TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Letters To The Editor

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 6, 2008

Tickets Not About Justice

Regarding "More Tickets Likely In I-4 Pileup" (Metro, Feb. 3):

As tragic as the Jan. 9 Interstate 4 pileup was, and as much as those who received tickets feel it quite an injustice, they'll soon learn that the legal system is not based on justice. They can fight the tickets out of principle, claiming they were victims of the fog and smoke.

The outcome is that after spending thousands of dollars in legal fees, time in depositions and court, and having to relive the frightful scenario over and over, odds are that they will have to pay the fine and will receive the points.

What they should do is put it behind them, take the DMV Basic Driver improvement course online which might reduce their fine and get rid of the four points against their license.

It might not eliminate an increase in insurance rates since it resulted in an accident, but to get tied up in a legal hassle that could go on for years and cost thousands is probably not worth it.

DAVID LUBIN

Tampa

A Low Blow To Victims

I can't believe that the Florida Highway Patrol issued tickets to those drivers involved in the I-4 fog pileup.

I know their main job is to hide behind something and come running out after folks going 6 mph over the posted speed limit, but this action is a low blow to those poor people caught in this tragedy.

GROVER PACE

Plant City

Shame On The Media

Regarding "Arrest At McDonald's Justified, Police Say" (Metro, Feb. 5):

Shame on Jean Merola, "Good Morning America," "The Today Show" and the whole "grab the headlines" media for tarnishing the good name of a veteran police officer, Matthew Parco, who has given area citizens years of good service.

I had a problem from the start believing a veteran officer would jeopardize a career to harass a 75-year-old woman. When time was taken to examine the facts, he didn't. Whatever Merola was paid to appear on morning shows, if anything, should be given to Parco.

Officer Parco, please accept an indebted apology from me and area citizens because you will never get one from the national media. I'd be honored to pay for his next McDonald's purchase, salt or no salt.

JOHN BRUGGEMAN

Riverview

Just Like Barney Fife

One can only imagine the sheer terror that Clearwater police officer Matthew Parco must have experienced when a 75-year-old grandmother clenched her fists and called him a brat.

He had to have mustered all his courage to keep from Tasing her; but having graduated magna cum "lousy" from the Barney Fife school of law en"farce"ment, he handled the situation just like Barney would have.

I'm (not too) sure everyone sleeps better in Clearwater with him looking after things.

DAVE SHELDON

Brandon

Got What She Deserved

Congratulations! As a 75-year-old Floridian, you are entitled to senior discounts all over town, a seat at a crowded event and to be treated with respect.

You are not entitled to behave like a spoiled brat or to treat law enforcement personnel with disdain and contempt.

Please do not believe that the misguided apology from the mayor of Clearwater absolves you for your outrageous behavior. The rest of us know that your arrest for disorderly conduct was exactly what you deserved.

LOLA WALTER

Brandon

Go After Real Criminals

Rude? You can be arrested for being rude? It's about time!

Please tell Patrolman Parco I have a list of rude people to arrest. Of course, they aren't all 75 years old and such a danger to society, but they are rude nevertheless. Since internal affairs say it's OK, why I say, go for it. Of course, they are just being rude to mere mortals, not a highly trained police officer, so I guess that doesn't make it worthy of an arrest.

I have one thing to say to the patrolman - get over it. Go arrest a drug dealer selling to an elementary kid and quit being so sanctimonious. Don't know why I am so surprised.

BRENDA WISEMAN

Sun City Center

Restaurant At Fault

A 75-year-old grandma blocks police officer in McDonald's lot for 20 minutes? She was asked to wait because she ordered fries without salt?

What happened to the fries? All this could have been easily avoided if the manager had gotten her the fries in a timely fashion and sent her on her way. Twenty minutes? Come on.

FRED HOLMES

Lake Placid

Most Grateful To Officers

On Jan. 15, my wife passed away as a result of being struck by an automobile on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. Det. David Rochelle and other officers of the Tampa Police Department investigated the accident.

The officers were most professional in the manner they performed their responsibilities. I am most grateful for the manner they informed me of my wife's passing and the comfort they provided.

We can all be very proud of our law enforcement personnel.

DICK RAY

Tampa

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT