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Culture is not an excuse for Porter's actions

Re: Jennifer Porter

"She does what a good girl in her culture would do; she asked her daddy."

No matter what culture a person comes from, a 29-year-old woman should know right from wrong. You do not run down four babies and leave them to die while you run home to Daddy so he can clean the blood off your car and hide it.

The father said he was a U.S. Postal Service worker and tried to teach his kids right from wrong. Good job, Dad.

I am neither black nor poor. Culture has nothing to do with it. Nor does race, (I hope), but one thing is for sure: If you have enough money you can get away with murder.

Why is it that Jennifer Porter got probation?

Dear airport mechanic, competition is American way

Re: Mechanics at airport faulted for competition, Nov. 9

While I can sympathize with Mr. Franco's position, he needs to understand that the American economy is based on competition. If Mr. Franco's services were of the highest quality, word-of-mouth advertising would be driving customers to his shop. It seems this is not the case, as pilots search for service through other providers.

The airport management also needs to recognize that many licensed A&P mechanics will not work on airplanes in the experimental or home-built class, and these pilots must do the work themselves. Does the management want to punish these hobbyists for engaging in their hobby, just because they elect not to have Mr. Franco work on their hobby for them?

Wal-Mart not a good neighbor, not welcome near Hudson

Re: Wal-Mart at Bayonet Point would benefit community, Nov. 3 letter

This letter writer apparently missed something in her reading. An Oct. 27 St. Petersburg Times article titled "Shed the unhealthy, Wal-Mart memo says," shows how it would "ease out veterans more likely to need more health care." These memos would also dissuade unhealthly people from coming to work at Wal-Mart.

So now Wal-Mart wants to discriminate against people with possible health issues. Let's face it, older people are apt to fall into this category, so they are going to get squeezed out. It only helps the company's bottom line, not the employees.

If the letter writer thinks another Wal-Mart would improve the traffic situation, she is delusional. There would be an estimated 850 additional car trips per hour at the site. How can this be an improvement? The situation at Ridge Road would not change; the danger and congestion would be an additional road debacle in Hudson. There is not enough space to support a large business.

Florida taxpayers are subsidizing Wal-Mart with incentives, while it has more employees and families on Medicaid than any private company in the state.

Wal-Mart is not a good neighbor; we don't need another one.

A heartfelt thank you, update from ill boy's family

Re: Alex Parris Benefit, Oct. 23

Sometimes the words "thank you" seem to be far less than adequate. The concern and support our family has received is nothing less than exceptional. Please accept our thanks to all of you that gave financial contributions to Alex, and thank you even more deeply for the gift of kind words and countless prayers. All of these magnificent gifts were received with tears and sincere appreciation. We will like to offer special thanks to all of the members of the bands, businesses, family, friends and the community for their generous contributions enriched by their warm sincerity.

We feel because Alex is so young and his needs are increasingly apparent, it touches much more than our family; it touches the fabric of humanity.

A trust account was opened at GulfStream Community Bank at 9037 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668. Attorney Robin Doxey of Naples prepared the Alexander Parris Trust documents. Mary Mosley of Hudson is named trustee.

Our dear Alex is 4 years old and has overcome two surgeries. The first one was to relieve the pressure on the brain; the second was performed six days later to remove a cancerous tumor the size of a golf ball. Spinal fluid was withdrawn from Alex's spine, and Wednesday, Oct. 26, the test revealed that the cancer had spread to his spine. St. Jude's Children Research Hospital was contacted, and the specialists are now overseeing Alex's treatments.

Alex will start the arduous road to recovery. Chemotherapy and radiation shall test this small body and the integrity of the family that loves him. Radiation treatments will take place at St. Joseph's Hospital five days a week for six weeks and one day. The chemotherapy treatments will be done at All Children's Hospital. We were told the radiation will stunt his growth and could possibly lower his IQ by 10 to 20 points or more, and he will lose his hair. In addition, he will most likely lose some of his hearing.

Because the cancer has spread to his spine, the chemotherapy treatments will now be done in 16 weeks versus 55 weeks as first planned. The aggressive chemotherapy treatments will be leaving him extremely ill throughout the 16 weeks. Family and friends will have to give blood during this time due to weakness of his body and his inability to reproduce blood. His heart will be closely monitored, and if he spikes a fever over 100.4 he must be rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital for expert care.

It is not our intention to paint a picture of trepidation, but more important to lay out the possibilities and establish the best course of action. Alex can't do this by himself, and even with the loving support of family, the journey will be monumental. The support of individuals who feel and relate to this situation, so distinguished by their generosity, will be the foundation to his recovery. Words of kindness and prayers asking for divine intervention will be the greatest gift Alex may ever receive.

With deepest appreciation from Alex's family:

[Last modified November 10, 2005, 11:49:05]