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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Justice not blind to color or class

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published November 21, 2007

Re: Hulk Hogan's son charged in crash story, Nov. 8

How many more instances of privilege in the Florida justice system will it take before the press clamors for equal justice for all?

Does anyone believe for an instant that a black, Hispanic or poor white teen who had been drinking (alcohol found in the blood two hours after the crash), had been speeding at least 20 miles over the limit and had been involved in a wreck that created serious bodily injury for the passenger would not have been arrested that same day, not more than two months later? Does anyone believe that their bail would have been as low as $10,000?

Of course you would, knowing that a white woman runs over two children and kills them, leaves the scene and hides the car for three days and yet gets no jail time. However, a black mother who orders her child to stick up for herself on a school bus gets sent to jail for the heinous nature of her crime.

Maybe she should have been sent to boot camp to learn a lesson. Oh, my bad, they're closed down. The reason escapes me, since all involved in the beat-down were acquitted.

James Martin, Largo

Bollea deserves compassion

Why don't we just take Nick Bollea to the gallows? Gee whiz - guilty until proven innocent? Do the media have to smear this kid because he's Hulk Hogan's son? Oh, yeah, it's big news. How about some compassion? The child is hurting. His friend is hurt. Both families are distraught.

Oh, by the way, when I was a kid, I was driving east on Court Street in the rain past Lincoln Avenue and spun out after hitting second gear. Guilty or accident?

P.S. I don't know either family - and I wasn't speeding.

George Ehmig, Clearwater

Clearwater needs senior center

For a city as large as Clearwater and the number of senior citizens, I think we really need to have a senior center. The one we had was closed and nothing seems to be in the works for a new one.

The current issue of Elder Update states there is a grant that would provide capital for new construction (must be received by Nov. 26). I realize that money is tight, but they seem to have money for the Pinellas Trail and sports.

Dunedin has a great center, but you have to pay too much to join. Why can't Clearwater do something?

Margaret Mayer, Clearwater

Athletes inspire us with their feats

I was so amazed by your front page photo Nov. 11 of the soldier running in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship 70.3 on a prosthetic leg. It is heartwarming and such a positive example to us all.

I looked up the Challenged Athletes Foundation I saw on his shirt and was humbled by the stories of these amazing athletes and how they have overcome so much.

I hope to hear more about them.

Thanks.

Sammie Bond, Clearwater

Re: Some drivers need to retire letter, Nov. 7

Age alone doesn't impair drivers

This person says some drivers need to retire at the age of 65. I am 87 years old and on my driver's license are the words "Safe Driver." If I had retired from driving at 65, that would have been 22 years ago. Does that seem right?

Richard E. Holtmeyer, Palm Harbor

Your voice counts

You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

[Last modified November 20, 2007, 21:19:11]