Legislation can't make us more tolerant of one another
Published July 11, 2003
Re: Stage set for dramatic dialogue on rights in Largo, Diane Steinle column, June 22.
I understand how it is so easy to be appalled by discrimination. But I also know it is impossible, no matter how hard one tries or how many laws are passed, to remove it from our lives.
Even the most moral and just person has opinions, has likes, dislikes and has behavior that is deemed acceptable and unacceptable.
If any ordinance were passed banning discrimination against all people, wouldn't employers have to hire whomever applied for a job?
Wouldn't property owners have to rent to whoever wanted to rent the house or apartment? Wouldn't lodges, clubs and civic groups have to allow as members anyone who asks to join?
We already have laws protecting people from discrimination because of race, religion and national origin. To make this law any broader would be disaster to enforce on the local level.
Who would a person who feels discriminated against appeal to? How would the law be enforced? How could a person prove that there was any discrimination in the first place?
Everybody feels they were discriminated against at one time or another. For example, whenever they don't get the job they wanted, the promotion they feel they deserved, the apartment or house they were denied, or because their kid didn't get to start on the team.
I agree that discrimination in principle is wrong. I strive to be fair, equal and just. Am I fooling myself?
I don't know. I think we should encourage people to be fair and open-minded, to love - or just be more tolerant of - their neighbor.
I think we need to lead by example, not by legislation. I don't think an ordinance is necessary.
-- Mike Bracewell, Indian Rocks Beach
Human rights ordinance is overdue
Re: Largo's proposed human rights ordinance.
On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a ban on sodomy for Texas, ruling the law was an unconstitutional violation of privacy. I felt it was time to write you a letter expressing my support of the city of Largo's proposed human rights ordinance.
Having been raised in Largo and knowing the community, I must tell you I am very proud of the city and its elected officials for taking on this most important issue. It is long overdue.
Being a new mother and having many gay friends, I cannot believe that this is not a federal law already. Perhaps the Largo commission should go to Washington, D.C.
-- Shannon Conely, Tampa
Take a stand regarding moral decay
Re: Largo's human rights ordinance.
Webster's dictionary tells us that "one who is apathetic" is void of feeling, or indifferent.
It would seem a good many Largonians are quite indifferent to what some Largo city commissioners wish to promote from their chambers.
This concerns the new ordinance being proposed under which homosexuals, transvestites, unmarried and cohabiting heterosexual couples should have the same rights as legally married couples.
Mayor Bob Jackson and Commissioners Charlie Harper and Harriet Crozier do not think the laws now in effect should be changed. But Commissioners Pat Burke and Pat Gerard are trying to dictate their personal views to the citizens of Largo, whether we approve or not.
It would seem Commissioners Gay Gentry and Jean Halvorsen aren't sure which side of the fence they are going to fall on and don't wish to "step on anyone's toes."
I have lived in Largo since 1962 and, before that in my hometown of DeLand. I have seen a lot of changes - from a village of 5,000 to a city of almost 70,000. Most of the changes have been for the betterment of Largo.
The city has really gone overboard in many ways to make life really nice for the young people.
If this new ordinance is passed, what are we telling the young people? Are we saying it is fine for homosexual couples to live together as husband and wife, and unmarried heterosexuals to cohabit, which is a misdemeanor by Florida law? They would also receive the same benefits as married couples.
What is happening to our family life as we have known it to be? We are heading for more moral decay than we already have, and it seems Gerard and Burke are helping to promote it. I feel it is time that we citizens of Largo stand up and give our views, even though it is a touchy subject.
Where do you stand? With whom do you agree?
-- Bea Morgan, Largo
Crackdown on fireworks is needed
Where is my freedom?
On the Fourth of July, I'm a prisoner in my own house. At 6 p.m. after the rain has passed, the fireworks start. I can't see 2 feet in front of me because of the cloud of smoke from all the fireworks going off. The noise is like being on a battlefield. It is total terror for war veterans (a reminder of being in combat), the newborn babies, the elderly, the companion animals and wildlife.
Who decides which laws are going to be enforced? Is it just okay to give a ticket to drivers going fast on the interstate, and not to cite the people breaking the law using fireworks?
Fireworks are dangerous to everybody: They are a safety hazard to the people shooting them off, as well as a fire hazard to the innocent neighbors who get fireworks landing on their houses and trees. Who's responsible for cleaning up the debris? Where is my right to have peace and quiet?
I called the police at 6 p.m. when the fireworks really started kicking in. I had to call four times to get a police officer out to my address at 10.30 p.m. The fireworks went on until 2:30 a.m. Obviously, the law against fireworks was not enforced.
They claim they didn't have enough officers. Well, if they would have taken away the fireworks or written $150 fines, it would have more than paid for extra officers.
Why do we spend our tax money on fireworks shows when the neighbors are putting on their own show?
This country is a disgrace, and full of double standards.
-- Pamela Borres, Pinellas Park
Library benefactor deserves praise
Re: Grant for library celebrated, story, June 25.
Largo Library patrons and supporters should be dancing in the streets. After two years of lobbying efforts and plodding ahead, the Largo City Commission learned that a $500,000 state grant for the new $21-million Largo Library was finally becoming a reality. What a coup this is, and certainly no one can deny that a new modern library was needed for our community.
However, I was extremely disappointed to see that nowhere in this story was the name John Jenkins mentioned. I'm talking about the late John A. Jenkins, former president of what once was the Pinellas Central Bank.
Mr. Jenkins donated more than 4 acres of land on East Bay Drive in 1974 for the purpose of constructing the library currently standing. I did not know him personally, but to those who did, he was without a doubt a revered friend and benefactor of the library organizers.
This was a man who was always ready, willing and able to help when called upon. I was told that on two separate occasions, he donated $25,000 for necessary materials and miscellaneous items that were needed.
It's difficult for me to think about the history of the Largo Library without thinking about John A. Jenkins, the man who helped make it all happen.
-- Jack Keller Sr., Belleair Bluffs
Reflections on hip-hop night
Re: Taming Largo's wilder side, story, June 22.
What it was, was hip-hop . . . pop!
Here are the top 10 "reflections" of Largo City Manager Steven Stanton after attending hip-hop night at the Coliseum:
10. Make note: Both blacks and whites attended and . . . danced together.
9. I dressed "all wrong" for this. The vest "clashed."
8. They never played Who Let the Dogs Out. Geez.
7. I actually let people know that I was going to attend this.
6. I even granted an interview to the Times.
5. They had to run their turntables "by hand."
4. Glad I bought . . . mean . . . borrowed that "doo rug." I don't think anyone knew it was me.
3. Obviously, this new music is catching on; better start watching ET again.
2. I've never had the "munchies" quite this bad before.
1. I'm glad that our youth celebrate Easter, albeit late, with such enthusiasm.
-- Michael DePrisco, Clearwater
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