Letters to the Editor: June 26

Letter of the Day: Supreme challenge

Editor, Daily News:

June is National Adopt a Cat month.

I highly recommend that anyone with an egotistical complex, a dominating personality or who does not know how to cope with love and affection, adopt a strong-willed cat.

Go to the Humane Society or Collier Domestic Animal Services and view the cats for adoption.

Look them in the eye, and the one that stares you down is the one that will cure all your bad personality traits.

All you individuals who think you're big people because you can dominate a dog or a weak-willed person are in for the supreme challenge.

A cat will not cower in a corner, hang its head or put its tail between its legs. Either there will be a complete surrender on your part, or you will be history as far as the cat is concerned.

So accept the challenge and adopt a cat.

I hope all you self-centered individuals and insufferable eggheads will accept this type of challenge and improve your outlook on life by bringing a loving creature into your heart and home.

Donald P. Leddy , Naples

Letter of the Day: Attend the workshop

Editor, Daily News:

On Wednesday, June 28, at 5:30 p.m. at Bonita City Hall there will be a very important workshop and presentation by the developers for the Imperial Landing project. If you are opposed to this project or undecided, we urge you to attend so you can get the true facts rather than relying on rumors, half-truths or outright lies. If you support the project, please contact all our councilpersons and speak up and show your support.

The Antaramian Group has successfully developed projects in Naples and Marco Island. The Imperial Landing project is not a carbon copy of either; it is a unique plan taking into consideration the river and location of the land. There will not be high-rise condos; the height will be 45 feet, with parking under the buildings. All Imperial River frontage and westerly frontage along Leitner Creek will be accessible to the public. The developers will construct and pay for stormwater and flood control.

This is a win-win situation for the city and its residents. The developers will pay 100 percent of the money the city paid for the property and will develop a beautiful project we can all be proud of. Those who say there is no blight, prostitution or crime must have their eyes closed or selective vision. We need people living, dining and shopping there on a permanent basis, not transients.

Denial will set us back at least five years. Others planning new developments will change their plans. Our elected officials have an obligation to do what's best for all of the residents of the city and not what their personal desires are.

Bob and Kathy McGrath, Bonita Springs

Letter: God save America

Editor, Daily News:

I watched the debate on the "debacle in the desert," and I was struck by one moronic statement after the next, questioning the patriotism of Democratic ex-military members. Funny thing was none of the finger-pointers had ever been shot at or served. Odd, eh?

Patriotism has always been an exploited term used on the weak-minded masses. I don't see our fearless leaders enlisting their children — just yours. The Republicans (low in the polls) are blaming the Democrats for wanting to "cut and run" in Iraq because it has "become" a disaster. War is a disaster.

The Republicans are intentionally avoiding the point that most Americans with at least two brain cells see as self-evident: Republicans as well as Democrats who voted to go to war were lied to. But instead of calling the architects of all their dilemmas to task, they lash out in a direction that is quite disturbing — at their fellow victims of the "big lie." Party above all principles, I guess.

What happened to the self-assured, responsible and, above all, principled Republicans? Where have the adults gone in government? Now we have nothing but sniveling little cowards who are afraid of every threat, real or imagined, especially losing elections. They live in fear of everything they don't understand or dislike and are willing to send your children in every direction to kill based on hunches.

We now start wars to avoid wars. See anything wrong with this logic? It's the same logically as committing suicide to avoid being murdered. Who wins?

God save America from the feeble-minded fools in power.

Donovan Fraser , Naples

Letter: Suspect's bond too low

Editor, Daily News:

I'm not sure whether to be more outraged by the fact that a man dating a woman for a week entered her home, accused her of cheating on him, threatened to kill her daughter and then killed the family kitten with her four children present, or that his bond is only $2,500.

There appears to be a variety of illegal activity in this story, from entry into the home, threatening a child's life and child endangerment to animal cruelty resulting in death (a third-degree felony). His jealousy, control and intimidation aren't love. This is a classic case of domestic violence on fast-forward that isn't only morally wrong, but illegal and bound to escalate.

According the Humane Society of the United States, a 1997 survey of 50 of the largest shelters for battered women in the country found that 85 percent of women and 63 percent of children entering shelters discussed incidents of pet abuse in the family.

Since violence breeds violence, I urge our court system to recognize the link between animal abuse and domestic violence and take appropriate action against perpetrators. I also urge the community to learn more about domestic violence and animal abuse by visiting www.naplesshelter.org and contacting the Collier County Humane Society; or visiting www.hsus.org .

