Letters to the Editors

Why didn't more people already have U.S. flags?

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 30, 2001

Editor: The real question is not where can you purchase an American flag?

It is why you don't already have one?

I find it hard to believe that there are individuals and families in this nation that need to answer this question.
-- Dennis Hegedus, Hudson

Patriotism should have shown before tragedy

Editor: When I was growing up in Philadelphia, Pa., I was taught in school that on national holidays you display the American flag on your home.

When I bought my first house, I also bought an American flag. On national holidays I displayed it proudly. I didn't need to run out to the store to purchase one, I already was patriotic.

It saddens me to think that it took this terrible tragedy to awaken people's patriotism.
-- Jean Keeven, New Port Richey

Administration not responsible for attacks

Re: Government's gift to Taliban likely helped pay for attacks, Sept. 26 letter.

Editor: The Congress of past, present and future administrations have and no doubt will continue to give donations of billions of dollars to many nations of Europe, Mideast, Africa, Asia, Central and South America. These gifts, whether they be for bribery, humanitarian or whatever, do not imply that our presidents approve of the recipients' policies.

To suggest that President Bush is responsible for the World Trade Center destruction is asinine. The planning stages for this attack took years to reach the perfection of delivery. In other words, not within a span of less than nine months after the installation of the present administration.
-- William H. Opalka, New Port Richey

Official is now what voters expected

Editor: I must agree with the opinion about Peter Altman. He is not what was expected of him when he was voted in. I believe he is for himself and not for the people he was elected to serve.

It's time for him to go. At a time like this and we are all at a loss, he thinks about putting a burden on all of senior citizens and residents fo Pasco County.
-- Leanora G. Luongo, Zephyrhills

Maybe next time we'll have better candidates

Editor: The voters in Pasco County amaze me by taking so long to realize that Peter Altman was a boob.

He proceeded on to bigger things, the Pasco County Commission, where his lack of judgment and compassion will really be obvious.

The only reason he was ever elected was the voters thought that he was the lesser of two evils. Peter Altman or a puppet of the then-Sheriff Lee Cannon. They were wrong.

He really disgusted everyone recently when he suggested a new tax be levied. His lack of compassion is beyond belief and the limits of decency.

Please band together in the next election and get rid of this proven fool before he blunders Pasco County into something serious. In the meantime, let's keep an eye on him. Maybe next time they will put up a better slate of candidates.
-- R.E. Odell, Hudson

Gift of flag should not go unnoticed

Editor: For many years I've driven by the city of New Port Richey Police Department located on Grand Boulevard.

Prior to the events that hit our nation on Sept. 11, and shortly thereafter, I took notice of our nation's flag flying in front of the police department. The flag needed help, being tattered, faded and in need of replacing.

I could not find a flag, most stores being sold out, and surely thought the city of New Port Richey would have it replaced. On Sept. 13, I encountered a longtime friend and customer, Roger Michels of Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home.

I asked if he had a flag that could be a gift to the city of New Port Richey Police Department. Sure do, he exclaimed, just come on by and pick the flag up.

During lunch hour, I stopped by and received the flag, and proceeded to the police station. Upon arrival, I noticed that their flag was replaced.

I presented the flag to Chief Madsen, and found the flag was replaced only minutes prior to my arrival.

Chief Madsen assured me that the flag that I presented would be the first to fly upon dedication of the new police department opening in February 2002.

Thank you Mr. Roger Michels and Mr. Lundquist for your kind-hearted gift to America.
-- Pete Cuipenski, New Port Richey

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