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Paper can't be blamed for letters

Re: Anti-troop sentiment in newspaper is the last straw, letter by Robert and Rowena Anderson, Aug. 19.

It serves no useful purpose to berate the St. Petersburg Times for printing letters and opinions of its readers. The Times is merely the medium by which we express our opinions, thoughts, frustrations, joys and thanks. The Times does not shape or influence our opinions, so, please, if you do not agree with what we readers say, then express your feelings to us readers.

Write a cogent, reasoned letter.

My wife and I watched in horror as George Bush led us to an unwarranted war, "fixing" intelligence and deflecting us from the real enemy. We are most compassionate toward those who are suffering because of the invasion of Iraq, particularly the families of military personnel who have been killed or those who have been maimed in body and soul.

It is not we who denigrate the military; it is the administration that treats the military so poorly, equips them inadequately and does not regret, in the slightest, its unspeakable "mistake."

Free speech rights cover diverse opinions

Re: Anti-troop sentiment in newspaper is the last straw, letter by Robert and Rowena Anderson, Aug. 19.

Robert and Rowena Anderson's letter to the editor cancels their subscription to the St. Petersburg Times, which they equate with toilet paper. They are upset over two letters to the editor from Janice Josephine Carney (Iraq will teach 19-year-old girl reality of war, Aug. 16) and JoAnn Lee Frank (Recruiters deserve credit for their fast-talking skills, Aug. 16), which the Andersons consider "ignorant free speech."

They don't seem to grasp that Carney's and Frank's letters have just as much "right" to be published as theirs; that is what free speech is all about. Personally, I enjoy reading all the various opinions you find daily in the letters and editorials of the St. Petersburg Times. A closed mind is a small mind.

Expressing your opinion is a right of all Americans

Re: Anti-troop sentiment in newspaper is the last straw, letter by Robert and Rowena Anderson, Aug. 19.

I have never considered myself a "liberal." I have always believed that the duty of citizens is to stand up for their country by serving it as best as they can, in uniform or otherwise. I have always believed it is part of the price we pay for the basic freedoms accorded to us by right of being citizens of the United States.

I must take exception to the Andersons' comments. The reason for service to one's country is to allow the freedoms to exist - including those of speech and opinion - for each and every citizen. If you don't agree with someone, accept that fact and move on.

How can you possibly take exception to a publication that allows persons to exercise their rights of free speech? Would you have all speech not to your liking stifled? I believe that is what you are indicating by your action.

Have the courage to allow others the right to disagree with you. Pull your head out of the sand; look around. Personally, I believe we are mimicking our president in not allowing dissent/discussion of the other side. You need not accept the opposition, but at least be true enough to the founders to allow it.

Who knows, some day soon you may find yourself in a minority. Grow in mind and spirit such that you can at least listen to other opinions; otherwise, we all are in for a very rough ride ahead.

A roundabout could actually speed things up

Regarding the infamous Clearwater Beach roundabout: There was a roundabout in another city that was a success because it was one lane so cars couldn't run into other cars trying to get out.

Traffic might move through a little slower, but drivers wouldn't have to wait while the police came to investigate accidents.

And I would simplify the signage for the four exits from the beach roundabout:

NORTH BEACHES & HOTELS

MIDDLE BEACHES & HOTELS/PIER 60

SOUTH BEACHES & HOTELS

OFF THE ISLAND/THIS WAY OUT

[Last modified August 24, 2005, 01:15:20]