Love isn't black and blue. If you or a loved one is in danger, call the shelter's 24-hour crisis line at 775-1101, or 911.

Kathy Herrmann Catino, Chief executive officer, Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Letter: Animals deserve protection

Editor, Daily News:

I awakened this morning to read about another case of horrific animal abuse. I then took my two cats to my Harborside veterinarian for their annual shots only to see a cat up for adoption. I had been thrown out of a car, which caused damage to his mouth.

We read a woman was so mad that she hit a woman with her dead dog. This goes on and on and on.

I had written Collier County Sheriff Don Hunter to state that we need laws to protect innocent animals from adults who take pleasure in hurting them with no remorse. I got a reply saying they would look into it. That was a year ago. Our congressmen never even replied.

I'm asking everyone to send a message to our politicians, asking them to make animal abusers pay dearly for the suffering they give to defenseless creatures.

I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.

Judy Branch , Naples

Letter: U.S. out of Iraq

Editor, Daily News:

Having missed Vietnam action during my four-year military service (1966-70), I admit to a strange feeling on a recent Southeast Asia cruise.

Traveling through the delta to the former Saigon past rice paddies and farms, it was impossible not to see the ghosts of 58,000-plus American soldiers and hundreds of thousands of others who died or were injured there. It was also impossible not to ask myself why?

What was accomplished? Why did those brave, honorable and courageous people make the ultimate sacrifice? We lost, yet communism did not spread and the people of Vietnam seem to be doing quite well.

So, as atrocities in Iraq continue, I again ask myself why? What's being accomplished? Why are brave, honorable and courageous Americans dying there? I mean, let's just put it out there: Does anyone here really give a rat's ear about Iraq? Does anyone here care if the Shiites, Sunnis or Kurds gain control? Does anyone think any democracy we are remotely familiar with will prevail when they finish fighting?

Our military is the strongest and most technologically advanced in history and should be feared and respected accordingly, not just sent out every day to be road-killed or target practice.

If you really want to support our troops, understand that supporting them means getting them out of this quagmire. If you are concerned that pulling out would cause us a loss of respect across the world, well, it's too late for that.

President Bush's ego aside, there is a time and a place for everything, including the use of our military.

Art Herman , Bonita Springs

Letter: Welcome reflection

Editor, Daily News:

What a relief and how nice to read something pleasant and uplifting in the letter of the day. I thank you, Buddy Eubank.

Right now we have so much to worry and complain about, it is indeed refreshing for all of us to find a note of hope by reflecting on the past.

Mary J. Quinn , Naples

Letter: Meat-free reduces emissions

Editor, Daily News:

Al Gore's riveting documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," has focused public attention on the looming disaster of global warming and the associated flooding of coastal communities, extreme weather conditions and destruction of wildlife habitats.

Global warming is brought on by emission of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide and the much more potent methane and nitrous oxide. These gases trap the sun's heat in our atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect.

Most of us blame automotive and industrial emissions. But animal agriculture is a major culprit as well. It emits carbon dioxide from the burning of forests to create animal pastures and from combustion of fossil fuels to operate farm machinery, trucks, refrigeration equipment, factory farms and slaughterhouses. It emits methane from the digestive tracts of cattle and nitrous oxide from animal waste cesspools.

According to a recent University of Chicago study, a meat-free diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide per year — as much as switching from an SUV to a hybrid car.

Folks who care about the future of life on Earth would be well-advised to consider switching to a meat-free diet even before they switch to a hybrid car.

Deana Cantwell , Naples

Letter: Honor for veterans

Editor, Daily News:

This is to advise all veterans who have earned the Purple Heart that the state of New York is scheduled to open the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor on Nov. 10 at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site in Vails Gate, N.Y.

The facility, once fully completed with museum and visitor center, will honor more than 800,000 Purple Heart medal recipients. For additional information visit the Web site: http://nysparks.state.ny.us/heritage/purple hrt.asp or send a copy of the award (DD214) to:

The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, P.O. Box 207, Vails Gate, N.Y. 12584; (845) 561-1765; fax: (845) 561-6577.

When space is available, they will request stories and pictures from combat-wounded veterans. On May 27, the post office issued Purple Heart stamps to honor these veterans. They are available at the main Naples post office on Goodlette-Frank Road.

