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© St. Petersburg Times, published March 6, 2000
Re: Fur flies over fuzzy clothes -- and wealth, Feb. 29.
I have never read such a cold-hearted, ignorant article on fur as this one.
Fur belongs on the original owner. Compassion will always be in fashion. Fur is not "in." It is cruel and it is senseless, and I am tired of having people target People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals when the people who cause such horrific animal suffering should be targeted! Don't punish people who have a heart.
Animals are drowned, electrocuted via the anus, skinned alive or poisoned. I believe any woman, model, fashion editor or reporter who would have the stomach to visit a fur farm would never wear it again. And that is what convinced Calvin Klein to stop promoting fur. It is not PETA's "tactics" that change people's minds... it is the sad truth.
The next time a reporter decides to write such a shallow pro-fur article, she'd better get the whole story, if she dares. Show some pictures of where fur comes from and how it is made, and then let the public decide.
-- Louise Kahle, St. Petersburg
Re: Vouchers puzzling? Come mow with me, by Howard Troxler, Feb. 28.
Troxler illustrates what is becoming an ever-increasing burden to the functioning of our society. That is, the replacement of common sense and the desire to accomplish what needs to be done with specific rules, directions and laws. There is not enough paper nor computer memory to do this, to say nothing of the time wasted.
In business this is sometimes referred to as the "Army Game." A soldier is told to repair the flat on the right front wheel of a jeep. He returns. When the driver goes to use the jeep there is a flat on the left front. When questioned, the soldier responds, "I saw that it was the left one that was flat, but you only told me to fix the right one."
In the earlier history of our country many major business deals were consummated with a handshake. I recently received a replacement credit card from a major retailer with whom I have had a card (in fact many) for over half a century. This one was accompanied with two pages of fine print agreements, which I was expected to read and sign in order to validate the card. I tossed it.
What is needed are more people with knowledge and common sense to recognize what is right and to have the backbone and drive to get it done.
-- John E. Russell, Clearwater
Re: Legal bump laid for One Florida, Feb. 26.
The NAACP is right in taking action to delay Gov. Jeb Bush's Talented 20 plan. Bush has been pushing his plan on his own initiative without going through the Legislature, even though it is heavily laden with Republicans. He is like a salesman urging his prospective customer to buy now before the sale ends.
Bush has made little effort to guarantee that every Florida high school has a viable college preparatory curriculum. The gesture of allowing unprepared students into a college program, only to flunk many of them out later is a cruel subterfuge.
How will the top 20 percent be determined? Will shop courses without homework be evaluated on the same basis as algebra II, physics and fourth-year French?
What provisions are being made for checking on the progress of the Talented 20 through the four or five years of their college experience?
Will the "A" high schools' "top 20" be treated the same as the top 20 percent from "F,"D" or "C" high schools?
Before the state of Florida acts too hastily, let's think more about this educational change.
-- Mitchell Modisett, Zephyrhills
Re: School plaintiff: "America is still a racist nation," Feb. 28.
I cannot believe this headline. Why would your paper stoop so low as to print such racist comments? It would be no different than if you printed racist comments of a white supremacist group. Just because Charles Rutledge is black does not make it proper to print such inflammatory comments. The way this story was slanted was totally uncalled for and only stokes the fires of racism on both sides.
As a mother of minority heritage (Oriental and American Indian), this story sets back all the strides that have been made to cure such division in our nation.
The only fact I agree on is that there was unequal education and racism in 1964, but this is 2000! I would like for Rutledge to give me an example of racism in the Pinellas County School System today.
I do not believe in a massive busing system that Rutledge would like to see. I have written to the judge and School Board expressing my desire for quality neighborhood schools countywide. Why does Rutledge think a black child is going to become any smarter just because he/she sits next to a white student?
As he indicates, the world is diverse and children need to go to school together. Since when are our schools tasked with social engineering? They are for educating the children.
As Rutledge states, "Kids aren't born prejudiced; they're taught that." Well, I question what he is teaching his children and grandchildren.
-- Joyce A. Noa, Palm Harbor
Re: Feb. 24 cartoon by Chip Bok.
