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On April 20, the front page of the local section had articles on two separate hit-and-run accidents, one by automobiles and one by water scooter.
On the A-section opinion page the same day, there was an all-too-true political cartoon in which the decisionmakers in the U.S. government were all passing blame to others for 9/11.
People who avoid responsibility for accidents are terribly wrong, as are our leaders who set not just a bad, but an unconscionable, example.
In recent weeks, the Tampa Bay area experienced two tragedies where there was an obvious lack of good parenting skills displayed through failure to take measures to keep their children out of harm's way.
The first involved the children who were hit and killed crossing 22nd Street in Tampa at 7:30 at night, and the second in as many weeks was a fifth-grader who was hit trying to cross U.S. 19 in Tarpon Springs during rush-hour traffic.
It should be considered whether there is some neglect on the part of the parents for allowing a 2-year-old to be supervised by a 14-year-old sibling walking the streets at 7:30 at night and the parents who allowed a fifth-grader to cross treacherous U.S. 19 during rush-hour traffic, unsupervised by an adult.
The law will hold responsible the drivers who are just trying to get home after a hard day's work, but when is the law going to hold parents responsible for responsible parenting?
Re: Dunedin Gathering of the Clans and Tattoo.
First and foremost, let me tell you how very much we enjoy your Dunedin Gathering of the Clans and Tattoo.
Now, my complaint. From the beginning of the wonderful evening to the end, there were two video people roaming around on the field taping the spectacular show. If they were not flipping the extension cords to their camcorders, they were circling the performers, taping videos of each from back to front, side to side, low and high. What a terrible distraction, even to the extent of standing directly in front of the solo players.
I hope they accomplished taping the beautiful Tattoo to their satisfaction because they certainly spoiled it for me and thousands of other viewers in the stands.
Re: Blame accidents on drivers, not roads or police, letter, April 12.
Thank you for posting the letter putting blame where blame is due in response to the recent Tampa Road crashes. My wife and I live off Alderman Road and use Tampa Road between U.S. 19 and McMullen-Booth several times daily.
We do not see any problem with the road, signals or law enforcement. We do see speeding cars and drivers who are careless when exiting side streets.
We don't need new traffic lights or slower speed limits; we all just need to take a few more seconds out of our commute to pay attention. Stop completely before pulling out. Look both ways, then look again.
It's not rocket science, just common sense. Arriving at our destination one to two minutes sooner, if that, is not going to change a thing. Getting to our destination in one piece is going to make our lives and our families' lives much easier.
I had the opportunity to visit the events held at Clearwater Beach last weekend for Fun 'n Sun and found everything well organized. However, I was offended by the dunk tank, where you paid money to try to dunk the clown.
This clown was making remarks that I found offensive. I believe in free speech but do not believe that at this type of event that the clown should be making fun of children or making sexual comments.
One young boy was called "Mama's Doughnut Boy" (he was a little chubby). The clown made fun of young girls who were not developed. His sexual comments were numerous. I would hope we have organizers who patrol these booths and rides to make sure they are conducting themselves properly.
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