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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 8, 2007

Time Has Been Served

Regarding "28-Year Fugitive Crept Under Nose Of The Law" (front page, Nov. 1):

If this man has committed no other crime in 28 years, I believe he should be allowed to go free. He had already served eight years and has lived a quiet, peaceful life for 28 years.

This man has suffered mentally and apparently has his life straightened out. He has not killed or injured anyone and I say to the judge who handles this case to let this man go free.

JAMES DALEY

Sun City Center

Truth Is Mandatory

Regarding "Slaying Investigators Left Public In Dark" (Metro, Nov. 6):

The public relies on the media to get the truth out in stories like this. As I followed the coverage of this case throughout the weekend, the Tribune gave the information about a missing couple who may have planned to move, but something happened.

Arguments can be made that the investigation could have been compromised, a killer was at large or the boyfriend may also be a victim. Those are excuses. Lying is always a choice.

Investigators could have said that there are developments that should not be divulged. They could have been purposely vague with any updates. They could have even deflected questions with the promise of an update the following day.

In the end, to lie means that the relationship is compromised. Every future interaction must go through the filter of, "Is this the truth?" If there is a community that should be in the truth business, it should be our law enforcement community.

STEPHEN FENSKE

Seffner

No Need To Know

Regarding Keith Morelli's article criticizing the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for withholding investigative details from the press ("The sheriff's office did not explain how secrecy might have aided their investigation in either circumstance"), perhaps Morelli could say why he felt the need to release information that the public has no immediate right to know if the authorities feel it will benefit their investigation. No immediate justification is required.

There are times when the press needs to just let law enforcement do their jobs. In fact, if Trevor McGinty thought he was just going to be interviewed (and not arrested), he might not do something drastic, such as taking his own or other's life, or other criminal acts. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the tactic did not work this time, but it could have.

Law enforcement is difficult enough without the press publicizing every detail of an ongoing investigation or revealing facts that could deter the best conclusion to a crime.

ED FLECK

Tampa

Worthy Of Coverage

I'm appalled at the apparent lack of interest in the historical homeless feeding that took place last Saturday at Tampa and Fortune streets in downtown Tampa. Besides one TV spot by Warren Ely of Channel 13, absolutely no other news outlet found it "newsworthy" to even rate a small mention either on air or in print.

What happened was this: Five ministries - from Pentecostal to Baptist to Catholic - got together to feed nearly 300 homeless and, in addition, got the full cooperation of Hillsborough County to provide legal advice from the public defender's office and health services via the Mobile Health Center from the Health Services Department. For once, combined private and public sources worked together to not just feed the homeless, but give them avenues to get off the streets. What happened to the press?

We don't need to see Tampa's homeless as a subhuman urban blight, but as legitimate members of our society that need a little help.

TOM ATCHISON

Tampa

Let's Start Walking

For every hour of vigorous exercise like brisk walking, you gain two hours of life expectancy. To help get Tampa Bay residents walking, the American Heart Association is proud to host the 2007 Tampa Bay Start! Heart Walk.

Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity and is the simplest positive change individuals can make to effectively improve their heart health. Research shows the benefits of walking for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week can help you reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, improve your blood pressure and maintain your body weight.

A healthy lifestyle and diet will help you build a longer life free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It's not as hard as you may think. It is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts. Simple choices, like walking, can have long-term benefits to your health and your heart.

Start walking today, and be sure to join us for the Tampa Bay Start! Heart Walk on Nov. 10 at 8 a.m. at Raymond James Stadium.

BRETT COUCH

Tampa

Drinking From The Bottle

Regarding "Flow & Behold" (4You, Nov. 3):

The criticism of the bottled-water industry in the 4You section is unjust. The article never once mentioned the percentage of other beverage containers and you are just as likely to find soda, beer or juice bottles in the landfills. The article didn't mention that water bottles represent less than 1 percent of the municipal solid waste that ends up in landfills. Bottled water is only one beverage among hundreds that come in plastic containers.

What about the health benefits of water? Every day there are articles about the U.S. obesity epidemic. For adults and children, water is a great alternative to soda and juices. In our daily diet, 70 percent of calories come from beverages. Drinking more water would slim down waistlines.

Have you had some of the tap water in this area? It is highly chlorinated and taste likes metal. I'd much rather have the bottled water. I also recycle by bottles. We should encourage people to recycle all plastic or aluminum containers instead of vilifying one industry.

SUE PERRIGO

Brooksville

The writer is a retired police officer. The writer is chair of Tampa Bay Start! Heart Walk.

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