Editor: I grew up in the Pasco County school system (kindergarten through 12th grade) and am now a graduate student at the University of Florida.
I was appalled to learn that one of the proposed $10.3-million budget cuts was closing the Energy and Marine Center, a fixture in the community for almost three decades. This environmental center gives all children an opportunity to learn about their unique coastal environment; for many, it is the only chance they will have to appreciate such wonders. The center has already faced severe cuts.
The School Board must not realize the lasting effect that the EMC has on children. Even in college, I've met students from Pasco who remember their fond visits to the EMC better than they remember test answers. Closing the EMC will only help the county meet slightly over 2.5 percent of the budget cut needs. A cut that small isn't worth having children miss out on the only opportunity they will have to learn about the wildlife and ecosystems in this county. What is more ludicrous is that coaches and parents of student athletes are complaining about the proposed $10 fee raise for athletics.
Sports have several benefits, but they are extracurricular activities. I am not against sports; I was captain of a championship team at Ridgewood High. But, when people raise concern over a small increase in sports fees and don't raise any concern over losing a whole environmental center, that represents a large problem in community priorities.
Athletics only affect a small proportion of the student body and may help a select few find an alternative way to get a college scholarship. But every child in the county gets the opportunity to visit the EMC. It's a longer-lasting benefit for all involved. It seems the easy solution is always to cut music, art, and environmental education. This time, let's realize that cutting funding for the EMC is not the answer, especially when there are alternative ways to navigate through the budget crisis.
-- Andy Ford, Gainesville
New school would disrupt neighborhood
Editor: I am a permanent resident of Forestwood and also a parishioner of St. Michael's Catholic Church in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. My grandchildren go to school in the Pasco County School District. I want them and all the other children to have the best education and go to the best schools possible. I also want the best quality of life for my family, friends, and neighbors to continue. I enjoy the neighborhood and community in which I live.
The Pasco County School District is considering building an elementary school right smack in the middle of our beautiful residential neighborhood. If this happens it will change the quality of life for all residents in the neighborhood. These residents have worked for all of their lives to establish a safe community in which to live. A school will change this wonderful life to a nightmare, adding hundreds of additional cars, buses, and commercial vehicles up and down our normally quiet streets.
The Diocese of St. Petersburg is considering selling the land to use for this project. It was my understanding that the church held this land for the future expansion of church projects. Is the church now in the real estate business? Are the elected officials of the school district and the Diocese of St. Petersburg not concerned with the impact this would have on our community?
Common sense precludes building schools or other expansion projects right smack in the middle of residential areas.
-- Sal Iacona, Bayonet Point
Paper's Wal-Mart coverage good indeed
Editor: Thank you for your news coverage in the Pasco Times regarding residents opposing Wal-Mart in Holiday.
Quoting William Penn "I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness, I can show or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it as I shall not pass this way again."
Your newspaper follows William Penn's quotation and did a great job for our community.
Keep up the good work.
-- Gertrude Joubert, Holiday
Prescription drug prices are unreal
Editor: Went to Walgreens to get a 15-day supply of Vioxx to hold me over until I see my doctor. The cost was $50 for 15 Vioxx tablets, unreal. No wonder so many people order from Canada.
Pharmaceutical companies and pharmacists should be investigated for their greed and brought down by the government. Are our illustrious lawmakers dragging their feet closer to election time to spring on the public some mediocre drug plan?
-- Mildred Suva, Port Richey
Chasco festivalgoers mean no harm
Editor: History has shown that people who strongly believe in something, regardless of the merits of their cause, often cause unnecessary damage to their own goals and unwarranted misery and harm to those they believe to be against their cause. This is the case with the attack by the group representing the Native Americans in their battle against Roger Michels.
All of us, and there are thousands in west Pasco County who know Roger Michels, surely know that Roger is not advocating a massacre of those associated with the American Indian Movement.
Roger's commitment and dedication to doing good deeds for his community has long been well established and documented.
The picketing of the Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home violates the universal ceremonial and religious customs that are a part of all human cultures including the Native Americans.
I do not believe that Roger, the Chasco Festival, and the people who attend and enjoy the traditional Chasco events intend any disrespect or demeaning characterization of the Native American Indians or their culture.
-- King Helie, Hudson
Men who saved dog deserve recognition
Editor: Instead of Jan Glidewell writing about the great white hunter, Vince Lupo, killing innocent wildlife, it would be nice if he wrote an article commending A.J. Colwell and his friend for risking their lives to save an innocent dog. I think the young men deserve a reward.
-- Joanne McWethy, New Port Richey
Wasn't one dose of disgust enough?
Editor: Not only was I appalled at the article in Pasco Times regarding Vince Lupo and his holding a beautiful leopard that he so proudly killed, I received another disgusting picture of this man sitting on a dead elephant with his gun propped on his back the next day. What's going on here? Are you proud to display this man's moronic behavior in regards to killing animals?
Lupo was proud of his accomplishments of killing "Africa's Big Six" besides the leopard, elephant, zebra, Cape buffalo, among others, while bragging that the buffalo's moan was "deep and mumbling." Lupo, what a great example you are for today's youth! If this is what it takes to prove you are a man, then you are in big trouble. The Pasco Times should be ashamed to print this kind of irresponsible nonsense that shows lack of respect of any living thing.
If there was declared an open season for shooting jackasses, Lupo would probably shoot himself and be proud of it.
-- Judi Barrett, Bayonet Point
Poor judgment on what makes news
Editor: We are appalled and disappointed that the St. Petersburg Times chose to showcase an article about Vince Lupo, who admits to taking delight in killing animals. The Times has always been a true friend to animals, printing numerous articles about people who treat animals well and those who mistreat them. In fact, both Bill Stevens and Barbara Fredricksen have written frequently about their love of animals.
Thus, it was shocking to see an animal abuser (yes, Lupo abuses animals in the ultimate fashion, doesn't he?) given such a prominent stage upon which to describe his evil skills. There is no hope for Vince Lupo. He cannot be convinced that what he does is morally repugnant. But we hope that the Times will use much better judgment in its future decisions about who makes front page news.
-- Jill Pittman, Hudson
EDITOR'S NOTE: The above letter also was signed by 16 others.
-- Let's be real, who eats leopard meat?
Editor: After reading about our very own big-game hunter, Vince Lupo, and the responses the story has generated, I feel that as an ex-South African, I needed to voice my opinion too.
First of all, the types of animals Mr. Lupo slaughtered are not hunted in the wild, they are hunted on private hunting estates or ranches. This type of hunting has become a big business in South Africa and is quite popular with Americans who love to bring back their "trophies." These animals are usually quite tame and harmless and not a threat to humans. Hunting lions, elephants and leopards, etc., in the wild is forbidden in South Africa.
Many of these animals like those Mr. Lupo killed are retired zoo or circus animals. The claim that he only killed them because they are are a threat to humans or the meat would feed the hungry is ridiculous. Who eats leopard meat? The 30 years I lived in South Africa I cannot recall reading about one of these animals attacking a human being.
When these beautiful animals become extinct one day and Mr. Lupo is still around and he looks at the leopard's head mounted on his wall, I hope that he will be proud of himself that he contributed to their demise!
-- Mel Abrahams, Bayonet Point
Share your views
The Pasco Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.
Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length (250-300 words maximum as a rule).
Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.
All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed.
Anonymous letters or letters with initials only will not be printed.
Send your letter to Pasco Times, 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668.
