Editorials
Orwellian eyes
In almost every B-grade science fiction movie, there's a point in the plot where the mad scientist develops something that could be used to further the cause of good or evil. He invariably chooses evil. But as the debate over the use of face-recognition software in Ybor City reminds us, the tougher problem arises when an invasive new technology is intended to be used for good.

Voting conflicts
Only the naming of an impartial selection committee can rescue Pinellas County from the multiple conflicts contaminating its choice of new voting machines.

Letters
In a leader, smarter isn't always better
Re: George Bush is clearly not up to the job, by Bill Maxwell, July 8.

Martin Dyckman
Legacy of Barron lives in dull times
TALLAHASSEE -- Count me among those who miss Dempsey Barron, the legendary former state senator who was laid to rest last week. In fact, I began to miss him not very long after his defeat for re-election in 1988, which proved it's true what they say about being careful what you wish for. If he had stayed too long -- 32 years -- the Legislature was still considerably duller and diminished without him.

Philip Gailey
A good idea for election reform
Florida's presidential election debacle last year was not a pretty sight in the world's greatest democracy -- confusing ballots, antiquated voting machines, ill-prepared voters, poorly staffed polling places and inaccurate voter registration lists that disenfranchised thousands of voters, especially in predominantly minority precincts. Since then, we have learned that these problems are not limited to Florida. Illinois, for example, tossed out more spoiled ballots last November than Florida (you didn't hear much about that in the news), and many of the problems that focused world attention on Florida's ragged voting system can be found in other states.

Bill Maxwell
No limit to man's cruelty
Each morning, I read the newspapers, watch the news on television and listen to National Public Radio. And each morning, I am disturbed by the many examples of man's cruelty to man I read and hear about.