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Let's keep in mind students' behavior

Re: No, dress code doesn't allow flying sandal Dec. 12

Not that I'm extremely proud of it now, but back in my days at Dunedin High, I was considered one of the class clowns. Yes, I pushed it to the limit a few times - probably a little too far a couple of times - even knowing that if I got into trouble at school, I would get it twice as bad at home.

I've had erasers and other things thrown at me (by teachers) when apparently the normal "Please stop and pay attention and quit disrupting class" did not get my attention. Not at any time did I think that a teacher was trying to injure me with any of these objects that bounced off my chest, shoulder or head, but I knew at that moment I had apparently pushed too far and that was the only way that the teacher could get my attention.

As much as I read about kids today running home because a teacher embarrassed - not injured - them and crying foul, I'm proud to say I grew up knowing right from wrong. And the way I see kids act these days, apparently some of them should get something a little bigger thrown at them!

I'm not saying kids need to get hit or abused by anyone, but just look around and watch the way some of these kids treat other adults in public, let alone a teacher or some other official that they should have the utmost respect for.

Chris Wags, Oldsmar

Re: New shelter becomes his pet project Dec. 3

Congratulations, shelter operator

As a former Humane Society of Pinellas volunteer, I am happy that (former Humane Society executive director) Rick Chaboudy has opened the Suncoast Animal League.

The location, on U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor in the back of Palm Plaza, is a convenient location for both Pinellas and Pasco residents.

I was present for the opening day ceremonies on Dec. 2 and was impressed to see what Rick has accomplished in the new shelter. His love of animals is evident, and he has a dedicated group of volunteers behind him.

I congratulate Rick on pursuing his passion to help animals and starting a new nonprofit organization dedicated to saving animals' lives, helping animals without homes get adopted and offering spay and neuter programs.

Jane Phillips, Palm Harbor

Re: Road work buries life's dream Dec. 12

Businesses ask for help, and Clearwater does nothing

Just when you think that no one can possibly do anything worse to downtown Clearwater, they do! The picture of downtown Clearwater that ran with this story is a perfect example of how good things go bad. This shows the reader just how much planning went into the new streetscaping.

When downtown owners are begging for relief, Geri Campos, director of economic development and housing for the city of Clearwater, is quoted as saying, "The idea is to help them help themselves."

What is the city doing to help? The property owners are asking to put up signs so that customers can find them, and they are being told that if they are allowed to put up signs, then businesses everywhere will want to put up signs. A pathetic excuse.

How could any banner possibly make anything look worse than how the intersection of Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue looks now?

The officials of Clearwater have turned their backs on the businesses of downtown Clearwater just when they needed them the most. One can only wonder how many businesses will exist when the project is finished in December 2007.

Margaret Hyde, Clearwater

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[Last modified December 14, 2006, 06:39:14]