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Letter to the editor

Todays Letters: French fry arrest was over the top

Re: Her wait for french fries ends with a taste of jail story, Jan. 19

This is the ultimate in restaurant rage. I do think Clearwater's Finest went over the edge when police Officer Matthew Parco arrested Jean Merola.

Just trying to "have it your way" - no salt on your fries - does not call for the officer's excessive show of "just because I can." Maybe we should invent a new catchphrase - "No salt on my fries" instead of "Don't tase me, bro."

I have known Jean Merola for more than 25 years and this wonderful woman is a model of good citizenship. We need more people who are willing to stand their ground and not allow themselves to be intimidated because someone has a badge and is willing to be rude to a senior citizen.

This went too far in a show of will. Maybe Officer Parco was just hungry and it made him a little cranky. I really hope the lawyers don't get involved, when a simple "I'm sorry" will do the trick.

Bill Coleman,Dunedin

Re: Her wait for french fries ends with a taste of jail story, Jan. 19

Officer should get some manners

I have a million things to do today, but after reading this article regarding Jean Merola's experience at McDonald's with Clearwater police Officer Matthew Parco, I just had to sit down and write.

I know nothing more than what I read in the paper, but I think his behavior was totally out of order and totally inappropriate! I believe Mrs. Merola did exactly as she was told to do, so why was the police officer in such a hurry that he acted like a spoiled brat?

Even if she really had done something criminal, his behavior was inappropriate for a police officer. It reminds me of too many angry people who are in such a hurry (and for no real reason) they have no respect or consideration for anyone other than themselves.

Good thing that Mayor Frank Hibbard was notified and that this news item was published. You'll probably get lots of letters on this. That policeman better learn some manners or get a different job. There are too many good officers, and this incident is an insult to them.

Donna Hawkinson, Clearwater

Lupus sufferers can use your help

On March 10 and 11, the sufferers of lupus will come out of the shadows and stand in the spotlight of Capitol Hill and announce to Congress and the nation that their struggle with this debilitating disease is worthy of every citizen's attention. Finally, after years of constant battle with their own immune systems, the sufferers of this "enemy from within" will gain a momentous foothold in their fight for a cure with this visit to Congress and the subsequent enlightenment of the general public.

As we all know, getting to this point takes hours of dedication, education, compassion and, last but not least, funding.

Most people now know someone with lupus and understand what it means to live with it, yet many others are unaware of the implications felt by those who fight each day the seriousness of this chronic, sometimes fatal disease.

For research to go forward, more funding is needed for the gifted and diligent researchers and physicians, along with dedicated advocates who are working for a cure. All are hoping that the members of Congress will listen to their requests.

The Lupus Foundation of America can definitely use our help! Since a great majority of us cannot travel to Washington for various reasons, a simple phone call to your local senator or representative urging their support for additional funds for education and research would be an invaluable way to offer help. Your voice and concern are necessary in our fight to eliminate the culprit that raises its ugly head in the form of lupus. Call the Lupus Foundation of America for further information.

Norma McCulliss, 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 January 21, 2008, 21:26:44]