Today's Letters: Drivers, slow down and show some respect

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published October 15, 2007

I moved to the Tampa area six years ago and started a business here. One of the first things I noticed on the roads were the large number of cars that pull trailers. Logically I assumed that it is due to the number of landscapers, pool maintenance companies, builders and boat owners. In my business, I too pull a trailer. It just happens to have African drums in it. The trailer and the contents weigh approximately 3,000 pounds. I also do not fit the profile of someone you would expect to be pulling a trailer; I am a 48-year-old female.

So if we live in an area where so many everyday, working-class citizens pull trailers, why do drivers tend to treat them like they are like any other vehicle? Slamming on my brakes with 3,000 pounds behind me is not like slamming on brakes with just my car. Changing lanes with a trailer takes more time than changing lanes with just my car.

It absolutely amazes how many people honk at me because I have to get in the left lane to make a left turn. I get cut off at least a dozen times a day by a driver that just has to get to the next light before me. Have we become so callous that we as a community cannot show respect with our vehicles? And our teens are driving like maniacs and getting critically injured and killed or killing others and we wonder why they drive like that? It's because that's what we teach them and show them.

Tampa Bay, slow down and show respect to others. Do we want to be at the bottom of the next list that ranks our beautiful area as having the worst drivers in the country? Stop texting while you drive, stop cutting off people who are working hard just like you, and slow down.

Jana Broder, Ruskin

Good for Al Gore

I feel that the Nobel Peace Prize couldn't have gone to a more deserving person and I'm just so thankful that Al Gore has received this great, great honor for all his tireless, powerful, visionary, effective work on the most profoundly important issue of our time. As he says, global climate change is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual one.

And it is about peace, because making the daily choices to live a greener lifestyle means making daily choices to treat the Earth with respect and reverence. In so doing, one can't help but become a more respectful and reverent human being, and hopefully that will translate into how we treat each other, too.

I hope this will spur Al Gore into running for president. The country, the world and the planet desperately need to turn to and choose the respectful, peaceful ways Gore so passionately and capably leads us toward.

Edna Whisler, St. Petersburg

Crackdown on immigrant workers barred Oct. 11, story

Undermining America

The crackdown on immigrant workers and their employers is a job that must be accomplished. Evidently, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer is one of those who refuse to make the distinction between legal and illegal immigrants. His reported action to bar a planned crackdown is inexplicable. A judge who does not adhere to, and uphold the laws of the land is, in my opinion, no judge at all.

It is outrageous that every task dealing with illegal immigration is deemed to be "staggering," or too severe, or too overwhelming for the current staff. These are stalling tactics, part of an overall systematic attempt by proamnesty organizations who are taking advantage of the weak incumbent government. It is because of the timidity and passivity of this administration that many cities across the country have become "sanctuary cities."

While our Congress continues to do nothing about immigration, our laws are being blatantly eroded. Any plan that rewards illegal behavior is another step toward amnesty. And step-by-step the insidious encroachment to gain equal benefits for the illegal immigrants is happening.

Where will it all end?

Orfeo Trombetta, Seminole

Southwest Airlines dress code

Setting a poor example

Can you take one more comment on this subject? We have lost our way. It seems people in today's world have no sense of morals, decency or dignity any longer. I'm not a prude, but I am definitely sick of being bombarded everywhere I go with foul language, suggestive clothing and people doing whatever they want all under the guise of "freedom of expression and free speech."

Speech was protected to allow people to speak out against the government without fear of arrest or to speak their religious beliefs without persecution. But of course like everything else we just have to push it to the total limit and over the line.

Do you ever consider what a child listening to you speak or seeing what you wear is thinking? We talk of the issues with children committing crimes, having no respect, driving like maniacs and killing each other. Look at the examples they have!

Parents look at yourself in the mirror and see if they are not simply following your lead. Do you dress like a bum or a hooker? Like those really tight skirts, low tops or baggy pants? Do you swear every other word? Do you drive like a maniac, tailgating, changing lanes, speeding, running red lights and swearing at the other drivers who are "in your way"? Do you wear your seat belt? We lead by example, and the examples I see in everyday life are extremely poor to say the least.

I don't want to infringe on anyone else's rights, but what about mine? I don't want to be subjected to your bare bottom or breasts. I don't want to be subjected to your foul language or the intimate details of your life. And I would really like to be able to drive without feeling my life is at risk on the road.

Sylvia Greeder, St. Petersburg

Protecting journalists protects public interest Oct. 9, editorial

Keep press accountable

In this editorial the Times tells us that a proposed federal press shield law is in the national interest. But truly, it would serve only the special interests of the press. The fundamental problem with a federal press shield law is that is does not draw a clear distinction between legitimate whistle-blowers and leakers. Most of the recent high-profile cases where journalists were compelled to reveal sources involved the publication of leaks that advanced the political agenda of the leaker.

In spite of Watergate, Irangate, Monicagate or any other media circus "gate," the First Amendment neither enumerates nor assigns any role or power to the press in the conduct of government. The press is not a fourth branch of government.

Moreover, the expanded role for the press in the conduct of government provided by a federal shield law compromises the rule of law. In a republic governed by the rule of law, all political power is derived from the electorate and is therefore accountable ultimately to the electorate. A federal shield law makes the press accountable to no one but themselves.

Legitimate whistle-blowers are already protected by a broad spectrum of federal and state statutes. Leakers and the irresponsible journalists who accommodate them should be prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law.

Timothy S. "Mac" McDonnell, St. Petersburg

Edwards stays on message: breast cancer, not politics Oct. 5, story

Respect her priorities

What is so wrong about a high-profile woman with breast cancer speaking at a benefit to raise funds for a hospital's effort to better serve breast-cancer victims? What is so wrong about that woman choosing not to double-dip her appearance and promote her husband's political campaign? And what is so wrong with closing the appearance to press when she knew that would invite questions about the political race and divert attention from the purpose attended?

What is wrong is the media surreptitiously gaining admittance to the event, then making a childish dig about the charge for food.

Elizabeth Edwards is a very intelligent women who sets her own agenda. Perhaps she downplays her personal health when on the campaign trail with her husband. Let's respect her priorities and acknowledge her efforts in bringing needed funding to one of our finest local hospitals.

Susan H. Camfield, Seminole

Perpetual motion Oct. 4, story

Do something productive

After reading about this unemployed person with 24/7 leisure time, entirely unencumbered by the rest of the frazzled herd's 40- to 60-hour work week - not to mention the time spent commuting - I wondered when we will see an article on the "nurse" live-in who supports him. How many hours a week does she have left to mindlessly exercise? Or doesn't she have the energy after going to work every day, shopping and doing all the laundry? Just think of all the sweaty clothes he must generate!

Get a job. If she cut you off, it sounds like you wouldn't be able to afford your "flip-flops." I want to hear how much energy and admirable "ambition" to run long distances you have after getting off work at dusk, hungry and tired.

Dave Williams, St. Petersburg

[Last modified October 14, 2007, 21:47:44]