Letters to the Editors

The money men call the shots in Hernando

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 5, 2001

Editor: Once again the County Commissioners have proved that big business is king in Hernando County. First it was Lowe's, then Wal-Mart, now HMA.

The residents of this county seem to have no say in anything major in this county. In other words, whom do the commissioners represent? Certainly not the residents.

It is hoped that the next time there is an election the residents of this county will remember who sold them out to the money men and elect commissioners who will respond to the residents' needs and not the good ol' boy's attorneys.
-- Jini Sommerfeld, Spring Hill

Commission insists on spending more

Editor: I am just appalled by the arrogance of our county commissioners. Knowing that we have had a soft economy for the last year or so, and the federal government is trying to stimulate the economy with tax cuts and other options, what do the commissioners do? They increase spending and grow local government even more.

After the tragedy this country just experienced, businesses are experiencing some slowdowns and even tourism is down. Companies are laying people off and there are hiring freezes at many others. This is a time we have to stick together, help each other and try to do our best to be consumers again and stimulate the economy. Yet, our illustrious county commissioners only have their own self-minded agendas, going against what everyone else in this country is trying to do.

Instead of keeping spending down and holding the line and trying to tighten their belts, like most Americans, they think nothing of spending even more. They are going to ruin Hernando County and get this county into a debt that will take a long time to recover.

Hernando taxpayers need to remember this when election time rolls around next year. They have not shown themselves to be good stewards of our money.
-- Ana Trinque, Brooksville

Veterans are not of 1 mind on Thurman's performance

Editor: Re: Military retirees wish to stay in same district, Sept. 6 letter to the editor from Nick Morana:

Morana's letter urging state Republicans not to tamper with U.S. Rep. Karen Thurman's congressional district is but another example of Democrat hypocrisy.

Ten years ago, then state Sen. Thurman was exactly in the same position Florida Republicans are now. Many of us remember the tooth-and-nail battles she waged to carve out her present, Democratic, top-heavy district. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and Mr. Morana wants everyone to make nice-nice so his "cherished" Karen can rubber-stamp the left-wing agenda for two more years: more taxation, more regulation, more antilife votes.

Mr. Morana is evidently convinced there never was and never could be a Republican who would do right by our veterans. Guess no Republicans ever fought in any wars or had any relatives who did either. Thankfully, we're not all as naive as he.

Rep. Thurman was but one of dozens of Congress members from both parties who tripped over each other for the chance to sponsor the legislation he refers to. Not to do so would have been political suicide.

Now she's back among the populace making hay out of her vote by acting as though she did it all by her lonesome. But isn't it strange she never held any town meetings to explain why she voted against the president's tax relief package? Karen giveth, and Karen taketh away!

You say you represent our area veterans, Mr. Morana, but surely not all of them. I refuse to believe that all of these courageous men who fought for the values our country holds dear, among them life and liberty, share in your irrational adulation of this venal politician.
-- Mary L. Wright, Brooksville

It's time for Americans to look beyond biases

Editor: Re: Ugly words and acts of hate, Sept. 14 Hernando Times:

I recently left employment from Brooksville Regional Hospital after eight years, in which I had many opportunities to meet and deal directly with many physicians in the Spring Hill and Brooksville area. I have opinions on all the physicians that I dealt with, both American and foreign.

After reading the article, I felt I must say something on behalf of a few of these physicians. I am not only a patient of Dr. Shuayb (gastroenterologist) and his son, Dr. Shuayb, a dentist, but I have always considered myself a friend of sorts, due to the way both of these physicians have treated me over the years. These were two doctors who truly put my care before any concern of whether insurance would cover everything, or if I had my co-pay or not. I cannot say this about even some of the American doctors.

I have experienced nothing but respect and kindness from both of these doctors and would never choose anyone over them for my care. We must look beyond our prejudices and understand most of these physicians have been in our area for many years. If you are not comfortable with your physician, it is not because of where they come from; they simply do not have compassion or empathy for your feelings. If this is the case, find a doctor who does.

I hope the patients who see these physicians will agree with me and not hold their nationality against them.
-- Rhonda S. Nolan, Hernando Beach

Terrorist attacks must unite, not divide, Americans

Editor: This letter is in response to all the negative ones sent regarding the alleged statement made by a doctor at Oak Hill Hospital.

He has been my primary physician for 15 years, has saved my life twice, as well as saving the lives of other patients whom I know. I only know this man to be dedicated, compassionate, kind, caring and knowledgeable.

When my now-deceased wife was diagnosed with a terminal illness and under the care of Hospice at home, this doctor still visited her at home to reassure and console her. This was above and beyond the call of duty, but was greatly appreciated by my wife and our family.

I don't know his exact statement, but I'm sure it was not made with malice or glee, and I feel positive this man does not condone or support terrorism in any form.

I feel sure this doctor's peers will come to the same conclusion as I have and will exonerate him.

Rather than dividing us into factions based on ethnicity/countries of origin and political affiliations, the horrific tragedies at the World Trade Center should serve to unite Hernando County, as well as the country.
-- Robert L. Stucchio, Spring Hill

Why not unfurl Old Glory in front of our schools?

Editor: As I drive down Mariner Boulevard in Spring Hill, I see two grand, statuesque eagles at Springsted High School.

Too bad one is not the American flag. What happened to the red, white and blue at our schools?
-- Virginia Porter, Spring Hill

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