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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 9, 2007

Don't Sweep Under Rug

Regarding "Hogan Defense Faults Seat Belt" (front page, Nov. 8):

The city of Clearwater and all the people of Florida should stand up and encourage your court system to prosecute Nick Bollea to the full extent of the law. Don't let his father's name and money let him get away with taking a life of one of our country's great Marines. John Graziano deserves more then that.

Bollea wants to drive on your street carelessly and put the blame on a young man that can't defend, much less even take care of himself. It is absolutely disgusting for Bollea to say it was Graziano's fault for not wearing his seat belt.

Bollea is a disrespectful, spoiled brat who needs to be punished for his actions. Don't let the legal system sweep this one under the rug. Stand up and do what is right.

KEVIN I. DODGE

Albany, Ore.

It's Driver's Responsibility

The Bollea family's attorney's take on the incident is that the passenger, John Graziano, was not wearing a seat belt and could have reduced the severity of his injury.

True as that may be, let's momentarily set aside Nick Bollea's driving record - the one with many serious infractions for speeding and street racing - and also the license plate on his vehicle "COEHSP," which we read in a prior article stands for "Capable Of Eluding High Speed Pursuit." The facts remain that he was driving recklessly at a speed 20 miles per hour above the posted limit and was involved in a street race. By Florida law, the driver is at fault if passengers do not abide by the seat belt law.

I am saddened by what seems to be another example of how inexperience, carelessness and overly indulgent parents enable and perpetuate the lack of accountability in our younger drivers.

R. GLEN COLEMAN

Tampa

Inform Your Passengers

Apparently I have the misconception that, as the driver of a vehicle, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety of a passenger by insisting that a seat belt be worn at all times.

The Nick Bollea case informs me this is not a Florida law.

I make it a habit to kindly inform passengers that my first requirement is to securely fasten the seatbelt. On subsequent rides, I clear my throat and advise the person that I'm waiting. If the message is not clear, I glance at the person's waist and make a nod toward the unused seatbelt. I wait until the duty is done.

If I fail to take notice prior to a road trip, I inform the passenger that, unless they immediately follow my instruction, I will pull over to a side street and stop the vehicle. I feel it is my obligation to ensure that the person's life is not in undue danger.

I want no regrets or guilt trips to follow me through life. Like it or not, buckle up or find another ride.

RON RAE

Spring Hill

Get Off Family's Back

Please get off the Bollea family. In reading your paper regarding the events leading up to and including the accident and subsequent investigation, your reporters have done nothing but bad rap the entire family. I'm sure that the legal system will hand out the appropriate punishment for what has happened based on the facts.

I am not condoning what happened in any way, shape, or form. However, I do take exception to the fact that over two months after the accident, you are still giving front-page coverage, apparently because in your mind it sells newspapers.

The Bollea family is no different than any of us when it comes to such a tragic occurrence. Because Hulk is a celebrity doesn't make this family any different. They are indeed suffering the consequences of this accident as well as the family of the injured party.

Remember that we have all made mistakes during the course of growing up. Many of us were lucky and didn't get in major trouble. We are all human, and I would hope that people can try and understand this

KEN DE GRAAF

Valrico

A Clean-Cut Star

Regarding "Hannah Montana Look-Alikes Sing For Idol's Elusive Tickets" (front page, Nov. 3):

I was very pleased to see that there was a feature about the Hannah Montana concert tickets and the influence the pop singer has on today's young girls.

I have a 10-year-old sister who is borderline obsessed with the teenage celebrity, and my parents have no problem with it. I agree with parents who actually encourage their children to listen to Hannah's music. They are right, she is clean-cut, mature and actually funny without being vulgar. Her music is fun and provides a positive attitude to the young fans. Because of the much-needed influence on young girls today, I believe the public should know more about the show.

Some parents may not realize that there is an age-appropriate show for their children that is modern and hip and can be enjoyed by kids and teens of most ages without the need for constant monitoring.

AMBER WILSON

Land O' Lakes

Brokers Hurting Children

Do you know what ticket brokers have done to children? They snatched up most of the Hannah Montana tickets and are selling them for up to $2,000 instead of the normal price of $63. Why would anyone want to take away a child's dream of seeing Hannah Montana?

It's a shame to think about adults taking away children's dreams. Just think about all of those children who can't go to the concert because of these greedy people. I am one of those children. I really don't understand why anyone would do this, especially when it affects children in such a negative way.

If there is a solution to this problem, it would be to not buy tickets from the brokers. Then maybe they will be stuck with all those unsold tickets and start selling them for the normal price. If we could do this, we could all buy Hannah Montana tickets for the fair price of $63 and follow our dreams.

MORGAN LYNCH

Tampa

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