of the prayer, I am Jewish and I do not pray in Jesus' name. Within my eyesight that morning were many other Jewish people and I assume other people who also do not pray in the name of Jesus.

I had thought we had gotten past that kind of bigotry and childish thoughts, but apparently not. I think you owe all of your readers an apology.
-- Douglas Morrison, Clearwater

How to recoup roundabout expense

As Clearwater gears up to demolish the infamous roundabout on Dec. 9, here's an idea to recover some of the $2-million spent on the project. Bust the fountain up into 1- to 2-inch pieces and sell them as souvenirs. I'm sure residents, snowbirds and even tourists would snap up the pieces so they could show future generations how their tax dollars were spent.

Perhaps the former Clearwater officials who voted for the project could buy the souvenirs in bulk to ease their consciences. Heck, even list them on eBay. Who knows? Clearwater might actually make a profit on the white elephant. Crazier things have happened. Did I mention the roundabout?
-- Rich Whittle, Clearwater

Speed limit signs are antiquated

Isn't it time that Clearwater takes down the antiquated signs "Speed strictly enforced by radar"? Countryside Boulevard is a good example.
-- Hal H. Ebersole, Clearwater

Please lighten up on smokers

On Nov. 13 I and two friends were at a Bob Evans Restaurant to enjoy an after-dinner cigarette when a woman and man walked past us. The woman looked at us out of the corner of her eye and said, "After January, you people are out of here."

Please, nonsmokers, leave us smokers alone. You have given us a hard time long enough. The no-smoking amendment passed. Be happy and, at the same time, be nice.
-- Lida Torrence, Clearwater

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