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Crist should go further on stem cell research

Governor occupies stem cell midpoint Feb. 1, story 

This past week I stood with Gov. Charlie Crist as he announced his support for $20-million to be spent on stem cell research. His passion for this issue is evident and his willingness to fund such research is a welcomed departure from the position of his predecessor.

At the same time, I am disappointed that he has strayed from his campaign pledge to fund embryonic stem cell research, a stance shared by an overwhelming majority of Americans. It is my hope that he will again return to that position and support House Bill 555, sponsored by Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston.

I am proud to be a co-sponsor of HB 555, which creates the Florida Better Quality of Life and Biomedical Research Act. If passed, the bill would allow embryos being discarded by in-vitro fertilization clinics to be used for stem cell research. It would prohibit the purchase or sale of embryonic fetal tissue for research, and ban human reproductive cloning. This proposed legislation calls for the creation of a new state agency to oversee the funding.

I understand the governor's desire to "start somewhere," and there is something to be said for being pragmatic. But too many families are depending on the science now available to bring hope, relief and cures. I look forward to helping deliver on this issue through my support of HB 555 and encourage you to contact my colleagues and ask them to join with me in co-sponsoring this very important bill.

Rep. Rick Kriseman, St. Petersburg

Colleges should stick to higher purposes 

The liberal art of pricing an education Jan. 28, commentary

Congratulations to Diane Roberts for her poignant and incisive article on how colleges have turned into quasi-vocational schools to train students for future employment. To quote education commentator Dennis Baron, "It's about training a docile work force."

Anyone who has studied history knows that universities were started to help students reflect on the meaning of life through the study of history, languages, arts, philosophy (the study of logic which is a lost art) and ethics and science.

Having colleges offering "degrees" for a specific trade is truly a denigration of education in the historic, classic sense.

Roberts' article should be sent to all in Congress and in our state Education Department as it sets a higher bar for any person serious about educating our students, who are the greatest natural resource for our country and, yes, for the rest of the world.

John M. Edgerton, Tarpon Springs

Ignorance is costly 

The liberal art of pricing an education Jan. 28, commentary

As a distinguished research professor at the University of South Florida (Tampa campus) and a longtime resident of Florida, I highly appreciated Diane Roberts' excellent article.

I also was reminded of one of my favorite cliches: "You pay for an education once; you pay for ignorance the rest of your life."

William G. Emener, Ph.D., St. Pete Beach

We are poorly served 

How business works the system Jan. 28, story

Once again the Fabulous Bush Boys have shown their business acumen: This instance is about Jeb with Office Depot. With W. some time back it was Harken Energy and for Neil it was the incomparable Silverado Savings and Loan.

These, though certainly not the full extent of their ventures, are fully representative of the talents they have brought to the table and how well they have served the public.

Nan Sawyer, Sun City Center

Dump the decider 

Big business hails Bush as watchdog Jan. 31, editorial

First, President Bush uses "signing statements" to declare how he will interpret laws passed by Congress. Then he declares that regardless of the wishes of the voters and regardless of congressional resolutions, he is the "decider" and will act as he sees fit.

Now he has signed an executive order giving himself authority to appoint political hacks to change congressional laws into regulations that mean what he says they mean. When will we stop demanding democracy abroad and start demanding democracy here at home? When will we say that this man has done enough damage to our Constitution and demand an end to this ill-conceived administration?

Paul Starr, Treasure Island

No theater takeover 

SPC office strikes a chord Feb, 1, story

We are exceedingly grateful for the great coverage provided by the St. Petersburg Times in the effort to create a new center for several arts organizations at the downtown campus of St. Petersburg College.

However, in John Fleming's article Thursday, the reader could come away with the erroneous impression that the college is "taking over" American Stage.

On the contrary, American Stage is selling its current location to a private developer, and delivering the proceeds from that sale to St. Petersburg College to support the construction of a new theater space at the downtown campus, for occupancy by American Stage.

We are in every sense of the word a partner with St. Petersburg College in this venture, and very proud of that partnership. However, American Stage will continue to be an independent, nonprofit theater company governed by its board of directors. As a tenant in the new space at the college, we will continue to make our own decisions about theatrical programming, and will deliver a high-quality professional theatrical experience, just as we have for the past 29 years.

Don Shea, chairman, American Stage Company, St. Petersburg

Books are changing 

Writers remain a robust bunch Jan. 28, Floridian story

Another lament about the future of books and reading? Please. While John Freeman's article last Sunday is, in a back-handed way, a tribute to some of America's contemporary literary giants, it is also another misguided requiem and bad prophesy to boot.

I'm an author who was picked up in 2004 by an online publisher. I've had three books released, and two more are due out this year. Books are not dead, they're just changing form. Granted, this may not be good news for traditional brick-and-mortar stores, but it's not the death knell for literature. Like too many these days, Freeman is using the wrong stick for measuring.

With the continued evolution of PDAs, notebook computers and the wonderful, far-too-undermarketed e-readers, the future of books and their writers is not only secure, it's brighter than it has ever been.

K.L. Nappier, Clearwater

Super ad prices 

Commercial blitz Jan. 30, news graphic

The cost of advertisements in this year's Super Bowl is about $2.6-million for 30 seconds of air time. Are we consumers, who are constantly being subjected to increasing costs of goods and services provided by these companies, supposed to be impressed with this? Most likely 75 percent of the audience will be in the bathroom or tending to some other function.

I realize advertising is necessary for a business to succeed and grow, but I also understand that advertising is a hefty tax "write-off." I will be anxiously awaiting the commercials during this Super Bowl only because I wish to know what companies are spending $2.6-million per 30 seconds of air time for advertisement.

Seems to me these companies aren't as bad off as they depict, attempting to continually justify rate hikes or increased costs.

Jack Burlakos, Kenneth City

Missing Molly 

Feisty, liberal until the end Feb. 1, story

I will miss Molly Ivins. Perhaps I am a bit prejudiced, being from Texas, but the down-home wit hid a clever and insightful mind. She pegged George W. Bush from the very beginning and she saw (as a lot of Texans sadly did not) from his first days as governor that he did not possess the right stuff to hold that office, and certainly not to be president of the United States. She ridiculed his buffoonery before it became apparent to all that it was buffoonery.

I suspect the Bushes are somewhat relieved that one of their most outspoken critics has been silenced forever, but the truth is she knew a "Shrub" when she saw one.

Godspeed, Molly. You are now doing your pruning in a better place.

Mike Varner, Clearwater

[Last modified February 3, 2007, 21:52:28]