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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 19, 2007

No Defense For Son

Regarding "Hogan Defends His Son's Driving" (Metro, Dec. 8):

I am outraged by the latest coverage of the Nick Bollea story. This time we learn through sworn deposition several new facts:

• Hulk Hogan admits being in the car when Bollea was stopped twice for speed in excess of 100 mph;

• It didn't feel like they were going fast;

• Hogan believes his son is a good driver; and,

• Hogan denies his son was drinking, in spite of blood alcohol tests that prove otherwise.

Will someone please read this article to Hogan to make sure he understands how he is coming across to the public? We "little people" probably can't relate to the Hogan family plight since we don't live the visible life and we don't own more than two cars worth $100,000. Can we all envision how Nick might have fooled his father by sneaking a beer or two behind the family's huge garage? Where is any expression of remorse that this whole accident ever happened? Is there any sign of regret for the fate of John Graziano, whose family will now care for him for the rest of his life? Is there any reason to believe that a lesson was learned by expending the time and money to research and defend Bollea's case? Could Hogan still possess the good sense to avoid culpability by remaining silent on these points?

R. GLEN COLEMAN

Tampa

Ordeal Hurting Grandma

Regarding Daniel Ruth column "Hogan Beams Excuses From Zircon" (Metro, Dec. 13):

I am one of Daniel Ruth's many fans and enjoy reading his acerbic, sarcastic, warm and, many times, humorous columns. He is truly a fine wordsmith.

The one regarding Hulk Hogan's problems hit home though as I realized how an innocent party would be affected by Ruth's words. I was fortunate enough to become very friendly with Ruth Bollea, "Hulk's" mother and Nick's grandmother, during the years my father was at the same retirement home as her. What a fine, caring lady. Proud of her family, she often told of the struggles, heartaches and accomplishments they had made over the years.

The situation with her grandson is tearing this amazing woman apart and, with her eyesight fading, she can only rely on her hearing to glean any news. The ripple effect of one such tragic event surely does chip away at the contentment and peace Ruth Bollea wished for in her twilight years.

TINKA TRUMP DIEHL

Tampa

'Hulk' Mischaracterized

I typically enjoy Daniel Ruth's column; however, I strongly disagree with his treatment of Terry Bollea - aka Hulk Hogan. His characterization of Bollea as an unfeeling clod is undeserved.

I attended the Renaissance Festival in Largo about 10 years ago and the Hulkster happened to be in attendance at the same time. I am not now, nor have I ever been, a wrestling fan, but that day I did become a fan of Hulk Hogan. He was impossible to overlook, not because of his fortune or fame, but because of the ever-growing mass of excited children. He was jovial, kind, and accommodating to all. He gladly gave out autographs to anyone who asked and allowed the mass of madness to follow him around the festival all day. While he entertained all the children, which was not his job this day, the smile never left his face.

My heart goes out to Graziano and his family during this difficult time. I truly hope for a miracle. I cannot, however, silently abide Ruth's careless use of sarcasm and vitriol in vilifying an innocent.

MICHAEL TICKTIN

St. Petersburg

No Place To Walk

Regarding "Tampa Walks Off With Last Place" (Our Opinion, Dec. 10):

Your editorial shoots itself in the foot when it says that there are many places to walk in Tampa. Every place you mentioned requires driving to the area first. When I lived in Manhattan, Queens, Bronx and Long Island, I could step out of my front door onto a sidewalk and walk many miles in any direction without the use of a car.

If I want to cross Fowler Avenue near University Mall, I drive because I don't want to be killed or maimed. You must have lived in Tampa for many years and don't know what the rest of the country is like.

STANLEY ORING

Tampa

Pedestrian Unfriendly

Tampa area ranks very low in pedestrian friendliness. I can attest to that. I once was an avid runner, but now that I am in my 70s I can no longer enjoy that activity. I can still walk, and I do several times a week. I try to stay away from major roadways, however, due to loose dogs and other considerations.

I have arrived at a route that takes me across the intersection at Lithia Pinecrest Road and Bloomingdale Drive in Valrico. I cross Litha Pinecrest going west outbound and east on my way home.

The pedestrian crossing is well marked and has a "walk" light activated by a button. This sounds pedestrian-friendly, but it is not. The "walk" activates once the left turn arrows on Bloomingdale go to red. Now the green light is lit for traffic on Bloomingdale going straight through the intersection and for those turning right. The first few vehicles may give way to pedestrians, but then traffic turning right is going at speed at the same time the walker is in the pedestrian crossing.

As a pedestrian, you get no quarter.

ROBERT ROACH

Valrico

Bumps In The Road

Regarding "Boy's Death Spurs Speed Bumps Call" (Metro, Dec. 13):

I've said it before and I'll say it again; speed bumps aren't always the best answer. All those screaming for speed bumps and traffic slowing devices on their through streets just remember this - for each one the firetruck or ambulance has to cross over, it will slow their response time by three to five seconds.

Doesn't sound like much? Want to bet? Meanwhile your house can be past saving but worse yet, your life could be! Putting four-way stop signs every few blocks can be a better deterrent. If everyone in Tampa ends up getting speed bumps, we're going to have a bunch of junk cars perpetually out of line and our insides rearranged.

WYNELLE GILBERT

Tampa

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