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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 29, 2008

Homeless In Library

Recently I decided to go to the downtown branch of the Hillsborough County Public Library. To my surprise I found it has become a homeless shelter. Nearly everyone in the library had the typical homeless backpacks. The majority of these people were occupying the library's computers. Walking around I found that these individuals were not on job search sites but were watching movies, playing games and viewing other meaningless sites. Is this Tampa's way of dealing with the homeless problem, to keep them entertained at taxpayer expense?

JEFF ALLEN

Tampa

Connecting With Past

Thank you for publishing Steve Turner's excellent front-page story on Corky Kelly. That story alone was well worth my 50 cents.

It is gratifying to see that the Tribune still values stories that connect the community to its past. Tampa and the Tribune have a rich history that is intertwined and provides context for today's news. This kind of article was a regular staple when now-retired columnist Leland Hawes worked at the paper. It's great to see that Turner is carrying on that legacy.

RICK BRUNSON

Orlando

Professor Is No Martyr

It is distressing to read local media coverage which seems concerned with the travails of former USF computer professor Sami Al-Arian. It is a fact, as the government proved, that he was the chief money launderer for the Holy Land Foundation in Richardson, Texas, which raised money for Islamic terrorist groups.

Al-Arian has been an expert at manipulating our system since his arrival from Kuwait. He established himself as a champion of questionable Arab causes. Unfortunately, many of these causes have links to terrorist groups which are a threat to our United States.

Our government has carefully convicted him of criminal contempt. Yet for some reason the media portrays him as a martyr.

Sami Al-Arian is not a martyr. He calls for jihad against our United States and deserves our contempt, not our sympathy.

NORMAN N. GROSS

Palm Harbor

Higher Gas Taxes Help

Since our federal and state tax revenues are below normal levels and all indications are that the price of oil will remain low for at least a few months, would it not make sense to temporarily increase the federal and state gas taxes such that we would pay an average of $2 for a gallon of gas?

In addition to helping our federal and state budgets, this action would artificially keep the price of gas a little higher to ensure we continue to conserve energy and research alternative sources. Should that magic number be $2.50, $3? After all, the cost of a gallon of gas in Europe is in excess of $5.

CLAUDE FORTIN

Valrico

High Gas Taxes Hurt

Ian Gordon (Dec. 20) suggests we raise the tax on our gasoline to help stave off a depression as they have done in Scotland where half of the $7-per-gallon cost is for taxes. Yet, he says, Scotland is going into a depression, too. That should be proof positive that taxing doesn't prevent an economic depression.

Perhaps if the government of Scotland would remove all that tax, the people of Scotland could spend that extra $3.50 on other consumer goods manufactured by people who are working and earning a salary. That would reduce unemployment and put more money into the economy instead of into the government coffers.

But, the government wouldn't need it anyway, because more people would be employed, and fewer would be drawing unemployment and other free services from the government.

ALFRED J. D'AMARIO

Hudson

The Value Of A Purebred

People who have expressed disappointment at VP-elect Joe Biden's choice of a purebred German shepherd as opposed to a rescue from a shelter don't speak for pet lovers everywhere.

I have bred quality purebred dogs for over 25 years. While I frequently encourage people to consider a shelter rescue, they are not for everyone. The breed is often questionable, and many come from bad situations, leaving them emotionally scarred. Many cannot work with an emotionally damaged animal or do not want to risk a dog of unknown parentage.

I too support dogs and cats being rescued from shelters, to the right family, but I also support my right to breed quality purebred dogs, as well as the right of those that wish to purchase them.

DEBBIE VAUGHT

Dover

JOIN DISCUSSION

The Tribune welcomes letters and e-mails from readers. The text should be original and no longer than 150 words. By making a submission, you agree the Tribune may edit the letter for length and clarity, and publish it in any medium.

Please include your name, address and daytime phone number. Mail to: P.O. Box 191, Tampa, FL 33601-0191. Or e-mail without attachments: tribletters@tampatrib.com.

Also, read and participate in the Tribune editorial board's blog, "Thinking Out Loud," at www.tboblogs.com/index.php/thinkoutloud/categories....

The writer is president of PRIMER (Promoting Responsibility In Middle East Reporting).

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