Leave it up to our elected leaders to discover another group to pander to. They must figure that the Fido Constituency is a formidable voting bloc. Every time we hear these officials whine about the lack of funding for infrastructure or education, we should remember these extravagant dog parks built with your tax money.
Folks, it's not that there's a lack of revenue for truly needed projects or programs. Rather, it is the fact that our local governments insist on squandering the money for items such as dog parks. I would be ashamed and embarrassed to stand before the electorate and explain how I used their hard-earned money to build a place for dogs to socialize.
How in the world does someone think they have a right to a dog park? It's just part of the entitlement epidemic fostered by the special interest group du jour. It doesn't surprise me that people who don't have the facilities to properly exercise their dog would lobby the government to build one for them. The taxpayer-supplied doggie refuse bags had barely run out before we heard the cries for bigger and better dog parks. It does disappoint me that elected officials roll over to pacify the group that barks the loudest. (Cat park advocates, take note!)
I hope people sit up and take notice of this abuse of tax dollars, and I beg the city fathers to stop wasting our money. Remember, we have a town pond, a bridge, a library and a stadium to pay for.
Joe Paige, ClearwaterWhen parents bail out kids, no lessons are learned
There are times when certain things get so out of hand that someone has to be bold enough to stand up and say what needs to be said and heard, even when the message given may not be so popular. While this message may not apply to all, it is directed specifically toward those for whom "if the shoe fits, wear it."
I speak of the steadily growing number of recalcitrant parents who could use a crash course in Parenting 101, and little apples that never seem to fall far from the tree.
Based upon my own experience and observation as a school bus driver of 21 years, there is an alarming number of children who seem to be allowed to rule the roost at home. Their parents then send them out into the world - to schools in particular - under the impression that no matter what their behavior, Mom and Dad will be there to save them from whatever disciplinary actions could be taken against them. To allow someone else to discipline their children may look like a failure on their part as a parent. It becomes easier for some parents to go into denial and look over their shoulder for someone else to blame rather than address the issue of their own domestic failures.
I find it hard to believe that such parents cannot see the harm that they are doing to their own children by constantly bailing them out of trouble instead of teaching them that there will always be rules and regulations to abide by in life. They should be taught there are consequences to pay for breaking rules, and they should be encouraged to make good choices and become responsible, disciplined and accountable citizens.
Then again, when the parents themselves are recalcitrant, what more can be expected from the children since the apple never falls far from the tree? It never ceases to amaze me how such parents look upon teachers, administrators, school office workers - and, yes, even bus drivers - as the enemy rather than dedicated school employees who have nothing but the best interest of their children at heart.
As we enter the season when many people make New Year's resolutions to improve their lives, I think the time is long past for recalcitrant parents to admit that their modern, misguided child-rearing methods are not working in the best interest of their own children or society in general, and to recognize the need to resolve to become better examples and role models.
Len Vivolo, ClearwaterYour voice counts
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