Letters to the Editor: Nov. 21, 2003

The Naples Daily News welcomes letters of up to 250 words. We reserve the right to reject letters or edit for clarity, brevity, good taste and accuracy, and to prevent libel. No poetry, attacks on private individuals, or letter-writing campaigns, please. Writers should limit submissions to one letter every two weeks. Include a phone number and make certain you have signed your letter.

Letter of the Day — Point of light

Editor, Naples Daily News:

They say Christmas is for kids and for years one of our own has been unselfishly making that happen -- big time!

In 1999 Cindy Thomas began "Christmas for Children," raising $4,000 for underprivileged kids at Lely Elementary School.

The other night the charity, headquartered at Naples' Cove Inn chickee bar, offered a festive atmosphere to all sorts of generous folks who bid on a variety of donated gifts. Donations are still coming in but so far she has raised over $26,000!

It all goes to these kids who will receive special tutoring this year along with presents under their tree Christmas morning.

Cindy Thomas has lived in Naples all her life and has worked on many charitable causes. Her hard work and dedication deserve our thanks and appreciation.

Examining our relationship

Editor, Naples Daily News:

In response to Leonard Becker's recent letter on Israel:

I won't defend the man whose opinion you describe as the "last straw." However, many Americans who don't understand all the Middle East's political turmoil are starting to question the "tactics" of the Israeli government.

We can be appalled at these "democratic-allies" policies and not be labeled an anti-Semite.

Anyone who doubts that 9-11 was spawned from our deep-seated relations with Israel has been living on another planet, and since this battle has breached our shores, why shouldn't Americans take a closer look at this international relationship?

Israel has not been the "underdog" of the Middle East for decades! There's no doubt who has superior firepower in the region -- Israel.

Now they are the "class bully." More "land-grabbing" by Israel, with the construction of their 400-mile-long fence that encroaches deep into the West Bank, will affect more than half a million Palestinians' lives.

Three to four billion dollars a year in support from the United States (that's you and me) and they don't seem to listen to any of this administration's suggestions for a road map to peace. If Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East, it certainly doesn't behave like it!

We're watching

Editor, Naples Daily News:

If in fact the Constitution delineates the seven occasions when the U.S. Senate can filibuster and a judicial nomination is not one of them, then it is incumbent on the Supreme Court to address this transgression.

Precedent for judicial review is well established, dating back to John Marshall's Supreme Court Marberry v. Madison decision and more recently President Nixon's tapes fiasco where he foolishly thought they were his.

One can imagine -- with the Clintons -- those tapes would mysteriously disappear as did the Rose Law Firm's billing records and Vince Foster's private files.

It would be interesting to see how some of sneering Sen. Charles Schumer's so-called "mainstream" justices would react, particularly Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the former chief counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, and Justice William Souter, who, living with his mother, retreats to the New England wilderness to commiserate with nature. He is not unlike former Justice William Brennan, who lied to get the job, according to the assistant attorney general who interviewed him.

If the Supreme Court refuses to acknowledge authority, justices are self-destructing their own judiciary by allowing the legislative branch to dictate, as they see fit and in defiance of the Constitution and the Founding Fathers' concept of checks and balances, the qualifications and prerequisites of the executive nominees.

Justice at last?

Editor, Naples Daily News:

The current series, "The Men Who Killed Kennedy," brings back sadness to me and to our nation.

JFK was a man of honor and action and showed true leadership for our nation. The current series on the History Channel not only brings back the horrible memories of the day he was killed but also begs for another investigation as to whether Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.

If other people were indeed involved in the assault -- not only on the president but an assault against every American -- then these other people need to be brought to justice.

Too many questions remain on such a serious tragedy that many Americans still vividly remember.

God bless America.

Food for thought

Editor, Naples Daily News:

On behalf of the 56 social service, consumer and governmental agency members of the Collier County Hunger and Homeless Coalition, I am announcing this is National Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week. The coalition will continue to promote a greater awareness of the many faces of the growing population of hungry, homeless and at-risk people who reside in our community.

Another objective during this week of reflection is to share the mission of the coalition with the citizens of Collier County. We work together to assist the hundreds of men, women and children who have no place to call home and all too often wonder where their next meal will come from. Through a continuum of care that we have established and continue to enhance, we provide these individuals and families with basic needs and an opportunity to ultimately become self-sufficient.

The challenges to these people and the many different agencies that provide support and assistance along the way are many and difficult. Affordable housing, child care, affordable health and dental care, transportation and access to jobs that pay a living wage are among the many hurdles faced on a daily basis.

Those committed to the coalition realize that a strong and united approach in action and advocacy works best in our efforts to end hunger and homelessness. Please join us by your understanding and welcome support, as it will help greatly in addressing the needs of the less fortunate.

Welcome wake-up call

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Betsy Hart's thought-provoking column on the researched correlation between undisciplined children and childhood obesity can be added to the list of wisdomsayers who are speaking out for the sake of our young people.

Disciplining children is vital to their health and well-being and that of our world. Statistics evidence that effective discipline is not happening. The link to obesity follows the links to a host of negative behaviors -- one of which is violence among youth as never before witnessed in our society. Change is needed and it must emanate from the adult population.

Proper discipline exudes a loving firmness with children and teaches that chosen actions have consequences. Discipline teaches; it does not punish punitively and harshly. Violence is no partner to effective discipline.

Additionally, we adults need to join together to say "no more" to a media that is proliferating the airwaves with a preponderance of violence and hedonistic sexuality.

The movie and television moguls fill their coffers while scarring the souls of our youth.

They offer models of relationship that contradict what most families are attempting to teach their children.

If we don't heed the warnings we may one day be cited as the first species on the road to suicide because we are killing our children.

Come on down?

Editor, Naples Daily News:

WCI's "let's make a deal" with Collier County is no deal for the people who need to use Vanderbilt Beach Road. If this parking garage is constructed, traffic will become so congested that, without a doubt, a widening of that road will be eminent.

So let's set the record straight. This is not the only entrance to the beach. There are entrances throughout Naples.

There is little caring from the county commissioners about the mess they make out here in the Vanderbilt area. That is why we are constantly hearing about Naples Park, high-rise hotels on the beach and now more parking than the street can handle.

The commissioners estimate the cost of this garage will be $4.6 million. Let us not forget that in order for this garage to be used, we will then need to widen Vanderbilt Beach Road. So let's add several million more to this not-too-well-thought-through plan.

And shame on WCI for selling us out.

They are trying to make it look like they are doing the county a favor, by helping the Waterside Shops.

I'm not buying the spin they're putting on this one.

Add 'pow' with Powell

Editor, Naples Daily News:

After watching some of these so-called debates, I think it's about time for the Democrats to end this silly season and get down to the business of selecting a candidate -- one who could seriously challenge President Bush and his handlers who really scare me such as Attorney General John Ashcroft, Vice President Cheney, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, et al.

To this end I propose a solution to the Democratic National Committee: Send Hillary and the Seven Dwarfs back to their day jobs and adopt Colin Powell. His is the only voice of reason in Dubya's administration and, after all, he really isn't a Republican.

Peace be with you

Editor, Naples Daily News:

I am writing in response to Jackie Payne's letter regarding the behavior of some people at the concert she attended.

Yes, there are rude people everywhere but there are more polite, courteous people in this world.

Breath. Smile. Relax.

That's what Father Jerry Kaywell says. I attended the same concert by him, except on Friday night at St. John Neumann High School and it was absolutely wonderful.

I did not come in contact with any misbehaving adults. It was all very pleasant. I am sorry for the unfortunate experience you had with certain individuals seated around you, but I am really glad you enjoyed the concert itself and please keep that with you.

Over but not out yet

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Six years in the making and it's over in five minutes! Once again, the Florida court system reveals itself as a shameful entity designed to make lawyers and judges rich at the expense of a few unfortunate, unconnected defendants.

The prosecution's offer to settle and the court's incredible endorsement of that offer for Leo Salvatori in Stadium Naples is nothing short of absurd.

If Mr. Salvatori were guilty, the settlement is clearly inadequate to compensate for the millions of tax dollars which have been wasted on the investigatory and legal efforts in this matter. The opposite possibility is infinitely worse. If Mr. Salvatori is innocent (as I suspect he is, given the lack of evidence) the settlement offer represents nothing short of state-sponsored extortion -- something the hapless defendant is forced to endure in order to avoid the continued abuse of a legal system which has absolutely no concept of the justice it is supposed to provide.

The correct decision would be to dismiss all charges and chastise the prosecutors for abuse of court resources. Concerning the highly paid prosecutors, the judge quipped: "I will probably be seeing them again."

Yes. And again and again!

Until the public trough is empty.

Where is the justice in all of this?

Fiscal responsibility?

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Why did the Daily News give Pat Carroll all the credit for the Collier County Public Schools support personnel contract settlement? Board members Dick Bruce and Kathleen Curatolo also voted against giving these dedicated workers a living wage. They only asked for a lousy 2 percent!

I am ashamed of these three representing this county as School Board members.

From their imperial thrones in the Taj Mahal, they arrogantly insulted these people.

Fiscal responsibility? No. Arrogance and stupidity.

The money is there. It's just misappropriated, channeled into construction and administrative salaries and perks! Workers are told to wait. Wait? Kids can't wait.

Time continues to pass and kids can't read.

Perhaps Superintendent Ben Marlin and fellow administrators should wait for their bloated salaries! This community can blame itself for electing these three -- with Curatolo's questionable construction ties, Carroll on a power trip and Bruce, who has shown himself as the antithesis of honesty and integrity. Perhaps he should have recused himself as his wife is employed by the district in that capacity?

So far the only thing they have to show for their term is an overpaid superintendent, spending run amok and construction, construction and more construction!

Take notice, Collier County. They're your kids, your schools, your money.

Next election, "Hillary of Naples" Curatolo must go! This is not her native New York!

Clean house again.

Pretty terrible stuff

Editor, Naples Daily News:

There are many hours spent discussing the pros and cons of abortion rights; but that's not what this letter is about.

For the better part of two years I was in combat through France, Belgium, Germany and Austria. I viewed hundreds of the dead from both sides; victims of rifle fire, artillery, tank battles and more. Pretty terrible stuff.

I cannot recall a time, however, when I was as revolted as much as I am by the savage procedure of so-called partial-birth abortion. Brutal murder of a tiny baby.

I'm not naive when I say that any poor soul who favors that barbarity should sit down alone and review his or her mental state, perhaps even seeking help from a good psychiatrist, which I do not say in jest.

Various kinds of clashes

Editor, Naples Daily News:

A captain in the Air Force stationed in the Middle East wrote that he felt it was disturbing and disheartening to see the divide in the country he had sworn to defend.

What better country to defend than one which thrives on diversity of opinion?

I find it ironic that he is fighting to install democracy in Iraq while defending democracy in America and feels that it is disheartening when we actually practice democracy and voice our opinions.

This is the heart of democracy. You should not be disheartened by what you are fighting for, captain. You should be proud.

Wanted: more grit

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Regarding Stadium Naples and all other fraud cases that parade ad nauseam through the Collier County legal system:

Is it just me or is anyone else sick and tired of "probation" and plea bargains being the "punishment du jour" for those who deserve much harsher treatment?

Is there anyone on the prosecution side who has the interest, energy and "gumption" to actually prosecute a case through to the end and demand real punishment?

Apparently not.

Memo to New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer: Please move to Naples!

Oh yeah? Take that

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Brent Batten just doesn't get it re: the 2000 election.

It doesn't matter who wanted what counted or when they wanted it counted.

The fact remains that if the votes had only been "properly" counted the first time, or at any time, Al Gore would've won Florida.

And he is the rightful president of the United States.

The fact also remains that Gov. Jeb Bush and former Secretary of State Katherine Harris and their cronies with their dirty tricks, including the illegal purging of the voter rolls, still didn't stop Gore from winning Florida and, therefore, the presidency.

The election was hijacked by right-wing partisans on the U.S. Supreme Court, two of whom were legally obligated to recuse themselves due to conflicts of interest.

That and only that kept Gore from rightfully becoming the 43rd president of the United States.

Case closed.

Giving them enough rope

Editor, Naples Daily News:

I want to thank you for your bipartisanship, Daily News. In such divisive times, you offer up both sides of the debate on the war in Iraq. That is refreshing.

Representing the right side of the partisan debate, I will only request that your editorial page continue to print any letters containing phrases such as "un-elected president" or "war for oil" or, my favorite, "unilateral war."

As an admitted partisan, I wholly endorse any letters using these catch phrases. Why do I ask this of you? Simply because close elections are decided by the reasonable middle. The reasonable middle is not consumed by a compulsive need to win.

I would say that the reasonable middle is turned off by extreme language. I would ask only that the Daily News continue to print letters to the editor that scare the heck out of the reasonable middle.

Bless the little beasts

Editor, Naples Daily News:

In regards to the squirrel monkey story and how the Naples City Council members have decided not to protect these peaceful, nonaggressive primates from capture and harm:

I do not understand why humans, with their cars, guns, alarm systems, sirens, etc., are afraid of these nervous creatures which flee at the slightest hint of danger.

Councilwoman Tamela Wiseman: Do you even know anything about these creatures that you are so afraid of? If you research the things you are voting on, you will find these are docile animals. They are the ones -- not humans -- being harmed by trappers.

They have lived here in harmony for so long, you can offer them no protection?

While you may vote in developments and projects, and while new homes are being built, you can't stop to remember the small creatures that also call this home? How uncaring to the animals and offensive to those who do care.

Spanning the globe

Editor, Naples Daily News:

It was great to see the president of the United States come to see us.

I hope everyone had a chance to visit with him.

I for one certainly feel better living in a democracy where everyone has a chance to sit down and visit with the president; not just the rich and powerful have access to his ear.

Just a few of the citizens of Lee county may have been unconvinced by his visit.

So what if his arrival at rush hour stopped traffic or slowed air traffic all over Southwest Florida for hours?

Some good old boys had coughed up $2,000-plus to have dinner with him. It makes you wonder what it cost you and me for the little get-together.

Everyone who believes the GOP will fully reimburse us for the costs, please raise your hands.

It is also a relief to know that the Homeland Security Act is protecting all of us from further attacks from terrorists. Who would have thought that by putting our young men and women in Iraq it would make it easier and cheaper for the terrorists to kill Americans. Terrorists can now knock off 10 or 15 a week and never have to leave home.

Why come all the way to the United States when they can fill their quota at home?

The Homeland Security Act also has an unknown benefit: We haven't had a wild elephant or dinosaur attack since it was enacted.

Singing their praises

Editor, Naples Daily News:

This is a happy letter (for a change).

Thanks to my sister for reminding me to tune into cable Channel 20 last Thursday night, Nov. 13, to hear and see the Barron Collier High School chorus.

The program was excellent and most enjoyable. Those young people are very talented and enthusiastic on stage.

I have seen professionals who do not harmonize as well!

Kudos to their director also.