TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Letters To The Editor

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 18, 2008

Affair Not Newsworthy

It is disappointing to learn that John Edwards once had an affair, but I'm not sure it's newsworthy. Edwards has not held public office in years and is no longer even a candidate for anything. Try telling that to the reactionary parrots over at Fox News and other right-wing pundits who are giddy with excitement over what should be a personal matter.

You can tell that media's salacious sex stories have finally come around to a Democrat because there is actually a female involved. Edwards' 2006 indiscretion puts him on a par with Republicans like David Vitter, Rudy Giuliani, Newt Gingrich, Henry Hyde and too many others to name.

And to anyone who believes that George W. Bush went all those years of alcohol and drug abuse and never strayed from his wife, I have a bridge I'd like to sell you.

SCOTT COCHRAN

Tampa

Baby Needs Her Father

The psychology of infant development is a ticking clock and cannot be reset or fixed with money. That little baby is being deprived of open and unconditional love from her father. She will grow up and in a few short years she will be back at a Beverly Hills hotel, jumping off the diving board for the first time.

Where does John Edwards want to be - watching her from behind the windows of a luxury suite, or in the water, encouraging and catching her? No matter what the mother wants, and no matter what the press says, the right thing to do is to tell that baby girl that he loves her.

WILLIAM DUDNEY

Tampa

Preserve Social Security

On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. After 73 years of providing protection for retirees, the disabled, surviving spouses and the children of deceased parents, it is called a "disgrace" by Sen. John McCain.

Social Security offers peace of mind to both retirees and today's workers. It provides inflation-proof income for life and is the sole source of income for 22 percent of all retirees. Without Social Security, 40 percent of seniors would fall below the poverty line.

Privatization is not the fix needed for Social Security. Can you imagine where our Social Security money would be now if it had been invested in the stock market?

I was in the so-called donut hole by the end of April, and my medication is now approximately $1,000 per month. With the high cost of fuel, groceries and health care, the Social Security check is a lifesaver. Doing without it would be a financial disaster for my family and many others around the country.

Social Security is not a disgrace, does not need to be privatized and needs to be around for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

BOB MEEKS

Brandon

More Research Needed

Regarding "Pancreatic Cancer A Research Orphan" (Other Views, Aug. 11)

The article brought home to me one of the frustrating aspects of my recent pancreatic cancer. There was a dearth of information of what caused my metastasized neuroendocrine tumor in the head of my pancreas. When I asked the medical staff what was the likely cause of my cancer, no one could tell me how it developed or what to do to keep it from redeveloping. This is, perhaps, the most telling result of the lack of pancreatic cancer research funding.

Two years after my surgery by Dr. Richard Karl and the fine staff of Moffitt Cancer Center and Tampa General Hospital, I am still alive and feel fine. While eating better and getting more exercise is undoubtedly better for me, is it preventing the reoccurrence of my pancreatic cancer? I can't say, but I suspect more research into this terrible disease would illuminate its causes and offer more preventative measures.

Until these questions are answered, I will not know what to expect and will live with the "long shadow" of pancreatic cancer.

MICHAEL GUJU

Palm Harbor

Nickerson Rebuttal

Regarding "New Term For Pasco's Schrader And Other Commission Members" (Our Opinion, Aug. 11):

Of course you are going to give your candidate of choice the accolades, but please get the rest right. Yes, Ann Hildebrand has done a lot for Pasco County, but allowing overbuilding and no thought for current or future infrastructure, to go along with it, is not in the best interest of the people.

I take offense to your referring to me as just a truck driver (nothing wrong with truck drivers), but that was a short-term profession many years ago. That took me to the position of purchasing agent and repair shop foreman of a major trucking company. You did not bother to speak of my diversified background which can bring much insight into the position of commissioner.

I pride myself in honesty, integrity and using common sense to look at all aspects of a problem before coming to an informed decision which will be beneficial for all. I have a lifelong commitment to being an advocate for the little guy. I have been on the boards of many civic and other organizations, all without compensation. Space does not allow me to go into depth on the issues, but believe me when I say: If elected I will continue to be an advocate for the people.

WIL NICKERSON

Holiday

The writer is a psychiatrist. The writer is a candidate for the Pasco County Commission, District 3.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT