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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 10, 2007

Just Enforce All Laws

Regarding "Illegal Immigrant Crime Victims Should Not Fear Seeking Help" (Our Opinion, Dec. 2):

The Tribunes editorial on illegal immigrant crime victims had some merit when the Tribune said, "Most Americans do not want to see immigrants - even illegals - treated unfairly." The Tribune then seemed to lose common sense when you wrote: "The best answer seems to lie in those Massachusetts communities with a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy."

The best policy would be the enforcement of all our immigration laws. If the United States stopped waiting for illegal immigrants to cross our borders 12 to 14 times before taking action for the violation and enforced our labor laws instead of the horse-and-pony actions toward employers, there would be less need for the sob sisters to cry about illegals not reporting crimes against them. There would be less of them in this country illegally; there would be less need for these same people to cry that we will be breaking up a family.

A. FRANK PANELLA JR.

Valrico

Responsibility Required

Your editorial - which takes a certain presidential candidate to task for his vague ideas about appropriate immigration policies - falls well short of my expectation for such commentary. In my opinion its biggest shortcoming is an apparent failure to comprehend the true nature of citizenship and its attendant responsibilities.

Whatever lumps and bruises this fellow may have suffered from his attacker are the indirect result of the coarsening that his own crimes have brought about on the rough community in which he lives. And the same is true for the rest of us.

Societies that fail to make the connection between personal responsibility and citizenship can be expected to decline.

Don't be surprised if a candidate for public office today fails to comprehend the responsibilities of citizenship. It hasn't been clearly enunciated by most of our college classrooms or for that matter in the news media in a long time.

JIM PARKER

Tampa

Prefers Haley Treatment

Regarding "Cramped Haley Looks To Nearly Double Space" (front page, Dec 5):

I was one of those "diverted patients" for a knee replacement. I wish that I was one of the ones who didn't get diverted. The care and treatment that I received a year ago for replacement of the other knee far exceeds the same care that I received at the "local" hospital and aftercare by "civilians."

I had major surgery at Walter Reed many years ago and then the knee surgery at James Haley in Nov. 2006. In both cases, the entire procedure went like a well-oiled machine compared to the diverted patient care I received in the Tampa medical arena. Due to the servicemen and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the need to give them priority over us "old soldiers" caused this diversion. I am very gratified to know that they are getting the best medical service available. I deserved it when I was the line soldier, and they deserve it now.

So kudos to James A. Haley VA Medical Center and its members.

DON MILLIGAN

Lakeland

But He Got The Bill

I am 89 years old, a veteran of World War II and Korea and a patient at the James A. Haley VA hospital. In July 2005, I received a heart catheterization there. I was told upon release that if I had any problems whatsoever to call 911 and return immediately. I did have a problem so I did as instructed.

When the paramedics called ahead they were told they did not have room for me. It was the Fourth of July holiday. They told them to take me to University Community Hospital, which they did. I received a large bill from UCH . I talked to everyone at the VA asking them to pay for it as I had no other insurance. I was told the VA does not pay for services received at any other facility.

The article in the Dec. 5 Tribune says the VA will pay, but I had to pay a large bill.

This is the only complaint I have with the VA hospital. I have received excellent care there.

FREDERICK H. GRIFFIS

Tampa

Triumph Of Democracy

Regarding "Chavez's Changes Lose In Election"

The people of Venezuela spoke out for democracy this weekend. Once again, tyranny was put in its place.

People who truly have their country's best interests at heart realize they are not immortal and the beliefs they fight for and defend should live beyond them. They seek and train those capable of assuming leadership after them. They know it's not just about them and while they might not live to see their legacy bring fruit, it is worth the opportunity.

Surely there can be found someone who will institute the reforms needed there without stealing the rights of free people. They deserve nothing less.

THERESSA PLACKE

Tampa

Election Likely Unfair

Regarding "Putin's Party Wins By Landslide In Russian Vote" (Nation/World, Dec. 3):

The election of Vladimir Putin's party in Russia could not have been fair. By closing down media opposition in the form of TV stations, radio and newspapers and using government facilities to promote Putin's party and de facto succession after his term is over is explicitly un-democratic. The physical repression of demonstrations by other parties is further proof of a flawed process.

All civil and constitutional rights should be restored and a new and fair election held.

RICHARD WOLF

San Antonio

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