Editor: Thanks to state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, older veterans can now fly their colors on condos.
U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite brownnoses with these same-generation vets, listening attentively to complaints of medical treatment facilities.
As a younger vet, I have more immediate concerns, such as putting food on the table, a roof over my family's head, paying for my kids' college, and so on.
Vets gave up a part of their youth to serve this country. While their peers were in college and setting a course for a career, the young vets' lives were put into limbo in the disguise of service. When the vet re-enters the civilian world, he/she must play catchup.
If these politicians are so concerned with the welfare of those who served, how about backing away from the large block of constituents whose votes they're trying to garner, and help the new vets.
Ease some of the hurdles they face when they attempt to start a business. Exempt these vets from paying exorbitant state and county fees, of which many equate to nothing short of extortion.
Unlike many of today's politicians and civilian peers, today's young vets earned the right to build the American dream. As a small business owner I will track the results of the above-named politicians. As a 20-year Marine, it'll take a lot more than words or warm fuzzies to impress me.
As one who runs advertisements, politicians beware. The truth will be published.
-- Walter Kozak, Spring Hill
Continued development is what threatens wildlife
Re: Wal-Mart Supercenter didn't kill bear, a careless motorist did, Aug. 8 letter to the editor:
Editor: Dennis McCarthy's analysis doesn't seem to smack of reality, not only to our endangered bears, but other wildlife as well.
Of course, a motorist killed the bear, but development, not excluding our ever-mounting Wal-Mart supercenters, are great contributors to the land that all our species are discovering is disappearing.
When or where does it stop? The increased commercialization, the increased allowed developments, water shortages, and on and on.
It's time to stop. This community doesn't need four Wal-Marts, nor does it need the increased home building. As has been stated before, what about all the vacated concrete commercial sites? What about the existing homes for sale?
How do our schools project for all the increased population? Where do these animals move to as this commercial and residential building continues?
Royal Highlands, some nine years ago, was a sleepy community of limerock roads. When residents bought on limerock, they started complaining and, by petition, paved and paid for these roads. The result? Not much open property left here behind the county library on State Road 50. The foxes, the gopher tortoises and all other wildlife are losing their homes, some with watchful residents protesting for their relocation, and some being buried under the new home site.
The county government wants more of a tax base, but can't keep up with the road paving program. Why? More homes, more people, more commercialization.
Ever notice how we are beginning to look more like Pasco and Pinellas counties? Won't be long until we won't be able to tell the difference.
-- Mary L. Scarff, Brooksville
Flying the POW-MIA flag should be a full-time policy
Editor: Recently I offered to donate a POW-MIA flag to my property owners association, to be flown beneath the American flag in our gated community. I pointed out it would be a fitting gesture to honor the memory of these absent men and women, who have given so much for us.
In his reply, the president stated that it was the board's unanimous opinion "that the POW/MIA flag should be flown at (veterans posts) or other military-type buildings, but not at the ... community clubhouse." He then said that, maybe, they would consider flying the flag part-time on special days, like July Fourth.
Let us be reminded that, to a prisoner of war, or to one who is missing in action, every day is special. They are not prisoners or missing on a part-time basis.
Unlike this president and his board, these service personnel are more than just part-time patriots. Their commitment is for their duration. May God be with them.
-- Jack Waldron, Brooksville
[Last modified August 14, 2003, 01:32:32]