Richard Hoddinott , Naples

Letter: 'David' and 'Goliath'

Editor, Daily News:

It is astonishing that much of the world positions Israel as the "Goliath" in relationship to the Palestinian's "David."

Nothing, of course, could be further from the truth. Since 1948 Israel has been assaulted or threatened by the entire Arab world. Only the most virulent anti-Semite would create the absurd conclusions that are often reached by the United Nations and much of Europe.

The ease that many have in condemning Israel's actions is indicative of the ease the world has always had in attacking Jews. Israel is held to a suicidal standard that has never been asked of any other nation at any time.

It is the Arab world itself that has kept the Palestinians confined to the West Bank and Gaza. The artificially manufactured hatred of the Jew and the self-serving interests of Palestinian leaders have driven these actions. It is clear that the Arab intent is not to establish an independent Palestinian state. Their intent is to destroy Israel.

If the Arab leaders actually wanted a Palestinian state, they merely had to extend the hand of friendship to their Israeli neighbor. Of course this could have been done many times over the previous 58 years. Israel's restraint has been impressive. The world must realize, however, that the expression "never again" is not just Jewish rhetoric.

It must be kept in mind, over all considerations, that if the Palestinians put down their weapons, there will be peace. If the Israelis put down their weapons, they will be annihilated.

Andrew R. Joppa , Naples

Letter: Insurance insanity

Editor, Daily News:

I am not in the habit of airing my concerns to the general public. In fact, this is the very first time I have written to a newspaper regarding a situation that exists not only for myself, but also for many, many Florida residents.

I am referring to the exorbitantly high insurance premiums being quoted to condominium associations. Not only has the pool of insurance carriers dwindled to but a precious few, but the coverage for windstorm has almost disappeared, and the premiums quoted have soared to heights that even the winds of Hurricane Wilma did not reach.

Insurance carriers are waiting until the last possible moment to quote premiums, thus placing property owners with their backs against the wall. Why is this type of business practice allowed in this state?

The condominium association wherein I reside full-time received a premium quote for hazard coverage which amounted to a 500 percent increase over last year. This exorbitant quote was the only one received. Even at that, it was not presented until 48 hours before the expiration of the former policy. The annual maintenance fees have doubled because of this price gouging.

Is anyone in the state's political arena looking into these practices which appear to be a form of extortion?

Arlene F. Goffredi , Naples

Letter: Vote the bums out

Editor, Daily News:

I watched C-SPAN for a few hours showing the debate on what needs to be done in Iraq.

Some used talking points like "cut and run," "surrender to the terrorists," "emboldening the enemy" and "stay and pay," while saying nearly the same things as their adversaries on the matter. All agreed, something must be done, and it's up to the Iraqis to do it.

Talking points may raise vote counts, but they also contribute to the body counts of our fighting forces in theater. They are trying to take credit for the eventual and obvious troop reduction that will soon take place. That will lead to more deaths of Americans in Iraq.

There is no shame in Washington, D.C. It is victory in the November elections that is the only true goal of those in congress and the White House that matters now. This I say is an outrage we should all feel.

Just a thought to ponder here. It takes about four months to take an American civilian and turn him into a soldier or Marine or combat-ready person. Why is it taking so long to train Iraqis to do the same? I think it's a human nature thing — that if someone else is willing to do my fighting for me, let them die instead of me.

To quote a line often used in politics: "Vote the bums out." Your child's life may depend on it.

Robert G. Jenkins , Naples

Letter: Business as usual

Editor, Daily News:

As black clouds gather above Bamboo Village, does it seem what goes on in Bonita Springs is business as usual?

Without a vote of its membership, it appears the chamber of commerce has accepted a sponsor and endorses the plan to develop expensive condos on the former Bamboo site. Its recent advertisement says the developer will repay the city 100 percent of what it costs the city to purchase and clear the land. The problem is, the property may be worth over twice that amount.

The chamber ad says the city will not subsidize any part of the project. That statement is irrational and illogical. If the city sells the Bamboo property for $4 million and it's worth $10 million, that constitutes a $6 million government handout (subsidy). Taxpayer-funded subsidies paid out to several property owners in the U.S. 41 corridor should be of concern to all Bonita Springs taxpayers.

Among those waiting in the wings for the windfall is the ethically challenged Councilman Ben Nelson. He might vote for the project despite personal real estate holdings in the area.

All this disrupts the affordable-housing market in Old Bonita. There are alternatives.

