Letters to the Editor: June 28

Letter of the Day: Oppressed?

Editor, Daily News:

This is in response to a letter by Phillip Donovan in last Thursday's edition. My wife and I relocated in April 2005. There were a few reusable items that we no longer had room for in our new residence. One in particular was a hide-a-bed reupholstered by my wife.

After calling six agencies and one family in Manna Christian mobile park, we ended up calling a junk hauler. The reasons from agencies were "no room" to "too far to drive with the cost of gasoline" and "cannot accept reupholstered items."

It was sad in a way to realize that the oppressed may not be as oppressed as we are led to believe.

Earle Wisniewski , Bonita Springs

Letter of the Day: Live, learn and cheer

Editor, Daily News:

The other day I witnessed a wonderful act of kindness that I feel needs to be shared.

On my way home from work I was sitting at the intersection of Radio Road and Santa Barbara Boulevard ready to make a left turn onto Santa Barbara, when I noticed a Waste Management truck parked on the opposite side of the street.

Only then did I see the driver of the truck approach a woman in a wheelchair who had gotten stuck between the curb and a clump of grass while attempting to cross Radio.

The poor thing couldn't move and was completely helpless.

This gentleman not only got her chair unstuck, but he must have found out where she was trying to go because he stopped traffic to allow her to cross Radio.

It was a beautiful sight to see someone do something so selfless. Passers-by were honking and giving the driver a thumbs up in obvious approval of what he had just done.

I just hope that this man knows what a wonderful thing he did and I truly hope that others have learned from his wonderful deed. I know I did.

Karin Miletta, Naples

Letter: A star is born

Editor, Daily News:

Your Collier County Sheriff's Office is at the start of a renaissance in getting information to you — the kind you need and the kind you've asked for — in a quick and easy to enjoy style.

Powered by our desire to keep residents in the know about the latest crime trends in their neighborhoods, and our need to share information to help in the community fight against crime, we've created The Collier Star. Designed by our Public Affairs Bureau as an e-newsletter to read online at www.colliersheriff.org, or to sign up to have it delivered weekly to your e-mail in box, The Star brings much more than the average police blotter.

The Collier Star is your connection to the Sheriff's Office. Learn why deputies are allowed to take home their patrol cars in "Ask a Deputy." Check out "Just the Facts" to see every burglary in your area or catch breaking news first in The Star. Whether you live in Naples Park, Lake Park or anywhere else in Collier County, or are one of our part-time residents who calls Naples home during the winter, The Star is a must read.

Sign up now at www.colliersheriff.org at The Collier Star E-Newsletter link. Or e-mail collierstar@colliersheriff.net to share your ideas or suggestions.

Watch for more innovations to make your Sheriff's Office even more accessible and ready to share information with the people we protect and serve.

Don Hunter , Sheriff, Collier County

Letter: Old English

Editor, Naples Daily News:

The English that I learned in the 1940s is not the English that I hear today.

In school I was implored to use the word "less" when referring to a quantity and "fewer" when referring to a number. Less milk, but fewer oranges.

I miss that nicety.

Whatever happened to "gentleman?" Before the hippy era, a gentleman was highly regarded. I remember walking with my wife and keeping to the outside of the sidewalk, opening doors for ladies, rising when a lady entered the room.

Today we see men entering restaurants with the woman following behind; men seating themselves leaving the ladies to their own devices. Some of that results from the women's movement, since which some women prefer to show their independence. Waiters often present the check to the woman for fear of offending her.

I took the Collier County Sheriff's Office's Citizen's Academy Course, and the lecturers used the term "gentleman" as a pejorative: "The gentleman murdered his girlfriend with a machete." I hear that on television as well. OK, so that's cop talk, but I wish gentlemen would once again mean what it used to.

When I say "thank you," I usually get "No problem" in reply!

Whatever happened to "You're welcome."

Will I get responses from English teachers, and will they call me an old fogy?

William F. Conklin , Naples

Letter: A pledge not to pledge

Editor, Daily News:

Our governor doesn't seem to be too bright. He recently made the statement that he didn't see why anyone wouldn't want to pledge allegiance to the flag.

I guess he doesn't know that in 1943 the Supreme Court ruled that no one had to recite the pledge. Before that time, Jehovah's Witnesses' children were expelled from school for not reciting the pledge.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that pledging allegiance to the flag is a form of idolatry and their allegiance is only to their God. They believe in obeying all of man's laws if they don't conflict with God's laws. For over 100 years there was no pledge until it was instituted in the 1890s. Before that time, people didn't think it was important.

I was associated with Jehovah's Witnesses for about 20 years when I was younger. I understand why anyone would refrain from pledging allegiance. I'm no longer associated with Jehovah's Witnesses, but I still don't pledge allegiance to anything. I don't believe in making pledges, because it is a form of slavery, and pledges are easily broken.

A lot of people pledge allegiance to the flag and then are convicted of breaking the laws of this country. They have broken their pledge and are worse than people who stand up for their convictions. This country is full of hypocritical pledgers.

Children pledge by rote and don't even realize what they're doing and saying. I can't understand why people think pledging allegiance makes them patriotic.

Eddie Filer , Big Corkscrew Island

Letter: Doesn't get "Fuzzy"

Editor, Daily News:

Regarding "Get Fuzzy," I sincerely hope that this comic strip will be discontinued as soon as possible.

How it ever made it to the comics page is baffling. It is obviously not funny, especially on June 18 — Father's Day, yet.

It is irreverent, mean-spirited and totally stupid. I shudder at the thought of young children reading it on a Sunday, in brilliant color.

Joan Bobinsky , Naples

Letter: Appeal to the young

Editor, Daily News:

An appeal to our younger generation: Our armed services have many of our boys and girls who are leaders. They are fighting and some are dying. We need you, who are here at home, to protect this great country of ours from more despair.

Your parents and grandparents saw the Great Depression, worked together through wars and did all they could to make it better for you. Now it is pay-back time.

We need your leadership. Work to get the smut out of our lives; combat the drugs that are killing the minds of your friends and families. It really is up to you to bring back the integrity and grace this country is losing. Back up our boys and girls who are fighting to protect everything we have earned.

Any of you young people can show leadership. You are definitely our future leaders. We are depending on you to assure us that we don't have to be afraid for your future. Thank you.

Marie Dekkers , Naples

Letter: Water woes near

Editor, Daily News:

Recently in the Daily News there was a story on Southwest Florida water utilities' plan to spend $1.7 billion by 2025 to slake the thirst of a population that will surge to 1.6 million residents. They will be using a technology to turn brackish water into fresh water through reverse osmosis. By 2025 they now expect 674,000 new residents.

The way we are using our water, I don't think it will work — too many new homes that have nice lawns and lots of trees, etc.

For people living in the Southwest, there is the rapid depletion of the Colorado River, the main water source for Arizona, Nevada and California. The worst example is Las Vegas. They are heading for dehydration, and everybody knows it. Yet, the residents consume 308 gallons of water per day per person.

The price of water must be allowed to rise and force people to come to their senses by taking shorter showers, modifying lawn care, washing cars less often, etc. Maybe it will cost more for water than oil.

Peter W. Bonny, Naples

Letter: Take off, airport

Editor, Daily News:

The Daily News, in my opinion, has an obligation to the public of Collier County to inform the people of any hazard affecting their future welfare.

Many years ago Marco Island got rid of a major hazard when the people of Marco moved the airport from the island. Many people presently living in Collier don't remember that there ever was an airport on Marco. I assure you all, there was an airport and it was rightfully moved off the island.

Just think of all the people who would benefit by moving the Naples Municipal Airport. We could build affordable housing, increase the tax base which would add millions of dollars to the city and county. In other words, help the many, not the very few — yes, the very few.

I'm sure that if moving the airport was put on the ballot in a city and county vote, in my opinion, the airport would be history.

Tony Giordano, Naples

Letter: Whose sacrifice?

Editor, Daily News:

Because of President Bush's war in Iraq, we have two more of our brave young soldiers captured and killed by the insurgents — over 2,500 dead and thousands wounded.

President Bush said on TV we will have to sacrifice; we will stay the course and no one is going to dictate to him when we will get out of Iraq.

This is my question: Who is doing the sacrificing? Not Bush or his family; not Dick Cheney; not Condoleezza Rice; not Donald Rumsfeld. It is the families of the dead soldiers. It is the American people who are being hit by high gas prices and no medical insurance because we blew $380 billion fighting a phony war.

I hope George Bush and all of the above, plus the Democrats and Republicans who voted for Bush's war, can sleep when they go to bed at night.

Mary L. Griffith, Naples

Letter: Flag flagging

Editor, Naples Daily News:

Can we find out who owns the large flag that is attached to the huge white tower just north of the intersection of Golden Gate Parkway and Collier Boulevard?

The flag is in shameful shape, tattered and torn.

It needs to be retired and replaced.

Madonna Crame, Golden Gate

Letter: Let's help Dustin

Editor, Daily News:

The story on Dustin Nealeigh, the young man who suffered a severed thumb when trying to be a good Samaritan, left me wondering: What kind of person would leave the scene of an accident where the person who was trying to help him is bleeding all over the place?

I am also very troubled by the fact that Naples Community Hospital was not "equipped" to handle this case. I am not a medical professional and do not know exactly what the procedure to reattach a thumb would entail. It does, however, seem pretty disconcerting that the biggest hospital in Naples does not have the staff and/or equipment to handle such cases.

If they can't fix a thumb, what else can't they fix?

Let's all step up and donate to the Dustin's Thumbs-Up Fund at Salty Sam's Marina. Let's help out this young man and take one less worry off his mind. Mr. Anonymous Boater, you can't feel good about yourself.