Thank you, Chip Bok! I had begun to think I was the only senior aghast at the proposal to remove the cap on wages for retired senior citizens. If someone is working full-time at a job that pays well and wants to postpone retiring, fine and dandy. Many, if not most, consider themselves lucky if they aren't forced to retire by layoffs and downsizing or not being physically able to continue working.
This proposal is just another sneaky way to help the affluent enrich themselves at the expense of the working poor. Check the paycheck of the young man landscaping your yard or repairing your car. A big chunk comes out to pay the current recipients.
Social Security was never meant to be a boondoggle; it was meant to be a safety net for the working poor, so they would never be reduced to absolute penury as so many were in the Depression of the '30s.
-- Dorothy J. Eaton, Seminole
My wife and I have been "snowbirds" in this great state for several years now and enjoy the nice weather and hospitality that Floridians offer (minus the horns and short tempers). Last year there were 1.5-million fewer Canadians visiting Florida, mostly due to the devalued Canadian dollar. Many have chose instead to go to the Cayman Islands or Europe.
The devalued Canadian dollar is further attacked by the Florida banks as well. We found ourselves a bit short and went to the bank to exchange Canadian "loonies" for American bucks and were told that a $15 surcharge would also be imposed, even though I held an active account at that bank. This would make our meager $100.00 worth $49.00(US). Is it any wonder money-spending Canadian snowbirds are looking elsewhere?
I also realize that many Floridians would say, "So stay home," and I'm sure that more and more may do that, taking away from the local economy that tourism so soundly supports.
-- Frank Poole, Largo
The death of former state Rep. Elaine Gordon of Miami saddens me. She was one of Florida's most lively and loving public officials. Elaine took lawmaking seriously but could always be counted on to break the tension with a hint of humor and that beaming smile.
Throughout her 22-year career in the Florida House, Elaine fought for prevention programs for children and care for frail elders. She understood that all of our generations deserve respect. Her special attention to the rights of women, who have primary responsibility for both the young and the old, resulted in better policies for all families.
Most impressive, though, was Elaine Gordon's passion for getting the facts straight. As chairwoman of health and social service budget committees, she demanded clear evidence of need before making a commitment of funds. Even if her staff and advocates had to work long into the night, Elaine would wait until the numbers were right.
In the early '90s, when Florida's budget picture was bleak and key programs were at risk, Elaine pulled me aside to whisper, "We won't cut the kids, Jack. Those cuts wouldn't heal."
In retirement from public office, Elaine maintained her advocacy as an active member of our statewide network. We'll miss her positive and persuasive voice, but promise to carry on her mission to make Florida a better place for children and families.
-- Jack Levine, president, Center for Florida's Children, Tallahassee
Re: The truth about Italian-American history lies beyond Hollywood, Feb. 26.
This article by Gregory P. Kane was a refreshing and revealing report on the true history and numerous contributions made by Americans of Italian ancestry.
As one who can boast of this heritage, I did know some of what Kane reported but not all. I was especially knowledgeable about A.P. Giannini's efforts to open what is now called the Bank of America. My granduncle, Michael Mascari, who resided in Buffalo, N.Y., at the time, often spoke of his friend Amedeo P. Giannini. In fact, Uncle Mike was approached by Amedeo to join him in this banking venture in California. My granduncle, however, turned him down because he had just arrived in America and was overwhelmed by family responsibilities.
Thank you, Mr. Kane, for setting the story straight regarding the real contributions of Italian-Americans in our nation's history.
-- Maria A. Zambelli, Palm Harbor
Homophobia? Are you gay? No? I'm not either.
Can anyone make you gay?
No way.
No one can make me gay either, and I'm so thankful I'm straight.
Many of our parents did not know how to teach us about boundary violations.
I would not want to be brutally beaten, have my throat slashed, be set on fire and killed, or shot to death for being gay or straight. Would you? I count my blessings for the way I am.
In my humble opinion, a "power" greater than myself makes people in all degrees of masculinity and femininity -- straight and gay. It is not a sin to be the way we are.
Who and what I can control stops at the edge of my very own skin. Your rights stop where my rights start. Democracy is about equality and equal rights for all. Are you a part of this problem or are you a part of the solution? Live and let live.
-- Priscilla Dean, St. Petersburg
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