Letters to the Editors

American pride and unity shine

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 23, 2001

Re: Is it a time to reflect or a time to play? Sept. 13 John Cotey column

Editor: Wednesday night, I found myself at a Hudson Middle football game, and like John C. Cotey, I wondered how anyone could think about games when our country suffered so grievously. It seemed trivial and disrespectful to be sitting there in the bleachers, breathing in the balmy sea-tinged breeze, when my fellow Americans in New York choked on the ashes of hate and destruction. I felt guilty.

Then the announcer asked us to stand. As a body of one, we stood and faced our flag in profound silence. I will always remember the moment I gazed at the flag and realized how precious my liberty is. I glimpsed a small part of the sorrow, the loss, the strength of American people, not only in the last few days, but from history. Then, the band played the national anthem. Eyes on my freedom, I mouthed the words, the meaning of each phrase ringing in my mind.

The game began. I watched the young players and smiled at the fresh-faced innocence of the cheerleaders. I glanced around at the football parents cheering their kids on, the band parents enjoying the emerging talents of their young musicians. My guilt lifted, because I realized at the moment, that this night was America: parents supporting their children, with hopes and dreams for their future; children, symbols of innocent and a bright future. And I was glad, and proud to be there, with my fellow Americans, embracing the heart of my country.

As a nation we are united in this tragedy. We stand together in pain, bereft and angry, but only in unity will we find strength. May our unity grow, and may we strengthen each other with kindness, tolerance and prayer.
-- Jennifer Taylor, Hudson

Sales tax boost unneeded

Editor: I voted for Peter Altman, but now I think he's a boob. He keeps trying to raise Pasco County taxes.

Since Sept. 11, I have heard our president promise $20-billion to New York, $20-billion to fight terrorism, plus $24-billion to save the airlines. (Not to mention the $3-billion we give yearly to Israel). If our government has been sitting on $64-billion of our money that can be suddenly and freely given away, they certainly do not need an extra penny in sales tax.

While on the subject of money, let me speak up now for our local charities. New York is being bailed out by government and big businesses. Please do not forget we need charity giving in our own back yard. My money goes to support local animal shelters.
-- Carmen Blakely, Lutz

Commissioner criticized

Editor: My husband and I have been residents of Florida for several years and have actively supported candidates in both our local and federal elections. Having said that, I want to express my deepest anger and appall toward Pasco County Commissioner Peter Altman in his attempt to somehow play on the emotions of the taxpayers to quickly pass an increase in the sales tax.

How dare he use this time of tragedy in America as a means to further his personal and political agenda.

It is inconceivable to me how anyone, political or otherwise, could use this terrible tragedy of a terrorist attack on innocent people to exploit others. All Americans are suffering an enormous amount of grief and emotion and now is not the time to pull any such shenanigans as fast track tax increases.

To all Pasco County voters, I say, "Remember Peter Altman next Election Day."
-- Bonnie Boyle, New Port Richey

Televangelists shameful

Re: Context of remarks is clear: stupidity, Sept. 18 Jan Glidewell column

Editor: Finally. Your columnist has described Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson as the repugnant hypocrites which they are. Glidewell used their own poisonous rhetoric to damn them.

Both televangelists represent themselves as Christian men of the cloth. They shame the religious faith they claim. I point my finger in their face and say, "You are charlatans."

The next time we see their pious faces on CBN or elsewhere, we should remember the words of Goethe: "Nothing is more dangerous than ignorance in action."
-- Carolyn Dundas, New Port Richey

Take a Florida vacation

Editor: Floridians need to unite to help the hard hit tourism industry which usually provides so much in tax dollars for us.

Spend a night, weekend or longer at a Florida hotel or motel. Go to a theme park or other tourist attraction. Give these items as birthday, Christmas or anniversary gifts. You will not only help yourself get back a measure of relaxation, but you will be helping to save the jobs of many workers in our state and the businesses we all need in our future.
-- Judy Braak, Bayonet Point

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