News

An insult to the true meaning of Christmas

Letters to the Editor
Published December 12, 2004

---

Re: Wise men came bearing strings of plastic beads, Dec. 6 column by staff writer Chase Squires:

Editor: He writes about the "true meaning" of Christmas - giving beads to see the happy faces of children? How shallow can this be? It's an insult to the true meaning of Christmas.

Squires' article was supposed to be humorous, but it actually was an insult to the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Christ.

-- Laine Willis, Brooksville

Be thankful for the trucks

Re: Makeshift truck parking draws complaints from area drivers:

Editor: I am not now, and never have been, a truck driver, or married to one.

I truly wish that every single trucking company would stop all deliveries to Hernando County for 60 days. Then I would like to hear how much belly-aching there is about where trucks park and how unsightly they are.

People seem to forget, or never knew, that if you have it, a tractor-trailer brought it. I think some of these twits who constantly bellyache about everything should do some volunteer work. They also should get down on their knees and thank God for the trucks, and welcome them.

Also, stay out of the truckers' way. Give them the right of way. So what if takes you five minutes longer to get somewhere unimportant? If reaching your destination was very important, and you were very smart, you would have left a half hour early anyway.

Be thankful you have the things the trucks bring.

-- Shirley Saxton, Brooksville

Investigation, then disclosure

Re: Suspended Powell Middle School principal Michael Ransaw:

Editor: The Hernando County School Board recognizes the importance of a full and fair investigation and affording any employee who may be subject to disciplinary action the confidentiality to which they should be entitled under Florida law.

The district believes, unfortunately, that Mr. Ransaw's attorney has elected to forgo his right to confidentiality by soliciting support through comments made to the press prior to the conclusion of the district's preliminary investigation. The district has inquired of Mr. Ransaw's attorney whether it is his intention to waive his right of confidentiality and has had no response. Therefore, to protect all of Mr. Ransaw's rights as an employee of the Hernando County School Board, the district will maintain the confidentiality of proceedings in accordance with Florida Law.

Superintendent Wendy Tellone recognizes the frustration of the public at the lack of available information, and assures both the School Board and the public that upon completion of her preliminary investigation, the investigatory materials she will be considering will be made public.

-- Roy Gordon, communications manager, Hernando County School Board, Brooksville

YOUR VOICE COUNTS

We welcome letters from readers for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.sptimes.com/letters and fill in the required information. Type your letter in the space provided on the form, specify that you are writing the Hernando section of the newspaper, and then click "submit." You also may cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer.

If you prefer, you may fax your letter to (352) 754-6133, or mail it to: Letters to the Editor, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613.

All letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and telephone number. When possible, letters should include a handwritten signature. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. The Times does not publish anonymous letters.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste, length and accuracy. We regret that not all letters can be printed.

[Last modified December 12, 2004, 00:31:18]