Letters to the Editors

Priority of athletes should be team, not homecoming court

© St. Petersburg Times,
published November 2, 2001

Re: Gulf High School does not support its athletes, Oct. 29 letter.

Editor: I was absolutely mortified to read the letter in regard to the Gulf High football players who quit the team to participate in homecoming court. As a former GHS three-sport athlete and the 1995 homecoming queen, I can assure you that the 15 minutes spent on the field for the crowning rank absolutely nowhere compared to any one volleyball match, soccer game or track meet I participated in.

I can recall that because my senior soccer season was starting on the Monday following the homecoming game, I actually debated staying home to rest because my priorities were with winning a game and not winning a popularity contest. Besides the king and prince that year, who were both in the locker room with their football team at the time of the crowning, a female candidate also skipped the ceremony to rest for a Saturday cross country meet.

I doubt that any of those people regret missing their once-in-a-lifetime experience. But the writer says that the seven seniors who quit "have heart for their team" because they walked out on the team on a Tuesday instead of a Friday. What fabulous priorities. If their hearts are with a popularity contest instead of with their team, they never belonged on that field wearing a uniform in the first place.

I am happy to report that I and the girl who skipped the halftime hoopla for cross country, both attended college on full athletic scholarships. My college was completely paid for by my performance on the athletic field, not by a silly crown.
-- Sara Walsh, Macon, Ga.

Help make the holidays happier for kids

Editor: Sadly, it is now estimated that one child in five lives at or below the poverty level.

Last year, the East Pasco Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program distributed toys in Dade City and Zephyrhills. This year we are planning to expand distribution sites to include Land O'Lakes. With the able assistance of our gallant Postal Service letter carriers, Dade City Fire and Rescue, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Boy Scouts of America, Food for Tots Inc. and our many friends, neighbors and benefactors, we should be able to provide toys, goods and services to approximately 1,000 families and up to 3,000 children.

This year, besides toys, we intend to provide toothbrushes and other oral hygiene products, socks, underwear and food parcels to the families of our neediest children.

Please visit the Pasco Toys for Tots Web site www.toysfortotspasco.org and join us in our labor of love. This year more than ever before, we must, together, get it right.

Please consider helping your favorite local charities and us. Together, we can construct a happy holiday season for our friends in need and all the precious tots.
-- Bob Loring, Zephyrhills

In America, all share right to bear arms

Re: Organization's ban on guns within rights, Oct. 28 letter.

Editor: I respect the right of Mr. Hayhoe to express his opinions as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Bill of Rights. My question is: Why can't Mr. Hayhoe respect my Second Amendment right to bear arms as guaranteed by the same Bill of Rights?

To analyze Mr. Hayhoe's statement, "Civilians do not bear arms, only military personnel bear arms," one would have to take note that under Hayhoe's assumption, only the military would have any of the rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights, including the right to free speech. Mr. Hayhoe would have the citizens of this country living in a military state with freedoms only to those who are active military.

This is called Marxism, and if you wish to practice it, I suggest you set up your kingdom elsewhere. This is America, land of the free. It is funny to note that while I was campaigning for County Commission in 2000, I met Mr. Hayhoe, at which time he informed me that he personally owned a gun. Why then, Mr. Hayhoe, do you feel any portion of the Bill of Rights belongs only to you and not others?

Why does your Coalition to End Gun Violence seem more like the Coalition to Take Away Our Freedoms? Why does freedom only apply to you? This policy of constitutional terrorism that you preach is very dangerous indeed.
Scott Factor, New Port Richey

Terrorist threats and humor don't mix

Re: Zephyrhills firefighter suspended.

Editor: This great guy and jokester should have his head examined. He has placed himself in the position of being arrested for making a terrorist threat. It is nice that his co-workers laughed at this joke, but this is not the time for jokes about potentially lethal consequences.
-- Joseph King, Hudson

Never forget defenders of our freedom

Editor: The holidays are coming soon, and I would like to let the world know about America's paralyzed veterans who put their lives on the live to defend our freedom.

The courageous men and women will never be forgotten. For them, everything has to be free. And why not? We didn't go to war and they did, and now they need our support.

Let us all remember our veterans.
-- Victoria M. Pokorny, Port Richey

Animal abuser deserves no mercy

Re: Teen pleads guilty in attack on bulls, story, Oct. 30.

This letter is in reference to the article concerning Robert Pettyjohn and his decision to plead guilty to the animal cruelty charges concerning the death and maiming of the two bulls.

I find it interesting that Robert Pettyjohn is putting himself at the mercy of the judge. Did the animals receive any mercy? I think not. Did the animals have a fair chance to defend themselves from this violent attacker? I think not. Did their fear and pain have any effect on the attacker? I think not.

Did they ask for mercy? Only Robert Pettyjohn knows the answer to that.

I can hardly bear to think about the pain and torture that these animals suffered. While I am not a doctor, it is my opinion that this person is full of rage and hate and has not really shown any signs of remorse for his actions. In addition to prison, I hope that he is able to obtain intense psychiatric treatment, because prison alone will not cure someone capable of mauling and killing defenseless animals.

To the people who lost their treasured pets, my heart goes out to you all. Losing a pet is like losing part of your family. While time helps heal these losses, I am sure that the pain and sorrow will remain with these pet owners forever.
-- Nancy Dively, Tarpon Springs

State official could work as dog catcher

Editor: We here in Pasco County have a job opening. Is Katherine Harris looking for work?

If so, please apply at City Hall, New Port Richey. Position open is for dog catcher, Pasco County. Five days a week, no Saturday, no Sunday. You know you would have to apply and move here.
-- Pauline F. Williams, New Port Richey

Share your views

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.

Also, the Pasco Times Web discussion forum can be found at www.sptimes.com.

© 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