Letters to the Editors

Prank deserved much harsher punishment

© St. Petersburg Times,
published November 8, 2001

Editor: I'm sick of reading about the Zephyrhills firefighter crying about the punishment he received for his stupidity in bringing an envelope containing white powder into the firehouse.

If this mental midget and his co-workers think it's hilarious to emulate the actions of the same swine who took out the World Trade Center and are sending anthrax in the mail throughout the country, maybe they should face the families of the hundreds of real firefighters and others, including those dying of anthrax, and see if they find humor in his act.

His punishment was nine days' vacation. He should be making new friends in a jail cell somewhere!
-- Joe Kehoe, Port Richey

Every dollar state spends should be scrutinized

Re: State budget cuts look grim for county, Oct. 30.

Editor: As the Florida Legislature has been undertaking the unenviable task of amending the state budget, each and every program funded with state dollars has been given great scrutiny. As amply illustrated in the referenced article, one of the programs considered for reductions in state funding is the Medicaid reimbursement to counties for nursing home care.

Before the calling of the special session, which commenced on Oct. 22, Florida required counties to pick up less than 2 percent of the tab to house Medicaid recipients in nursing homes. Both the state and federal government fund the balance of those costs.

In the special session budget amendment adopted by the Legislature on Oct. 30, the proposal merely increases that share to 2 percent. The county's comment that this proposal would cost money is true but seems to forget the history of these costs.

In 1970, the state required that counties pick up 10 percent of the Medicaid costs for nursing home care that were not covered by the federal government. Now, far less is being required of the counties. Whether or not a county's share of Medicaid costs remain in place will depend on what occurs in the coming weeks. The governor has called the Legislature back into special session on Nov. 27 to once again rewrite the state budget. With limited state funds available for a multitude of demanded services, every dollar spent by the state should be put under a microscope during this special session and every regular session that follows. Whatever the outcome, any proposal regarding the county's portion of Medicaid costs will be preferable than returning to the burdensome costs in place three decades ago.
-- State Rep. Mike Fasano, District 45

Thief should learn what U.S. flag really means

Editor: I am a Korean War veteran (1952-1954) who served my country in time of war. To me the American flag represents what all veterans who served their country in time of war fought for and died for.

So the low-life who stole my flag from my house should take some lessons on what our American flag represents to our great country and to the veterans who honor and cherish being real Americans.

It is not for some low-life to steal for a price or to fly it on their house without meaning.
-- Leo Thomas, New Port Richey

Veteran's ID was proper, but treatment at clinic wasn't

Editor: On Nov. 2, my wife, Ursula, called the Veterans Affairs clinic on Little Road for information on flu shots. They asked her if I was a vet, and the answer was yes. I am retired veteran, having served more than 40 years. They asked if I was a patient of the clinic, and her answer was no. Asked if I had a VA card, she answered yes. They advised us to come in for our shots any weekday between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m.

At 3 p.m., we arrived at the clinic for our flu shots. There were no other people in line. Showing my military retired ID and VA card as well as Ursula's ID, I was asked if I was a patient of the clinic. My answer was no but that my VA card was issued from that clinic.

I was advised that I didn't qualify and would have to return Dec. 10. I told them that we were advised to come in on any workday, but to no avail. At this point I explained that I was a veteran and retiree of the U.S. Navy and not a veteran of Florida or Pasco County. That my cards are valid anywhere in the United States. Once again I was denied the flu shot.

At this point I asked to speak to an administrator. Although polite, the person also denied us the flu shots.

At 4:45 p.m. I talked to Ms. Peg Heal, a caseworker for U.S. Rep. Karen L. Thurman. She in turn called the clinic. After not getting any satisfaction she called Bill Klinger, who later called me at home. They all agreed that I was right and that this problem would be resolved.

I do not want special treatment; nor will I accept special treatment. All veterans should be treated equally.

The fact that I was turned away after showing proper identification shows me that the clinic is being administered by incompetent, insensitive people who fail to understand the historical role that veterans played to protect the freedom and liberty we all enjoy.
-- Hank Bracker, Holiday

If you want anonymity, then try not to be different

Editor: "When in Rome do as the Romans do." This piece of advice is more true than letter writers have chosen to accept.

I wonder what would happen if an American woman walked down the street in Mecca or a city in Saudi Arabia or in any Muslim country in shorts and a halter. Do you suppose people would pass her by with no notice or comment? I think not. They would more likely make all kinds of noise and threats. If you are different in any way, whether in dress, stature or physical appearance, people will stare, have opinions or make comments.

Remember, in America, if someone wears a mask, he is a bandit or on the way to a Halloween party. If a man wears a top hat and tails to a football game, he will surely draw attention. So, why not a man wearing a robe with a turban on his head walking in a store or walking down the street?

If you want anonymity, then try not to be different. I doubt that many Israelites wear a yarmulke in Pakistan.

I think the letter writers are intolerant by not allowing others their constitutional right of free speech just because they disagree.

Opinions are everyone's prerogative. Isn't it wonderful to live in the USA?
-- R.E. Odell, Hudson

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