Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 11, 2000
Editor: I was very impressed with the George W. Bush visit to Pasco-Hernando Community College's West Campus. Although I did not get to hear him speak because I was outside carrying a sign, it was good to see American democracy working.
Inside PHCC's auditorium Texas Gov. Bush was stumping for votes, while outside members of the Sierra Club joined representatives from a farm workers group and Citizens for Sanity to voice their objections to Bush's policies. I'm sorry I missed Gov. Bush's speech, but I found it most enlightening to mingle with the disparate group of protesters outside; I found it particularly ironic to hear the farm workers detail their working conditions while inside Bush was delineating his plan to give tax cuts to the very wealthy. I almost expected to see John Steinbeck standing beside me, carrying a sign, and taking mental notes for his next novel.
As proud as I was to stand with my fellow protesters, I was equally proud of my college today. I congratulate President Robert Judson and PHCC for serving as host for the event. Our college received some richly deserved recognition and, more importantly, allowed many different voices to be heard.
-- Richard Downing, Hudson
Editor: I would like to commend the Pasco County sheriff's deputies and Highway Patrol officers who served on the security detail during Saturday's visit of George W. Bush to Pasco-Hernando Community College. In the face of protesters, they used remarkable restraint while giving demonstrators reasonable latitude to make our various statements.
After taking part in a number of public actions that turned ugly in the '60s, I was pleased with the way this situation was handled -- even the episode in which I was hustled unceremoniously away from a sidewalk near the auditorium by a couple of husky Secret Service agents. Organizers set up a quarantine-like "demonstration area" a quarter mile from either the event or media encampment. A couple of us crossed the campus on sidewalks to a position outside the auditorium security perimeter.
Within a minute of standing there quietly with my sign calling for political reform, two agents flanked me and each took hold of my arms, towing me back to the quarantine area. They did ignore my pleas to slow down, citing my heart condition, but I understand they were just doing their job. While a little stiff and sore today, I appreciate their dedication to security. The only thing I did not appreciate was responding to my question about First Amendment rights of peaceful assembly with a threat of arrest for trespassing on private property, which PHCC is not.
A short time later, we chose to join Immokalee farm workers assembled at the college entrance on Ridge Road. The many deputies and FHP troopers assigned to watch us didn't stop our movement. In fact, they directed traffic to allow us to join the other demonstrators (safely) in an area where we could be seen by the political caravan as it arrived and left. It was an interesting example of mutual respect for each others goals and responsibilities.
I am only sorry this unique story was not covered by the media assembled to cover the event. It's something that deserves to be shared.
-- Jon Duffey, Reform Congressional Candidate, 9th District Florida
Editor: To county commissioners, I really don't know why you opened the gas pipeline meeting to the residents of Pasco County. You people already had your minds made up before you let the people have their say. You really don't care what the people have to say. The only reason you voted against the people is how much money you can make.
I would like to thank one Pat Mulieri for her support. At least she had the guts to stand up for what is right! Every time something comes to a vote, the commissioners never do what the people of Pasco ask. It is always about how much money we can get. I just hope nothing happens like it did in Mexico.
-- Thomas Hebert, Port Richey
The Pasco 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. Anonymous letters or letters with initials only will not be printed.
Send your letter to Pasco Times, 11321 U.S. 19, Port Richey, FL 34668.