Today's Letters: Keep parade forkids who compete

I would like to say great job to all the Olympians who participated in the Special Olympics at River Ridge Middle/High School last week. The athletes did a great job as usual. They gave it everything they had and more.

But I would also like to say shame on the ones who took it upon themselves to change the opening ceremonies. From one parent's viewpoint, I have pictures of my daughter walking the parade every year with the wave and smile up into the bleachers as she walks by. I was told there were 100 more athletes involved this year so it was for the better to just bring them on to the field and not to march.

Well I missed the picture of the year of my child because I couldn't even see her from the stands. But by all means, the Corvettes drove around with the guests and the band marched by with no music until they passed the stands. I was furious. This is about our children and their day, not the guests' day. And why can't they walk around like the kids did all the other years?

Can we not step back and remember that the Special Olympics are for the children and their families and not for the high-privileged guest?

Shame on all of you.

Jamie Van Beek, Holiday

Teach the basics, not just a job skill Feb. 19 letter

Vocational ed just begins education

Much like the letter writer, I, too, attended vocational programs here in Pasco County. I was part of the final graduating class of the auto mechanics program at Hudson High School in 1984. This program gave me a great foundation of knowledge in the auto repair field that served as a springboard for future job and learning opportunities.

Upon graduation, I was employed at an entry-level position in the auto repair field. This gave me the opportunity to gain valuable experience while growing and learning as the business grew and changed. As with any occupation, many changes are always taking place and to keep up with these changes, one must approach these changes with an open mind geared toward learning and growth.

For the letter writer to make the statement that a vehicle's computer diagnoses itself clearly shows the lack of knowledge of a modern automobile. While it's true that many discount auto parts stores that cater to the vanishing do-it-yourselfer advertise ease of repairability, the shortage of qualified diagnostic technicians is proof that these advertising claims are false. Part of this shortage is due directly to the unavailability of good vocational training.

As with any training or educational program, a student gets out of it what they put into it. If the student applies himself in class and utilizes this training to gain an entry-level opportunity within a chosen occupation, he will surely be successful.

Graduation from a vocational program shows a potential employer that the student has the ability to learn and grow in the chosen field. It is important that the student recognizes that a diploma from educational training is a ticket to learn, not a license to work.

Scott Factor, New Port Richey

Beware free inspections

Free or fee?

The free hearing test will cost big bucks for that much (not) needed hearing aid. That free test is a fee, big time.

Free safety inspection with your next oil change? Better duck. You never realized what a road hazard your auto is. Free develops into fee.

Free water test may cause your budget big woes. Water softeners, additives, maintenance and whatever else a salesperson can sell you.

Free lawn inspection brings lawn maintenance, fertilizers, bug control and monthly bills.

Free heating and air conditioning check? May the Lord help your bank account on this one.

How about participating in an experimental medical research scheme? A new gimmick to fill offices with patients and to rip off Medicare.

Ever buy one and get one free? A smooth method to double the initial cost of an item that then enables doubling of sales. Some of these come-ons are legitimate.

When responding to some advertisements, extreme caution is needed, especially for the elderly. Free might leave out the "r" much to the disadvantage of the unwary. Free or fee? Very little is ever free in the real world.

Daniel E. DePoalo, Hudson

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[Last modified February 24, 2008, 21:50:49]