Today's Letters: School should be renamed Hoover

Re: Entering new territory, March 6 story

Okay, $54-8 million to house 2,100 students equals a modest $27,048 per student. But, to achieve hurricane-force-wind roof technology, according to facilities director Bo Bavota, "the harder the wind blows the more it pulls the roof down. ... They have little whirly things inside. It creates a suction."

Sounds like a Hoover sweeper to me. If you suck all the air out of the building, what will they breathe? That includes the thousands of people using this place for a shelter as well as the 2,100 students plus staff.

If I put my mouth on a "Hoover" my lungs will collapse. I think this school should be renamed after President Herbert Hoover, as it is being opened on the beginning of an economic recession/depression and is built by soon-to-be-unemployed craftsmen. Just like in the really old WPA days when all the government buildings were put up.

How long can you hold your breath? Ever try to open a door that opens "out only" (for fire emergencies) in a vacuum? Can't be done.

Another great idea brought to you by the Hernando County School Board. If you think this school building sucks, you are literally correct.

Welcome to the Herbert Hoover Challenger School. Your first challenge is to get out of it when the wind blows.

Doug Adams, Spring Hill

Re: Dress code is nonissue; focus on real problems, March 9 Times editorial

Dress codes can remove pressure

I guess the author of the editorial has never been ridiculed by peers for not having what the kid with money had. I was an intelligent child raised by a single father with a happy home life. Then there was school, which I grew to hate because I did not have the flashy clothes of my peers. I was one of those children who withdrew from school and all activities due to the ridicule of those more fortunate. I had the intelligence, and wonder now if we all had worn the same attire from which we could not be judged by our appearance, would I have had a better experience?

I am lucky; I overcame the terrible mistreatment, but many don't. It is so obvious that the author of the editorial never had to worry about wearing the same clothes twice in one week for if he or she had to, I doubt they would have such a problem with allowing each child an equal chance.

I think we should "tinker" with the student dress code so all children are given a chance. Instruct the code that is already in force? Well, of course, being that the children or grandchildren of the editorial's author probably are sporting designer jeans, bags, etc., and probably ridiculing via text message some poor child who doesn't have all that.

Colleen McGill, Weeki Wachee

Re: Fan letting go of a lifetime of baseball March 9 story

Phone number shouldn't be given

As I was reading about the baseball memorabilia that John Kearney has amassed over his lifetime, I was saddened to see how his deteriorating eyesight has prevented him from enjoying his collection. I know there are plenty of people who would love to have this sports history.

Then, I was totally outraged when the reporter, Mike Camunas, and the Times decided to print Mr. Kearney's phone number in the paper in case anyone would be interested in purchasing some of his treasures. This is irresponsible journalism and could be considered exploitation of the elderly. Anyone with a computer could use this information to take advantage of this man.

Mr. Kearney should contact a reputable sports memorabilia dealer to sell his collection.

Michelle Walker, Spring Hill

[Last modified March 12, 2008, 20:41:59]