Today's Letters: Support troops by flying the flag

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published July 4, 2007

June 14 was Flag Day, but you would never know it. There were no more flags out than any other day. Do we not appreciate our country or our flag? So many died for it and still are.

We fly our flag 24 hours a day, seven days a week and, yes, we have a light on it. Our next holiday is today, the Fourth of July. I hope everyone knows what it stands for.

It's not just another day off or time to shoot fireworks. It's to celebrate our independence, which gives us the right to fly our flag and the right to shoot fireworks and to honor the men and women of the military who are trying to keep our independence and flag for us.

So, let's show some patriotism. Support our troops. Fly your flag.

A. Kuiper, Holiday

Stop fiddling, pay attention

Too many young Americans are not paying attention to the politics going on. It's the dumbing down of America, watching reality shows and NASCAR going around in circles.

Let's get real. Rome is burning and we are fiddling. Maybe Tony Soprano was right: "Stay home, play with your grandchildren and enjoy your family. It's over."

Roger F. Lind, Port Richey

Fired teacher needed support

Firing Barbara Heggaton for assisting her special education students when they took the FCAT tests speaks loudly of what is wrong with our education system. We elect community leaders to our School Board and to be superintendent of education, expecting them to be leaders. Instead they do their jobs as clerks, reading and interpreting rules by rote.

A standup leader would have supported this dedicated teacher and challenged the state FCAT rules as being unjust. This politician easily would have the support of her community, as Pasco County decidedly believes a mild, slap-on-the-wrist-type punishment should have been given.

Actually a letter of commendation should have accompanied that rebuke because Barbara Heggaton has shown more honesty, compassion and integrity to her students than these elected politicians have shown to her and the people of Pasco County.

Robert Uttley, Hudson

Search for meaning in life leads to new home June 30 Mindy Rubenstein column

Keeping faith brings rewards

I've been very touched by the article and must admit I can relate to a similar happening. Because of my husband's ill health, we moved from New York to Florida in 1978. So when the High Holidays were approaching, we decided to contact the local Jewish Center in Port Richey. We, too, were asked to pay $250 for services and it was then when we had no choice but to turn away.

I must admit I do commend Mindy Rubenstein for seeking Judaism, a way to open a "door to new life." After my husband passed away in 1992, I took a different route.

First of all, while I am not too committed to my religion, I shall never deny the fact that my heritage is Jewish. I was very proud when my three sons made their Bar Mitzvah.

I remember during Thanksgiving, I was happy to help serve dinners to parishioners without families at St. Michael's Church. Also being active in the Guardian ad Litem program, I provided help, love and kisses to abused children regardless of race or religion. While I personally have some health issues, those of you who know me can agree that I always try to put on a happy face. No doubt, that is my life's reward.

Estelle Rodman, Bayonet Point

Share your views

The Pasco Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length (250-300 words maximum as a rule). Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed.

Send your letter to Pasco Times, 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668, or by fax to 727-869-6233 or go to www.tampabay.com/letters/.

Fill out the form to supply us with your personal information, the subject line, and type your letter in the space provided. You can also cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer. When you are done, hit the button that says "Submit My Letter."

[Last modified July 3, 2007, 22:27:48]