Letters to the Editors

Seeing signs of patriotism everywhere

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 14, 2001

Editor: Monday, I received an e-mail from a longtime friend who somehow got on the subject of the lack of patriotism in the United States.

Having been raised in a military family, the values of patriotism were firmly instilled in my formative years, so I couldn't help but write back and pretty much lambaste her opinions.

Little did I know that the following day would bring forth a devastating and unfathomable tragedy that would more than show the world about the strengths, patriotism and genuine caring of the American people.

In her letter, my friend stated I must move in a different circle of people to have observed the element of patriotism I described.

I replied to her: Did you miss the members of the House and Senate standing on the front steps of the Capitol building singing God Bless America, after expressing their promise to stand as one behind the president?

Did you miss clips of college kids and other people, young and old, across the country, standing arm in arm singing The Star-Spangled Banner through their tears.

Did you miss doctors and nurses responding from all over to trauma centers and other care facilities, giving unselfishly of their time?

How about the hundreds of firefighters, police and emergency personnel who gave their lives to save others? Did you listen to local radio stations and watch TV commentators opening up talk lines with citizens who reaffirmed their faith and loyalty to this country, vowing that nothing would break our spirit and determination to keep this country free.

How about the number of well-known political and military dignitaries who vowed to assist in any way they could to maintain a high level of morale and to further solidify the unity of the American people?

This is a time none of us ever thought we would see, and it is a time to band together in an effort to heal the terrors of the day that will unfortunately affect us for years to come.
-- Barb Capodanno, New Port Richey

Columnist should advocate cutting the government

Editor: Re: I'm from Washington and I'm here to help you, Sept. 2 Jan Glidewell column:

This is not meant to be a personal slam against Mr. Glidewell, but my impression from his previous articles led me to believe he is liberal in his ideologies (if labels can be applied in order to help illustrate my point).

I read his commentary and am at a loss to understand that a person who is so liberal can write an article criticizing government and stating that he does not trust it.

Yet, isn't the liberal mantra to tax and spend, grow government beyond the rate of inflation and create a beast so huge that it devolves into what we have today? Is it no wonder we should be wary of government?

What Mr. Glidewell should be advocating with every fiber of his being (and editorial pen) is that every citizen should be screaming for the cutting of government. He should be out propagating the belief that every person is responsible for their own welfare.

That is the only way we can get this rampaging, wasteful spending beast back in its cage.
-- Vilmar Tavares, Spring Hill

New Port Richey government is a disgrace to residents

Editor: After attending a recent City Council meeting in New Port Richey to reassure the members of my overwhelming contempt of this city government for their determination to finish destroying Jasmine Acres, polluting our canal and exposing us and our families to dangerous water, I feel I owe an apology to the people of New Port Richey.

For six years, we have had elections, and each time we invited the people running to come and see for themselves what they have done. Our mayor and Mr. (Scott) Chittum didn't come. The ones that did come were gung ho to get this taken care of, until they were elected; then nothing but false promises.

I am ashamed for helping the people in their campaigns. This helped impose more hardship on the people in this city that can't afford it. For knowingly destroying people's homes, and causing health problems, and determined to keep it that way, they should be prosecuted.

I have heard more lies from this city in six years, attempting to make us go away, than I have in a lifetime. The people in this city are being robbed, and being assessed to pay for the wild spending of this city.

The mayor wants a hotel for the Chamber of Commerce, where she works, and trees planted on Grand Boulevard where she lives. This goes on and on.

(City Manager Gerald) Seeber will want another raise soon, and says he doesn't make as much as in Miami. Tom Finn started to mention at the meeting that the governor was getting involved, and the mayor cut him off. Why wouldn't she let him finish, we know why!

People from other areas have joined us in our fight, and I thank them. This city government thinks our tax money belongs to them. It is time we remind them, it belongs to us.

Since coming here, I have to check the map to reassure myself I am still in the USA.
-- Bill Langston, New Port Richey

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