Do the right thing and turn yourself in. Show this young man that he almost lost his thumb trying to help out a fellow human not some insensitive monster.

Finally, to NCH, it is time you realized that the community is growing and more specialized services are needed. Get the staff, get the equipment and worry less about the bottom line. Naples is counting on you.

Monica Rodriguez, Golden Gate Estates

Letter: Defends the Daily News

Editor, Daily News:

This letter is a first for me.

I read the letters to the editor every day just as I read the comics. Sometimes they are funny, sometimes they are informational, sometimes they are thought-provoking and sometimes they make no sense at all. But they are a forum for opinion (and should be viewed only as opinion) and I applaud your paper for providing that forum.

So when Richard Fraer took you to task for not exercising responsible journalism because you wouldn't print his over-250-word letter on the dangers of depleted uranium, I suddenly felt the need to jump in.

My focus here is not depleted uranium but rather journalistic prerogatives and responsibilities in publishing letters to the editor. If Mr. Fraer wanted to heighten people's awareness of the issues of depleted uranium, he could have summarized his concerns and cited several references available on the Internet and in libraries which support his position and done it in far fewer than 250 words.

Of course the Internet search might also have exposed several less-supportive positions on the subject. What a wonderful thing diversity of opinion is.

As for responsible journalism, I think the Daily News is doing just what it must do. Letters to the editor are unvetted, uncorroborated, unsubstantiated statements of individual points of view. The fact that they are printed at all, specifically under the heading of Opinion, regardless of bias, inaccuracy or self0servingness, looks like the ultimate in responsible journalism to me.

Thanks for the forum (and the 250-word limit).

John Ostrowski , Naples

Letter: Attorney defense

Editor, Daily News:

In response to someone who stated that they would never vote for an attorney but would vote for a business person — Wow! Am I to assume that this person never has had the assistance of a lawyer in his life? How could anyone say such a silly thing?

Vote the man, not his occupation, I say. Does anyone agree? If I have a serious problem, a business person is not the person I look to for help.

Think about it. People make such funny comments.

Cecilia Almeida , Naples

Letter: They don't get it

Editor, Daily News:

Dear fellow Americans: Just as you don't announce days in advance at what corner there will be a DUI checkpoint or a sting operation, you should not tell our enemies when we will pull our troops out. That would be pure insanity.

Think about it.

Renate S. Kelly, Naples

Letter: End it now

Editor, Daily News:

Are you as fed up with this ridiculous "war" as I?

If our representatives and senators are not stealing money, they're vacationing. Why is there always a 10 percent attendance at hearings? (Watch C-SPAN)

For those pitiful "peaceniks" who preach that it's better to fight them over there than here, you idiots! Have you noticed their navy of two canoes, and air force of two gliders, and no tow planes? What's the matter with you? Maybe you think they will take a cruise ship over here. Duh.

Again, I implore our president to fight to win and bring the kids home. I'm tired of seeing our 19-year-olds' ambushed and brutalized bodies left in the mud. We're fighting eighth-century, out-of-work dorks on their terms. Carrying 100-pound backpacks in 140-degree weather and fighting man-to-man just does not cut it.

Drop the bombs and end it n-o-w! Hit the ports and the triangle. Before we know it, the other Middle East and Far East countries will be taking shots at us because of our apparent impotence. Then we will have the problem of millions and millions and millions of enemies who could come over and beat us with baseball bats.

Our kids are there to protect our country, not some other.

By the way, for the idiots who think Iraq was responsible for 9/11, or that they had weapons of mass destruction, oops: We attacked the wrong country.

Cy Doline, Naples

Letter: Tell me why

Editor, Daily News:

If this is America, why is it when I read a product label, form, instructions, government documents, etc., I need to search for the English?

When I go to the grocery store, gas station or restaurant, etc., I cannot communicate with the personnel because they do not speak English. I need to press "1" for English when making a call, including government offices. I need to be subjected to Spanish commercials on radio and television, especially when there are nearly 30-plus Spanish channels in the cable lineup, along with the ability to select Spanish as the language if you'd like it, and numerous Spanish stations on the radio.

People come up to me and just begin speaking Spanish. Then, when they are informed that I do not speak Spanish, they roll their eyes, sigh and get an attitude because I don't speak it.

I am unable to afford health insurance, nor can I afford to obtain health care if I get sick. Yet, my taxes are paying for Medicaid, schooling, etc., for people who are in the country illegally.

Could someone tell me why that is?

Lori Benedetto, Naples

Letter: We've been had

Editor, Daily News:

Right on, Kevin Braniff. You are saying what most of us have been thinking — insurance companies have us all jumping at their commands. In return, we are paying big bucks for this privilege, and every year the cards are stacked higher against us.

Years ago, very few homeowners had insurance. It was called "insuring yourself." How did we all get suckered into the insurance scam? We are sold on insuring everything.

I hear Jennifer Lopez even has her fanny insured.

Alvy Oechslin, Naples