Today's Letters: We all pay when lawmaking gets ludicrous

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published July 8, 2007

Growls greet law July 1, story  

The new law requiring owners of exotic animals to put up $10, 000 or buy $2-million in insurance appears to have been enacted without anyone's knowledge. The story states, "It's hard to find someone who will take responsibility for the new law."

Sen. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, says his bill was meant only for reptile owners. So far, okay.

Then Sen. J.D. Alexander added a mammal amendment to the bill. An aide to Alexander claims he didn't add it but supported it. Alexander's aide says Sen. Michael Bennett proposed it at Alexander's request.

Bennett says, "I don't remember why we did that. Somebody asked me to put that on, but I don't know why." Why would any rational person do that?

This happens too much, and we pay for it.

James O'Connell, Largo

It's an injustice

I want to congratulate reporter S.I. Rosenbaum for an article well done.

Sen. Michael Bennett and those responsible for amending the "Reptile Bill, " SB 2766, have deceptively added language that would negatively affect all captive exotic animals and their owners. This is an injustice to the people, especially since the bond requirement is unaffordable.

Lawmakers were influenced by Carole Lewis Baskin of Tampa's Big Cat Rescue to propose a bill that will put many exotic animals in jeopardy.

Our legislators are responsive to those organizations that are financially capable of making their lives easier, not to those of us who work hard to contribute to society and provide a safe haven for our animals.

Victoria Windland, Belleview

The curtain closes on Plamegate July 5, David Brooks column

Let them confess

David Brook's synopsis of Plamegate could not have been more lucid and satisfying. It's lucid because it clarifies everybody's sins. It's satisfying because he offers an enduring truth: "Behold, I have seen all the works under the sun and all is vanity and vexation of spirit."

In a perfect world, all the thespians in this sordid, contrived drama would be ordered to go on the national stage and say, "'David's right, mea culpa. We stunk up the place."

Gary Harrington, St. Petersburg

The curtain closes on Plamegate July 5, David Brooks column

A case of character assassination

In David Brooks' column, I read an unabashed attempt at character assassination of Joe Wilson, the former acting ambassador to Iraq during the buildup to Desert Storm in 1990. Brooks calls him "a strutting little peacock" and "the charming P.T. Barnum of the national security set."

Joe Wilson was labeled a "true American hero" by President George H.W. Bush for his actions in protecting a large number of Americans who were inside Iraq during the buildup to the Persian Gulf War. As spokesman for the president, he directly confronted Saddam Hussein in Baghdad after the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait.

This type of character assassination by Brooks and others confuses the salient issue here. The CIA did, in fact, dispatch Ambassador Wilson to Niger, Africa, to discern independently President George W. Bush's false assertion that Iraq was importing uranium from there to support a bogus nuclear weapons program. That this is not of concern to David Brooks and to the St. Petersburg Times is shocking and disappointing.

Jim Willingham, St. Petersburg

Bush's reprieve for Libby is ammunition for Democrats July 4, story

Bilirakis is brave

Rep. Gus Bilirakis' courage is obvious. In opposing the president's lenient treatment of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, he stood up for what is right and honorable while his fellow representatives are paying homage to that new branch of the government, the "emperor's branch."

President Bush would do well to cultivate Bilirakis as an adviser. The ones he relies on now, if indeed he listens to any, are lacking in character and knowledge of the legal system.

Sylvia Decosmo, St. Petersburg

President commutes Libby's prison sentence

A lame excuse

For how many years and how many times do we have to hear "Clinton did it"?

If memory serves me correctly, in the year 2000, George W. Bush said he would bring honesty and dignity to the White House. In light of that promise, if all you can say in his defense is, "Clinton did it, " Bush is not doing what he claimed he would do.

One other thought: If the leaker in the CIA case was already known, why did Scooter Libby lie?

Gerry Custer, Port Richey

White House lambastes Clintons July 6, story

Playing 'gotcha'

This AP article is a perfect example of why the approval ratings for this Congress are at an all-time low. According to the article, more than 300 "investigations" and more than 600 "oversight hearings" have been launched by the Democratic leadership in just about 100 days.

These so-called representatives spend all their time and the taxpayers' money playing "gotcha" with the opposition party instead of taking care of the serious business that confronts our nation today. And their constituents across the country are sick to death of it.

I sure hope those who voted these goof-offs into the majority in Congress are happy with their performance. If not, maybe they can at least have some influence in stopping this pitiful waste of time and money if they'll let their voices be heard. Why should taxpayers keep paying these representatives' salaries only to enable the continuance of political party bickering when so many urgent matters are neglected?

Sandra Tracey, Tarpon Springs

On the big issues, much still to do June 24, Philip Gailey column

Untapped revenue

After reading Philip Gailey's column on evaluating Gov. Charlie Crist's leadership thus far, and mainly the concerns of property tax relief, I notice one key item missing in the discussion.

In order to reduce property taxes, the state and local governments will undoubtedly cut needed programs and services mainly to the people who need them the most - the poor and elderly.

Why has there not been any discussion on evaluating all the sales tax exemptions, especially those for advertising (a cost of doing business), swimming pool services, luxury boxes at pro sports events, etc.? These exemptions mainly benefit those who can afford to pay the most.

Removing these exemptions could go a long way in giving real estate tax relief and still retain the needed services for the good and safety of all Floridians.

Glenn A. Paul, Indian Rocks Beach

Try a new approach July 1, letter

Needed advice

To varying degrees, most of us have succumbed to the hypnotic attraction of fashion. Motivated by a host of reasons, we'll wear uncomfortable and ridiculous clothing until either the physical or mental discomfort becomes too great.

There are always exceptions, however. For the sake of being "cool" and accepted by a peer group, some will continue to dress in these fashions despite losing not only their self-respect but also the respect of others.

We heartily commend Bill Maxwell in his endeavor to assist the young. The article he wrote about the dress "code" of a few (Pull up your pants, you big buffoon, June 24) was well-written and needed to be said! It's truly sad, therefore, that he must endure the unwarranted criticism of a nonenlightened individual.

Shelby Pletcher, Bradenton

Fireworks mishaps on the Fourth of July

Bombs here and there

The fireworks mishaps that occurred on July Fourth gave the true meaning of Francis Scott Key's Star Spangled Banner, with its words "... the bombs bursting in air ..."

It also gave us an inkling of what our dedicated servicemen and women are living through in the Mideast - only there, the bombs and bullets are being aimed at them. In the Mideast, there is no pyrotechnic display. No beach chairs. No coolers. No fun.

The accidents that happened here were accidents only. Our soldiers are living through the real thing each and every day. Let's hope they all come home, soon - really soon.

Elizabeth Wood, Spring Hill

[Last modified July 7, 2007, 21:46:17]