Ron Pure , Chairman, Taxpayer Action Group

Letter: Ignorance is not bliss

Editor, Daily News:

Discussions of abstinence-only programs may be acceptable coming from a pulpit, but you will rarely hear them from a knowledgeable public health officer, because such programs are clearly tied to rising sexually transmitted disease rates in teens and are therefore a threat to public health.

"Worth the Wait" programs, which discourage the comprehensive teaching of sex education, discourage the use of condoms. Since about half of all teens are, in fact, sexually active, this simply leads to sex without protection from serious diseases, including life-threatening AIDS.

Abstinence-only programs, while certainly providing complete protection when used, have been found at best to only delay somewhat the onset of sexual activity. There have been innumerable scientific medical studies here and abroad, including an excellent one in Texas in 2005, that prove this beyond doubt. The Texas Department of Health found ninth-grade girls were 5 percent and 10th-grade boys were 15 percent more likely to engage in sex after taking abstinence-only classes.

In a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Development, over 14,000 teens were interviewed. Fifty-two percent who took an abstinence pledge had sex within a year! Studies in Europe are even more convincing. Comprehensive sex education definitely promotes abstinence, but includes information concerning proper use of contraception, so teens' attitudes and abilities will prepare them for the time when they do become sexually active.

It does not encourage sexual activity. It discourages it. Knowledge is power. Ignorance leads to disease and disaster.

Allen Malnak, M.D. , Bonita Springs

Letter: Revolutionary truth

Editor, Daily News:

Thank God for the "blogosphere."

When large corporations control the media, an iron curtain descends over the Fourth Estate. Our precious freedoms are then in danger of being usurped by the tyranny of misinformation. If we are deceived as a result, we are less likely to resist the tide. Thus, we are led to believe the untruths that are spread among us.

Conservative talk radio aids and abets their cause with the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly and their cohorts. In other words, we have been, and are being, brainwashed daily — hence, the ill-advised venture into Iraq.

Meanwhile, Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson are castigated by the likes of Judy Miller, Robert Novak, Scooter Libby and Karl Rove because they have the temerity to tell the truth. Behind the scenes, Vice President Cheney is calling the shots. Thank God also for those honest Republicans who have seen through the deceptions and are rebelling against this kind of leadership.

Thanks also to C-Span, CNN, public radio and television and others who speak out. In China, they censor the Internet. Fortunately, that has not yet occurred here. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

To paraphrase George Orwell ("1984"), "When deceit is in control of the land, the truth becomes revolutionary."

Stanley Tralins , Naples

Letter: Attend the workshop

Editor, Daily News:

On Wednesday, June 28, at 5:30 p.m. at Bonita City Hall there will be a very important workshop and presentation by the developers for the Imperial Landing project. If you are opposed to this project or undecided, we urge you to attend so you can get the true facts rather than relying on rumors, half-truths or outright lies. If you support the project, please contact all our councilpersons and speak up and show your support.

The Antaramian Group has successfully developed projects in Naples and Marco Island. The Imperial Landing project is not a carbon copy of either; it is a unique plan taking into consideration the river and location of the land. There will not be high-rise condos; the height will be 45 feet, with parking under the buildings. All Imperial River frontage and westerly frontage along Leitner Creek will be accessible to the public. The developers will construct and pay for stormwater and flood control.

This is a win-win situation for the city and its residents. The developers will pay 100 percent of the money the city paid for the property and will develop a beautiful project we can all be proud of. Those who say there is no blight, prostitution or crime must have their eyes closed or selective vision. We need people living, dining and shopping there on a permanent basis, not transients.

Denial will set us back at least five years. Others planning new developments will change their plans. Our elected officials have an obligation to do what's best for all of the residents of the city and not what their personal desires are.

Bob and Kathy McGrath , Bonita Springs

Letter: Daily News abets the left

Editor, Daily News:

After reading the 10th letter of Joseph Yurko since January (almost two per month), you still cannot spell his last name correctly! You do a sterling job with the names of Jane Varner, Eddie Filer, John Riccio (almost two letters per month also), and a few others not quite prolific as the above mentioned four, but you fall flat on your face with Jersey Joe's!

Regardless, these chosen four (few) continue to do the heavy lifting for the Daily News in spreading the gospel of the liberal left as the "Pontius Pilates" of 1075 Central Avenue continue to wash their hands.

John Townsend , Naples