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Today's Letters: 'Tough on crime' approach fails

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published June 5, 2007

Tallahassee isn't the answer, Sheriff White May 31 editorial

The editorial about the sheriff's budget increase is misleading. The Legislature might have an impact on his budget; however, money is not the only measure of how effective a law enforcement agency can be.

Sheriff White doesn't need any more money. What he needs are anticrime statutes that will allow him to crack down on a county swamped with illegal guns and the crimes they generate. In 1985 the Legislature and governor agreed with the NRA that local law enforcement should not have any statutes to control firearms, and promptly canceled them all! As a result Sheriff White must run a reactive instead of a pro-active department. He expends all his budget trying to arrest the perpetrators of crimes, after the crimes have been committed! It's what we call being "tough on crime" and our new governor is the creator of "tough on crime." We're so tough on crime, no criminal would dare commit a crime in Florida!

The governor stated in an April 5 Tampa Tribune article that, "Thankfully, crime in Florida is at an all-time 35-year low." Unfortunately, Morgan Quitno Press, the FBI, the Department of Justice, and others who report crime rates and trends, categorically disagree.

Morgan Quitno Press, which provides researchers and law enforcement with crime rates and trends, just released its 2007 report. "One" is the most violent state and 50 is the safest state. It rates Florida this year as an 8. For the past 20 years Florida has been rated between 2 and 8. We were 2 for six years in a row, 1997 to 2002!

What does this prove? It proves that tough on crime is a failure.

However, there is something the sheriff can do right now to reduce crime in Pasco. Ask the commissioners to pass that ordinance the voters approved in 1998 for a background check before all gun sales at gun shows. It will stop felons and those with mental problems from buying a gun, as they do now, no questions asked.

Art Hayhoe, Wesley Chapel

Elderly drivers should be tested May 31 letter

Accidents can happen to anyone

Obviously, the writer was close to the person who lost his life in a terrible accident between a motorcycle and an automobile. Loss of life is tragic and most difficult to cope with, and my heart goes out to that person's family.

However, the writer started to write about a person he knew but then suddenly lashed out at the elderly. Because the person was 79 years old doesn't mean she is not capable of driving.

I happen to be 73 and I also ride a motorcycle. I would be happy to be tested every month if I thought that's what is needed but testing will never be able to prevent accidents.

That's why they are called accidents and they happen in the blink of an eye.

John Snee, Bayonet Point

Memorial Day event was moving

My husband and I were privileged to be among those in attendance at the Memorial Day ceremony in Beacon Woods this year and in 2006.

We wish to thank all those responsible for a meaningful and poignant service. We, as all others in attendance, were greatly moved and proud to be able to join in saluting our fellow Americans.

Geri Wojcik, Hudson

No reasoning with this season June 1 guest column

Thank you for charming column

Thanks indeed, Jack Bray, for your column about weather forecasting.

You make me feel that there are still people who think with common sense, and are seeking the simplicity of years ago.

Mario H. Villalba, Port Richey

Share your views

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[Last modified June 5, 2007, 01:00:29]