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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 5, 2007

Giving thanks

On this grandest day of giving thanks, I dwelled for a moment as I removed the plastic casing that envelopes my Tampa Tribune. As usual, I glanced the headlines on page 1, but held off reading the body of the articles to sift through the other sections. My morning ritual takes me directly to the Bay Life section to check out my horoscope, strictly for the entertainment value as intended, and take note of other items of interest. It's my way of immediately avoiding the harsh realities of the world. Then, the sports section becomes a quick reference for the previous day's winners and losers. As I finish each section they eventually are placed aside to be discarded in the recycle bin. There are news items I may cut and save for future reference.

This particular Thanksgiving morning I stopped and considered the prospects of shaking my head, frowning at the words in front me and feeling regret for the sad state of affairs locally, statewide, nationally and globally. I decided that this is not the day to dwell on all the negatives that pervade the societies the world over.

None of this purveys the spirit that this particular day has been set aside to reflect on the beginnings of our great nation. What a wonderful day it must have been when the European settlers sat along the side of the American Indians. At that point, I doubt there was a thought or consideration how those peoples would eventually be forced to surrender their lands-of-plenty to races of greed and opportunity. To this day, we insult the heritage of their tribal homelands.

Although I held off shedding a tear, I pondered the possibilities that could actually bring reverence and meaning to this fourth Thursday of every November. At this moment, I hang my head as I try to express the thoughts for the intention of this letter. Many times, words are meant to satisfy a personal need to bring others to share a common bond of presence. All too often contention overrides the possibilities of positive expression.

I suppose this is one day of the year when consumers are out early in the day to garner the volumes of glossy offerings for the gifts they will present to friends, family and loved ones a month from now. There are some who abandon financial responsibility to satisfy their need to give; going overboard may bring a bit of regret with the New Year but that feeling of satisfaction on the Friday after Thanksgiving gives many a joy so important to the human psyche.

This is a day of parades, football, cooking and eating to one's hearts and tummies of desire. The sweet tooth also gets its share of pleasure and satisfaction. It's unfortunate not everyone has the means to take part in this ritual of plentiful consumption.

Every newspaper shares in the spirit of Thanksgiving and denies my understanding that doomsayers foresee the demise of this form of information service. I honestly can't imagine life without this form of media coverage. I give thanks to the editor (in this instance, interim editor Sue Quigley) and reporters of Hernando Today, and my fellow citizens for their letters of opinion to keep me in touch with events and concerns within our community. Retired Editor Bob Nolte is not forgotten.

Without hesitation, I have made a decision to make this the first Thanksgiving Day of the rest of my life to read the good and disregard the bad and ugly. I will make this a day of hope, love and understanding for all living things. Tomorrow will be soon enough to resume the confrontations of the real world.

Black Friday is my new nemesis.

Ron Rae

Spring Hill

Decisive action

To all of you who have heard and read so much about the loss of wetlands and natural habitat in Florida and the wonderful plants and animals that make their homes there, let me tell you there is hope here in East Hernando County.

The Hernando County Comprehensive Plan, which designates areas of conservation, strategic habitat and wetlands is being taken seriously by our county workers. The destruction of native flora and the subsequent reduction in endangered, threatened and species of special interest around Lake Geneva in East Hernando County will soon come to an end due to the efforts of our dedicated county employees.

I would like to extend specific recognition and thanks to Jeffrey Davis of the Code Enforcement Department and Deputy Christopher Vascellaro with the Sheriff's Office - our community deputy here in Ridge Manor. Without their decisive action and efforts, the pristine area around the south end of Lake Geneva could be suffering the same degradation that has plagued too many parts of our beautiful state. We need more folks like these.

Mark Hutchinson

Ridge Manor

Walk the walk

I would like to see all these people in Hernando County who continue to complain about Sheriff Nugent and his deputies to put on the uniform and go into action.

My suggestion includes our county commissioner, Diane Rowden, who continues to "jab" our sheriff and his budget. Has she taken the time to look at the crime page every week? Does she think all these people just show up at the jail and turn themselves into our law enforcement?

Our deputies working full time earn only about half of what Ms. Rowden earns for part-time employment. And, I might add, they earn their money protecting us and doing what is best for Hernando County.

Does Ms. Rowden work 12-hour shifts and carry about 40 pounds of equipment including a bullet-proof vest, gun, ammo, Taser, pepper spray, baton, handcuffs, etc. when she goes to work?

I say to all who complain about our sheriff to put on the uniform, carry those 40 pounds and face the possibility of death every time you stop a car, serve a warrant or are called to a domestic violence situation.

If you can't "walk the walk," then shut your mouths.

Betty Dobson

Brooksville

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