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Young patron of the arts gets an encouraging word

Re: Desecration? Nope, just artwork, Jan. 27.

I am certain most Apollo Beach Boulevard residents have enough culture and education to understand and enjoy the "temporary art installation" by 12-year-old Libby Olson and her friends with the support of her parents, the Kirse-Olsons.

One can encounter many similar installations across the country, many of which are even supported and encouraged by business or civic groups. The downside of the Apollo Beach furor would be if the young people involved or associated would lose some of their spontaneity, free-spiritedness and rights of self-expression through the harsh and threatening criticism from some, who no doubt lead boring and unenlightened lives.

To them, I would like to share the following credo by Helen Keller: "Life is one grand adventure, or nothing at all." Also, this credo by Tom Robbins: "It is never too late to have a happy childhood."

Go, Libby Olson, go!

Adoption of puppies runs afoul of the shelter's rules

This is a cautionary tale for anyone wishing to add a pet to his or her family.

In January, my husband and I decided to get a couple of dogs for our family. We decided that instead of going to a pet store we would rather choose our dogs from among those in need at local shelters. On our second trip to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, the children and I found the most adorable puppies who were both available for adoption. We were so excited!

We were taken to a room where we could interact with the puppies. As the interview progressed, I began to pick up some strange vibes from the handlers. They seemed concerned about us adopting both puppies.

I just assumed they were concerned about finding a good home for the dogs, which is just as it should be. When we were finished, we went to the front desk and were given our paperwork to fill out. After we filled out the application, we had to wait half an hour for an adoption counselor to review it with us.

During this time my son, who is 8, kept asking, "Mom, when are our puppies going to be ready to go?"

We were finally called back into one of the offices. Finally, at the end of the session, the bombshell dropped.

The counselor informed us that she would not be placing the puppies with us because I had checked on the application that the dogs would be allowed in the house only occasionally. She said that the Humane Society never places dogs who are going to be kept outside for any length of time. She said the only time it is appropriate for a dog to be outside is to go to the bathroom, go for a walk or go for a short play session with children.

I was absolutely stunned. None of the Humane Society's literature or application forms say anything about them having such a policy. I was perfectly clear from the beginning that the dogs we chose would be kept outside most of the time. No one ever said anything to me about there being a problem with that.

As I sat there stunned, my children began crying their eyes out. The counselor said she was sorry. She said it was totally inappropriate that we had waited all that time without being informed about the policy. She said she would talk with the rest of the staff, which she said should have known better. Of course, the damage was already done.

My children were in tears, and by this time so was I. We left immediately.

After I got home, I called the Humane Society and asked why they did not publish this policy in any of their materials. The woman I spoke to said that if they informed people of the policy ahead of time, people would lie about their intentions.

I wish to make it clear that my problem is not with the policies of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. It is free to make whatever rules it considers necessary. Everyone has a right to his or her opinion on the proper care and training of dogs.

My problem is with dishonesty. The dishonesty of others does not justify dishonesty on their part. For more than one hour, the staff at the Humane Society let my children believe they were going to get to take "their puppies" home.

We sat there thinking we were seriously being considered for adoption when in fact we never had a chance. That was a cruel thing to do. In a word, it was inhumane.

What is vast Christian majority afraid of?

Re: "In God They Trust," Feb. 24

As a freethinker, I am always a little amused when I read of earnest Christian citizens agonizing over the country's "values." Over and over again, we are told that our "Christian heritage" is being stolen from us. Over and over, we are implored not to let this happen.

Bell Shoals Baptist Church holds a weekly class called "Christians in Government." Our nation, attendees learn, was founded as a "Christian Nation." We are being cheated! (The question of Christian founding is not by any means agreed upon by all historians, but we'll let it pass here.)

At one meeting of the class, a video shows David Barton, vice chairman of the Texas Republican Party, exhorting them. "Studies show that 97 percent of Americans believe in God. Only 3 percent are atheists."

Yet, Barton says, "We've been robbed, robbed by the 3 percent. The 3 percent have taken away our heritage. We've got to get involved and take it back."

Why are the 97 percent of believers afraid of the 3 percent who are atheists? Why, when no public figure dares run for office without proclaiming his faith? Do any laws prohibit any church or religious group from celebrating their beliefs on their own (tax-free) property? Do any private families live in fear if they decorate their porch with figures of saints?

And yet there is this agitation that will not be put to rest, and no amount of pointing out salient facts seems to help. Over and over we can show that a secular government gives freedom to all, and persecutes no group. Over and over we can tell of the terrible strife and suffering caused by a government in the hands of one religion. Over and over we can demonstrate that our Founding Fathers saw the danger of a theocracy, that they are determined (no matter their personal beliefs) that our nation should be free!

No - that pesky 3 percent of obstinate atheists is going to be the ruination of the country. What does history matter?

[Last modified March 2, 2006, 13:55:05]