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Today's Letters: Statutes could be used to protect us

Letters to the Editor
Published November 15, 2007

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Re: Law would help us keep young drivers safe Nov. 9, Andrew Skerritt column

Statutes could be used to protect us

Andrew Skerritt made reference to a proposed law that would make it an offense if 15-, 16- and 17-year-olds use a cell phone while driving. Good luck on getting something like that passed.

However, there are two statutes that might be used instead of the proposed law. Title XXIII, Chapter 316, sections 1925 and 192 of the State Uniform Traffic Control statutes, refer to careless and reckless driving and it could be interpreted to mean cell phone use by anyone, not just teenagers.

How many of us have been cut off by someone using a cell phone? How many of us have seen cars make an abrupt change of several lanes while using a cell phone, and this includes those who use the "hands-off" Bluetooth ear buds? And this happens with soccer moms with a van load of kids.

All it would take would be for a police officer to cite someone using these statutes as authority, have it go to a court of competent jurisdiction and a judge to uphold the citation. Something like this most likely has never been done, but maybe, just maybe, these statutes could be used to prevent accidents, collisions and close calls. Look at these statutes and see if you agree.

Paul Settle, Spring Hill

Re: Sinkhole claims spike (mostly) expected Nov. 1, story

Next time, warn us before we choke

Please give us at least one day's advance notice before publishing that state-run Citizens Insurance feels "taken advantage of." An insurance company being "taken advantage of"? I almost choked on my coffee.

While homeowners' insurance is skyrocketing out of control, to the point where some people have to sell their homes, if possible, and move out of the state, where are our elected representatives? When is the outrageous property insurance price gouging going to be put to a halt?

I recall a couple of good ol' boys from another state, Alabama I think, being run out of Florida for bringing generators down here to sell at double the price after one of the hurricanes. Now, if we could only get our representatives to follow the same protocol regarding property insurance companies. But I doubt that will happen with all the legal campaign contributions flowing like a thunderstorm on a typical summer's afternoon in west-central Florida.

Garret Maunula, Spring Hill

Re: Cable choice: Our way or sky-way Nov. 4, letter

Since when can clerks lower rates?

Letter writer G. McMillan complained that the customer service clerk at Bright House wouldn't lower the cable rates but instead said McMillan could switch to Direct TV.

Why would McMillan expect a customer service clerk to have the authority to lower rates? Why didn't McMillan go to the top administration (those responsible for setting the rates)? You could easily write them a letter with your demands, or they might even accept your phone call.

We switched to Direct TV about eight years ago and have been happy with our choice. Oh, yes, they raise the rates periodically, but they are in business and money is what all businesses are all about.

There is a difference between "business" and "charity!"

M. Wakaruk, Brooksville

Re: Unknown hero saved dog's life Nov. 5, letter

Thank you for being a hero

Thank you, Kathi Jackson, for the heartwarming letter you wrote. I don't know you, but you are MY hero.

All the people who unselfishly devote their time to the ASPCA are my heroes.

May you have many happy years with your addition, Foxy.

Rosemary McAnally, Spring Hill

 

The 11th day is always special

Sunday, Nov. 11, was a special day. But every 11th day of the 11th month is. It's time to reflect, remember, honor. It is Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Veterans Day - it's all the same for remembering those who served in the military.

I showered and shaved a little closer than the usual morning-rush scrape. Whilst my hair, or what's left of it, dried, I had time to give my Navy shoes their annual polish, buff up my beret badge and put some extra shine on my medals.

I dressed and said goodbye to my wife, drove a short distance.

It was nearly 11 a.m.

I walked up the little grassy knoll, the sound of crisp flags snapping in the light breeze.

It was 11 o'clock.

I remembered, alone, the family, friends and colleagues from a 24-year military span, who aren't here to share it with me. My grandfather, two uncles and my father. All gone.

I remembered. Alone. Another year, another special day.

Where was I? Hernando County's Veterans Memorial Park on Spring Hill Drive.

Did you remember? Where were you?

Mike Humphreys, Spring Hill

[Last modified November 14, 2007, 20:32:48]

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