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Shoot-first law is product of NRA aggressiveness

By CT BOWEN
Published June 26, 2006

Re: Stand your ground law doesn't prohibit justified prosecution, June 20 letter.

Is the letter writer in a state of denial? He states that the new shoot-first law is "not a National Rifle Association Law." Yet the chief supporter of this law was former NRA president Marion Hammer, who lobbied for several months to have this law passed. This newspaper documented on several occasions Hammer's aggressive lobbying technique as she spoke to committees, members of the Legislature and the media about the need (in her eyes) for this law. In fact, the NRA has made serious attempts to implement the shoot-first law in other states beside Florida. Of course, this is an NRA law.

For those of us who are actively trying to reduce gun violence, the use of denial is a constant roadblock and the writer's statement is a perfect example.

So why is he looking to downplay the gun lobby's involvement in this law? I can't be sure, but perhaps it's because law enforcement officials are making critical statements about this NRA law now that its impact is starting to take hold.

Thomas Burke, Clearwater

Sheriff's actions were embarrassing

Re: Sheriff may be too nice for his own good, C.T. Bowen column, June 8.

I am very concerned about the conduct of Pasco Sheriff Robert L. White. True, he might be a nice guy, but I am appalled by his lack of knowledge of his own agency procedures and the concern for the citizens of Pasco County. To pursue a vehicle for several miles at speeds of 90 mph for a traffic violation, shows a serious lack of good judgment and professional insight. Imagine if this vehicle had collided with a school bus, injuring or killing many innocent children! More alarming is knowing that Sheriff White let the convicted felon, whose license was indefinitely suspended, drive away is shocking and almost criminal!

This is an embarrassment to the Sheriff's Office and law enforcement overall.

I also question the validity of the 12-page report, which must be really humorous since the excuses quoted in the article are ridiculous. Did the report mention that the traffic citation was completed incorrectly and the sheriff failed to submit the proper paperwork? I think serious concerns of competency might be apparent.

I see a trend where Sheriff White is never available for comment on anything he does. Is there a reason for him avoiding the press or public?

Norman W. Thibodeau, Port Richey

White should have been put on leave

Taking a cheap shot at sheriff? Not.

Let's see. First of all, if it were anyone other than Pasco Sheriff Robert L. White, the officer would be on leave until it was investigated. Am I wrong? It just gripes me to read that people would try to make the Sheriff's Office seem like the pride of Pasco.

Call the office for help and ask for an officer and what do you get? You get a desk officer calling you back to make a report.

The fireworks stands are going up right now and the excuse of the year is about to start. "We can't do anything about them." I was so glad when they passed the law about being able to protect yourself in your home because by the time anyone showed up to help you could have been dead.

If you think so highly of our officers then why don't you travel down U.S. 19 on a Friday or Saturday night and let's see how many drunks you see driving. But don't call on your cell phone by no means because it wastes your time and energy.

Sheriff White needed an unpaid leave for a week or two for his actions. He is supposed to be the so-called boss of it all and what he did was so wrong. He should have to pay the price for it.

Jamie Van Beek, Holiday

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[Last modified June 26, 2006, 14:55:14]