Movie theaters should help hearing-impaired

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© St. Petersburg Times, published June 9, 2000

Editor: It's great that we have a new movie theater in our area and that they have made it accessible to the handicapped. But what about the hearing-impaired? It's time they show movies that are closed captioned.

About two years ago I saw a movie that was closed-captioned and, believe me, the place was packed.

So, come on, movie theaters, wake up. There are a lot of hearing-impaired people, and we would enjoy seeing current movies.
Paula Buth, Spring Hill

Citrus racers deserve more respect

Editor: Here it is Tuesday and once again we get a list of weekly winners from the Citrus County Speedway in the St. Petersburg Times. Yes, I said list, because it definitely is not a story. To say it is a story is wrong. To put it plainly, your coverage of our local track stinks.

Do writers Logan Neil or Carey Freeman go to the track and watch to see what happens, or even care? The answer is no. They do not care about racing, so they do not want to be bothered. Heck, they cannot even print accurate point standings on a week-to-week basis.

The drivers, pit crews and families all put a lot of time, money and effort into their cars to be there week after week. They don't do it for the money; they do it because it's fun and exciting and they love it. If you don't believe me, just ask anyone who drives a street-legal junker. The only ones who get paid in that class are the winner and a lucky number finishing position.

The fans are just as loyal to their local drivers as are any fans to NASCAR, the NFL or any other major sport. They want to know what happens to them when they get wrecked or something happens to their car. Are they okay? Are they going to be back next week?

That is where the paper should come into play. Like last week, for instance, you could have let your readers know that Peanut Higgonbotham went to the hospital after his wreck in the Figure 8 race and found out he hurt his shoulder. Instead, we got a list of winners, again.

How sad to think one of these local drivers might make it to the big time one day, and when they were starting out, you didn't care enough to report on them. The newspaper might not remember them, but their fans sure will.

Unsatisfied with your so-called coverage,
Kim Moore, Brooksville

Tribute to veterans touches many hearts

Editor: Re: Honoring service of U.S. war veterans, June 5 column:

After having read the column by Louise Andryusky, no one could have spoken or written such deep thoughts and memories given to her by the veterans she interviewed at the Memorial Day ceremony.

Thank you, Louise, you have touched the hearts of many in your article, and may the coming Memorial Day next year bring many more to pay their respect to our fallen heroes.
Marie Morell, chaplain, VFW Post 10209 Auxiliary

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