Letters to the Editor: Nov. 28, 2003

Letter of the Day: This is way to treat The White House?

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Driving by my favorite local restaurant recently, I noticed the sign on the front of the building was missing. Thinking they had closed down I was saddened, since I have been a regular patron of the White House Restaurant on Airport-Pulling Road for several years.

I got to know the owners and staff on a first name basis and the food was excellent, in my opinion.

I found out that evening that Collier County Code Enforcement forced them to remove the sign because it did not have the proper permit. The following morning, I stopped in the restaurant and asked why after 20 years they were forced to remove the sign. I also asked why the Collier County Code Enforcement couldn't inspect the sign, point out any violations and allow them to apply for a permit and correct any violations.

The answer was "good question."

I truly believe our county Code Enforcement is looking out for our best interest, but this struck me as being insensitive to our local, small businesses. I (and I'm sure the owners) would like to know if this is a hard and fast rule, or if they have the option to work with small-business owners to help them stay in business and comply with our local laws.

How 'bout it Collier County?

JFK's vision

Editor, Naples daily News:

Sometimes I wonder if not only beauty but truth also is in the eye of the beholder, especially with reference to your lead editorial on Nov. 21.

The Kennedy legacy may be, as you conclude, highly exaggerated. On the other hand, for others of us, the accomplishments of his presidency were clear as crystal.

Where he would have led us had he lived longer is entirely speculative, but the brief record he did compile was not as murky as you suggest. He created the Peace Corps which transformed America's image throughout the world. It demonstrated we cared about people as well as material wealth. He laid to rest the religious issue in American politics, although the posture of this current White House may signal a resurrection of that disgraceful distinction. He got the economy moving again; he never flinched in the face of formidable challenges, whether Khrush chev in Cuba, George Wallace in Alabama or the steel barons in Pittsburgh. He may have come late to the civil rights revolution, but still a lot sooner than others in either major political party.

Still, the strongest link in Kennedy's legacy was his vision of the public life. What was central to his character was his unbounded commitment to the idea of civic duty. He instilled the idea that public service was service at its highest and noblest. Much of that promising message vanished in the wake of Watergate and Vietnam, but the quality of that vision belongs to Kennedy. Maybe that's why most people still rank him among our greatest presidents. It wasn't all just a clever illusion.

Making monkeys of council

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Well, it's pretty sad when our city fathers are unwilling to be compassionate when it come to saving a few harmless monkeys! I guess their 20 to 25 years of delightful antics providing fearless pleasure without ever inflicting any harm to the multitude of their Naples audience is just too much for the circus that exists at City Hall.

Of course, as the Monkeys have a longer tenure, are cuter and far less disturbing, it may be that they fear that their constituents may start comparing their antics and decide the primates might be a better choice!

A gentleman's game

Editor, Naples Daily News:

The resolution of the Presidents Cup match this past weekend demonstrates that there are still a few gentlemen around who can settle a matter fair and equitably and have everyone feel good about it.

Who's in charge?

Editor, Naples Daily News:

The recent approval of county ordinances implementing economic initiatives to pay companies to move to Collier County has provided interesting insights into the internal workings of local government.

The Economic Development Council (EDC) lobbied tirelessly to get approval of this annual $2 million program. On Sept. 4, the Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 to reject a county-wide program, accepting a limited program only for businesses locating east of Collier Boulevard (951).

On Sept. 9, the EDC and county staff re turned to the commissioners to push for a program adding "high impact areas" west of 951. (Anyone own commercial property west of 951?)

After considerable debate, the commissioners again voted (4-1) to have the incentives apply only to businesses east of 951. That decision was very clear: Commissioner Henning, staunch proponent for keeping the program east of 951, made the motion and Commissioner Coyle, lone proponent for west of 951, voted against the motion.

On Nov. 18, Joe Schmitt and the EDC returned to the commissioners for final approval of the economic initiative ordinances. Guess what? The ordinances were written to include "high impact areas" west of 951.

Apparently being told no twice is not enough.

Only Commissioner Henning appeared concerned about this blatant manipulation by staff and the EDC. The commission voted 4-1 (Commissioner Henning against) to approve the program for properties west of 951.

The Moral: Ignore your bosses, push your own agenda and you too can win.

Road work ahead?

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Lest any of your readers be misled by a portion of the Nov. 21 story concerning the requested expansion of The Waterside Shops, the following should be noted: While the possibility of opening Crayton Road southward from Pelican Bay to Seagate Drive may have been separated from the Waterside proposal, the concept may not have been "dropped" by county staff.

Should it reappear, it will be at a public hearing conducted by Collier County transportation staff, rather than as part of a land use petition considered by the County Planning Commission.

Accordingly, Naples and Pelican Bay residents who might oppose this linking of the two portions of Crayton Road should take scant comfort in the report in the Nov. 21 Naples Daily News.

Stick to the truth

Editor, Naples Daily News:

For months a certain group has spread lies and falsehoods about Collier County School Board members.

They use old issues to mislead. Example, this group has intentionally linked the Board with the Administration Center as if they were responsible.

They blame members for the unsigned construction contracts. None voted the Ad Center or granting school construction contracts. They blame the members for Dan White's settlement. White negotiated a contract with the old school board and it included a "golden parachute." And yes, they did not vote to hire Dennis Thompson, which seems to be the catalyst for their letters of hate.

If you stop to see what the new Board has accomplished, you would see a unified school system working to increase student achievement. They have been fiscally responsible in their decisions while always placing student safety above monetary concerns.

The new Board's first and most important assignment was to find Dan White's replacement.. They made a plan, kept to it, and hired a great superintendent. Communication from the Board has dramatically improved. Civility, respectfulness, and tolerance are back at our School Board meetings. Reading is the primary focus of all schools. FCAT scores continue to improve. Their first year in office has been a very good start. I, for one, give them a very good grade.

Is there room for improvement? Yes.

Do they deserve the harsh misleading comments from their detractors? No one deserves untruthful inflammatory remarks. Criticize if you must, but be truthful.

NPR challenges continue

Editor, Naples Daily News:

We were delighted to see the Nov. 11 Naples Daily News story regarding the generous gift bequeathed to us by the late Joan Kroc. However, we want to make sure Ms. Kroc's donation is understood in its proper perspective. While Mrs. Kroc's gift will establish a strong and badly needed endowment for NPR, it is not a magic wand for public radio.

The public radio system -- which includes more than 750 independent stations and NPR -- still faces the daily challenge of funding about $800 million in cumulative annual budgets. This gift will produce revenues equal to only about 1 percent of the total costs of public radio.

We are consulting with all stakeholders in public radio to determine how the income can best be used to serve public radio and the millions of listeners it reaches each week.

Together, NPR and local public radio stations have changed the face of broadcasting over the past 30 years. And Mrs.

Kroc's gift, beyond enhancing our daily operations, gives us the ability to redefine the airwaves again, securing the legacy of public broadcasting for future generations.

Mrs. Kroc's gift should not be thought of as a replacement for other funding sources, but as a means of preserving NPR's long-term financial health. Her good deed should remind local listeners of the vital role their contributions play in ensuring that affiliated radio stations continue to provide quality news, information, and entertainment to their communities.

Yielding to fanatics

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Hand-wringing French, German and Russian leaders and many other coward leaders forgot, once again, lessons of history. Adolf Hitler, among the worst fanatics, prevailed one time when French and British didn't take strong measures in 1938. They let him go ahead, stupidly smiling to their dream of peace against reality.

Josef Stalin and his terrible system destroyed Russian people during 70 years, and no country really tried to stop him, refusing to recognize facts.

Similarly in 2003, facing international terrorism, many countries procrastinate against helping the United States for fear they will be attacked on their own land.

The United Nations closed their office in Iraq and now Italians quit because they have been targeted. Japan doesn't want to send their troops. Who's next?

After the last attack in Turkey, will countries and their leaders understand that nobody is spared by terrorism? This apathetic attitude of facing a big threat is a victory for the fanatics. Even the many strong warnings we received for years didn't succeed in moving people against terror, the deliberate killing of innocents and plans to destroy Western culture and modernity by monstrous behavior of a minority.

People and leaders, involved in their precious non-intervention, in order to protect their interests and their political agenda, will pay sooner or later for a lack of courage, unity and foresight.

My heart is with our fighters and the few ones who joined them for "liberty and justice for all."

God bless America.

