Letters to the Editors

Sanders confident of schools

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 2, 2001

Editor: I would be remiss if I did not give a resounding "thank you" to all of the residents of Hernando County. The past six years have been extremely exciting and fulfilling for me as a professional educator. Hernando County has some truly outstanding people working with the youth of the county. That fact has enabled the schools to show steady improvement in performance.

The citizenry has a history of "stepping up" when the need was understood. As a result, the infrastructure (bricks and mortar) of the district is as adequate as our state permits, and in excellent condition. The large investment of the taxpayers is being properly cared for.

Although bad things can occur from time to time, and students make mistakes, I have found the young people of Hernando County to be talented, friendly and committed to doing the right thing. The steady improvement in the performance of the schools is evidence of that. The senior citizens of Hernando County should be comforted to know their future will be in good hands when these young people take their place in society.

As I begin my new responsibilities in Lee County, I do so knowing I have made many new friends in Hernando County. I know the schools of Hernando County are focused on learning for all children. I also know the district is financially stable and has qualified and committed leadership. I'm confident Hernando County schools will be seen as some of the best in the state.

I wish you all the best as you face the new challenges of the future.
-- John W. Sanders, superintendent
School District of Lee County
Fort Myers

Inexcusable action rates punishing disc jockey

Editor: Re: Wrath wrongly falls on doctor, Sept. 15 Hernando Times:

I must say that I am embarrassed that my fellow Americans could act in such an ignorant, prejudiced and terroristic way as they did concerning Dr. Imad Jandali. Although I have never met the man, I do know one thing: He is not deserving of the kind of treatment he has been given.

What shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem did is absolutely inexcusable and should be classified as a terroristic attack on an individual, his employees and their families. Although the disc jockey deeply apologized, that is not enough.

I call on citizens to contact the Federal Communications Commission and demand that Clem's license be revoked. As a real estate broker licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, if I or one of my associates committed an outrageous offense such as this, I know my license would be revoked in a heartbeat. The FCC can be reached at 445 12th St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20554, or by e-mail to the chairman at mpowell@fcc.gov.

For anyone to judge or attack an individual simply because they belong to a certain ethnic or religious group is outrageous. We need to love one another and work together to root out this evil. For people to go on a witch hunt and slander people they do not know as individuals is absolutely wrong.

This great country is made up of a wonderfully diverse group of people from all over the world. We must remember, we were not here first (the American Indians were) and so all of us and our families, by definition, are immigrants from somewhere else.

Let's get behind the president and the county and do what we can as individuals, no matter how little, to make this country stronger and prouder than ever.
-- David H. Sturgill, Spring Hill

Creating a frenzy plays into hands of terrorists

Editor: Re: Wrath wrongly falls on doctor, Sept. 15 Hernando Times:

What has happened in Spring Hill can happen all over the United States if people like Bubba the Love Sponge Clem don't stop to think and act rationally. What he created was a 21st century witch hunt.

He and his like are playing into the hands of the terrorists. This is what they want: to create a frenzy. Friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother, Americans against Americans. This is the terrorist way, not the American way.

Shame, too, on the so-called "men of God," Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, for their remarks. Americans have not insulted God and as long as we strive for peace and freedom, we shall all one day receive the protection of heaven. But, shall they?

Our country was founded on the premise of freedom for all and we have fought many hard and long battles to maintain that freedom. We must continue to prevail. And we shall.

May God bless the souls of all the victims, and may God bless America.
-- Rhoda Greenstein, Brooksville

Nation has been tested before and will prevail

Editor: Sept. 10 was a wonderfully memorable day to celebrate my 16th birthday. Little did I know it was the eve of a day that would birth a change in our nation, and all of humanity.

It was Tuesday morning in my second-period class at Springstead High when my fellow classmates and I were severely shocked by the news of the tragic events unfolding before our eyes. It seemed so surreal and unthinkable that something of this stature could happen to our powerful nation. Everyone in our class had mixed emotions and a visible weariness about their ordinary motions.

This was taken as a severe blow in our country's safety, and to the families and victims that were directly changed. I couldn't imagine losing a loved one, and I prayed for the safety and recovery of the many still missing. For my fellow youths, the indescribable feeling of losing a parent must be unbearable, but the advice I offer is to keep focused on the life that your parents would be proud of.

