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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 13, 2007

Please Help Victims

Regarding your article 'Boarding Home Records Lead To Grandmother' (Nation/World, Oct. 7) and the 'financial maneuvering' going on, you might want to send a photographer to the grandmother's 'castle' and see the two new 'turrets' being built.

These people may 'have very little formal education,' but I don't believe they are mowing lawns, picking up empty cans and shopping at thrift stores to pay for all these properties. I thought I knew how to manage money, but obviously I don't!

The sad part of this story is the elderly people Daphne Jones supposedly wants to help are the ones suffering to provide all of these worldly possessions for her.

Z. T. CHASTAIN

Tampa

No Way To Treat Elders

What a sad commentary on today's society that we can now describe nursing homes as an industry.

The never-ending stream of revelations by the Tribune of one after another actions of neglect and abuse by those entrusted to care for our elders is revolting and disgusting. These vulnerable individuals are parents and grandparents who have served their nation well, raised the present generation and endured the Depression, wars and other depravations, only to spend their final days being preyed upon by these vultures with no conscience. Yes, industry it is, and it exacts the last breath of life from the defenseless.

Wall Street now finds another source of dollars for their greedy quest for more and more and more. Only when our civilized society will stand and shout, 'No more, no more!' will we be able to convince our lobbyist-controlled politicians it is morally and ethically wrong - if not criminal - to treat our elders in this manner.

Many nations treat their elders with high regard and great respect. In America, and in the eyes of Wall Street, they are but another source of dollars to be gleaned in the textbook fashion of another fast buck without scruples. Do not hold your breath for the Agency for Health Care Administration's action. We still recall the Palmetto ALF owner who avoided prosecution. And we still await action regarding the 'West Tampa Boarding House of Horrors' run by Daphne Jones.

The Golden Years? Sorry folks, there are too many charlatans out to take all the gold from those years of our deserving elders.

AUSTIN R. CURRY

Tampa

The writer is executive director of Elder Care Advocacy of Florida.

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