Rules of the right

Editor, Naples Daily News:

There are strict rules for right-wing letter writers and they are slavishly adhered to.

When anyone brings up the massive lack of credibility of the White House on Iraq, never address specifics. Always go on the attack. Charging that critics are "unpatriotic" or "disloyal" works well. Don't mention that Abraham Lincoln criticized the Mexican- American war while a congressman from Illinois (Ol' unpatriotic Abe).

Blame Clinton for everything. Like when it was charged that Clinton was involved in Vince Foster's death. Or next week perhaps Sean Hannity will claim that Clinton was responsible for SARS.

Never bring up civil rights. It will only remind people that conservatives opposed every civil rights movement of the 20th century. Avoid discussing that left-wing notion that "All men are created equal." If conservative presidents are accused of doing anything really bad, just lie. If Reagan is blamed for creating massive deficits, blame the Democrats. When it is pointed out that Reagan gave Saddam chemical weapons, tell them it was nothing more than industrial strength cleanser.

Always mythologize conservative presidents. Like the one about Reagan single- handedly bringing down the Soviet Empire.

Or maybe Fox News will publicly call for a Purple Heart to be awarded retroactively to George Bush for injuring an ankle while scurrying to join the National Guard to avoid Vietnam.

Raising a red flag

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Having just returned from the thrilling performance of the movie "Master and Commander," I am still moved by the excellent production, acting, music and other effects in this high-fidelity portrayal of life aboard a British ship of the line in the 19th century.

The only surprise was the flying of the Red Ensign, which is the British merchant flag. Men o'war fly, and, I believe, have always flown, the White Ensign. See, for example, www.premiershipmodels.net/ model-ship-gallery/ hms-victory-boat-model.html, and www.hms-victory.com/.

Perhaps one of our British brethren can shed additional light on the subject.

A musical feast

Editor, Naples Daily News:

What a delicious musical feast was served in Cambier Park this afternoon (Nov. 23).

I felt privileged to sit among the hundreds of music lovers enjoying the free concert given by the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra.

It occurred to me that during the past eight days, Naples has had three major musical groups give free concerts at Cambier Park.

On Nov. 16, the Naples Concert Band performed. And thanks to The Naples Daily News, the U.S. Navy Jazz Band, the Commodores, played for us the following evening.

Thanksgiving time seemed an appropriate time to express my gratitude to all the people who are responsible for bringing such fine musical programs to Naples.

A real patriot

Editor, Naples Daily News:

In a recent letter, Mr. Fred Rogers had some harsh words for local Democrat Gene Vaccaro, suggesting Mr. Vaccaro was unpatriotic and didn't support our troops. It might surprise Mr. Rogers that Gene Vaccaro has something George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and Tom Delay don't have -- a record of active military service.

Thank you Gene for honorably serving and for you fervent desire to see our soldiers and veterans treated properly. There is plenty of lip service about supporting our troops but the financial support for our military from a Republican Congress has overwhelmingly gone to defense contractors and not to our brave men and women who are fighting today.

As for Mr. Vaccaro's declaration that he lives "behind enemy lines" in Republican dominated Collier County, Mr. Rogers' harsh comments have proved Mr. Vaccaro's point.

Twenty years ago Collier County was predominantly Democratic and Republicans weren't treated to the kind of hostility dished out to their Democratic neighbors today.

Fred Rogers might like to thank American patriot Gene Vaccaro for his military service.

Hats off to Democrat Gene Vaccaro for telling it like it is. We love our country enough to question authority.

Another great day in Naples

Editor, Naples Daily News:

I could not begin to list all the great days we've enjoyed living here in Naples over the years, but, here is one that I had to single out.

In 250 words or less I would never find the words worthy enough to express our appreciation to the Naples Philharmonic for all their efforts and talents and for giving us the gift of their concert at Cambier Park.

It was truly wonderful and we appreciate each and everyone of you folks that made it all happen.

It started with the mood set of a smile, ended with a smile, but, more importantly we left with a warm spot in our hearts as your beautiful array of music choices lifted the spirits and love from each and every one of us .

The weather cooperated, the concert was great, to say the least, and it was just a picture perfect day.

Thank you again for the your special gift to our community, thank you for sharing your day with us in such a meaningful l way!