My family is contributing to this cause, not only in our thoughts and prayers, but the willingness of a sibling to fight for our country in the name of the U.S. Marines. With God's aid, we will prevail and stop the evil from devouring our hopes and dreams.

In the previous chapters of our country's history, we have been tested, and eventually overcame the problems. But in our new evolving chapter, our strength will truly be measured. In my mind, I have no doubt that we will take down the evil, and if it must mean that I will fight to the death for the safety of my kids, then so be it.

To those directly or indirectly responsible, I pray also, for they do not know what they have gotten into. Our nation and strong president will make sure that justice will prevail.

In our mourning, the only spiritual uplifting enlightenment coming out of this tragedy is that we have a new assembly of angels watching upon us.
-- Johann Pambianchi, Spring Hill

Atria Evergreen Woods has good reputation

Editor: After reading your articles in the Sept. 1 Hernando Times regarding Evergreen Woods' pending lawsuit with Helen Seger, I was quite disturbed. The secondary headline under Kin sues rehab center stated, The family of a woman who dies at Evergreen Woods says negligence led to her death.

I found this disturbing because there are two Evergreen Woods: Evergreen Woods Health and Rehab, the facility being sued by Ms. Seger, and Atria Evergreen Woods Retirement and Assisted Living. While Evergreen Woods Health and Rehabilitation Center and Atria Evergreen Woods Retirement and Assisted Living are next door to one another, these two entities are owned and operated by two entirely different companies.

Atria Evergreen Woods Retirement and Assisted Living has a solid reputation in the Spring Hill community for providing more than 20 years of quality service, and received a deficiency-free survey in January 2001 by the Agency for Health Care Administration. We at Atria Evergreen Woods have worked extremely hard to build this reputation, and daily strive to continue this reputation.

In the future, if you are writing an article about one of the two Evergreen Woods, please print the entire name in any headlines, so as to not confuse the public that trusts Atria Evergreen Woods and has supported us the last 20 years.
-- Avi M. Elias, executive director
Atria Evergreen Woods, Spring Hill

Publishing photo was hurtful and wrong

Editor: Re: Wishing they were still alive, Sept. 3 Hernando Times:

My sister is Jill Sharee Baum. I am sure everyone knows who she is by the tear-jerking, heart-breaking photograph that was published in the newspaper against my wishes. You know the picture, the one with my beautiful sister lying in that casket, with her beautiful baby boy (my nephew) next to her.

How could you? Why would you?

My sister is my best friend, and now every time I read that article, there is that huge picture of her the way we do not want to remember her.

I love her, I miss her. She is a terrific person. And it's a shame to see the good picture of her and Craig (Corbett) in the paper a lot smaller than the hurtful one. It was wrong, too wrong!

I want to thank Richard Draugelis of Spring Hill for what he wrote (Coverage of family's loss was disturbing, tasteless and painful, Sept. 13 letter to the editor). It was deeply appreciated. Thank you so much. It means a lot to know you care.
-- Sara Baum, Spring Hill

Blood donations will continue to be needed

Editor: Following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., Americans were desperate for a way to reach out and help. Many chose to do so locally by donating blood with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, and we are grateful.

Even as our nation mourns its loss of innocence, Americans are standing proud, shoulder to shoulder, and asking, "How can I help?" In the aftermath of these tragic events, the need for a dependable blood reserve could not be more evident.

New York Blood Center announced that current supplies are ample to meet the blood needs of their patients. Although the crisis for blood donations has passed, LifeSouth will remain in contact and stand ready to help, if asked.

Blood donated to LifeSouth in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 tragedy will be used for patients who need it to survive. We are concerned that if too many donors give now, there will be a shortage in the coming weeks. Blood has a shelf life of 42 days, and blood centers need to have a continuous supply of fresh blood available.

LifeSouth wants to thank everyone in our community. Donors, volunteers and businesses have given of themselves unselfishly, showing a true American spirit right here in our hometown.

LifeSouth is encouraging all donors to make appointments, to better service each donor and reduce the waiting time. For more information, please contact your local LifeSouth branch at 596-2002.
-- Nancy Eckert, president and CEO
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers

Share your views

The Hernando Times welcomes letters from readers for publication.

Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length (250-300 words maximum as a rule).

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed.

Send your letter to Hernando Times, 161 E Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright